Brighten a yellowed pine table: how to sand and wax to a silky finish
A cream-toned wood wax gives a yellowed pine table a naturally light look. The oil wax on top boosts durability for everyday use—and leaves a silky smooth finish.
Refurbishing a pine table—supplies:
- a pine table
- wood wax
- oil wax, colorless
- a sander and sandpaper in grits 120, 180, and 240
- an old sheet and scissors
- furniture cleaner or dish detergent
- safety glasses, a respirator, hearing protection, and work gloves.
Note!
Natural oils that dry by oxidation carry a risk of spontaneous combustion! Do not leave oily rags indoors; instead, dispose of them by, for instance, burning them outdoors in a metal container far away from combustible structures. Finally, extinguish the charred remains with water.
Refurbishing a pine table—instructions:
1. Wash the table with a product that thoroughly removes dirt and grease. Wipe away the detergent with a damp, clean cloth. Place blocks under the legs to lift the table off the floor.
2. Protect yourself and start removing the old varnish by sanding. Begin with the coarsest paper, then use medium grit, and finish with the finest. Sand the underside of the tabletop as well. Hand-sand inner corners with folded paper.
3. Wipe away the sanding dust, then cut a bundle of cloths from the old sheet. Stir the wood wax thoroughly from the bottom of the can. Soak a cloth in the wax and rub the cream-colored wax generously onto the surface, one area at a time.
4. Take a clean cloth and wipe off any excess wax in the direction of the wood grain. Continue over the entire table: rub on the wax, then wipe off what remains. Let the thin layer of wax dry for 24 hours.
5. Dip a clean cloth into the oil wax and rub it along the wood grain, including underneath. Let it dry overnight. Check with a drop of water to see if the oil wax layer is sufficient. If the water soaks in, apply a second coat.
6. Let the table dry for about a week before placing anything on it. After that, the surface withstands wear, repels water, and resists staining from juice, coffee, and wine.
