Refinishing your coffee table can breathe new life into a well-loved piece of furniture, giving it a fresh and stylish look. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of refinishing your coffee table in 10 simple steps.

1. Gather your materials: Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools and supplies on hand. You will need sandpaper (both coarse and fine grits), wood filler, a paintbrush, wood stain or paint, clear sealant or polyurethane, a drop cloth, and protective gloves.

2. Prepare your workspace: Choose a well-ventilated area to work in, preferably outdoors or in a garage. Lay down a drop cloth to protect the floor and nearby surfaces from dust and spills.

3. Remove any hardware: If your coffee table has any handles, knobs, or other removable hardware, take these off before you begin refinishing.

4. Sand the surface: Start with coarse-grit sandpaper (around 60-80 grit) to remove the old finish and any rough spots. Once the table is stripped of its old finish, switch to finer grit sandpaper (150-220 grit) to smooth out the surface. Be sure to sand in the direction of the wood grain.

5. Clean up dust: After sanding, use a damp cloth or tack cloth to remove dust from the surface of the table. This will ensure that your stain or paint adheres properly.

6. Fill any holes or gaps: If there are any holes or cracks in the wood, fill them with wood filler according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once it’s dry, sand the filled areas until they’re flush with the rest of the surface.

7. Apply stain or paint: With your paintbrush, apply an even coat of wood stain or paint on the coffee table. Depending on the color you want and the type of stain or paint you’re using, you may need to apply multiple coats. Be sure to let each coat dry thoroughly before applying the next one.

8. Apply a sealant: Once your stain or paint has dried completely, it’s time to protect the finish with a clear sealant or polyurethane. Apply an even coat using your paintbrush, working in long strokes in the direction of the grain. Allow time for it to dry as specified by the manufacturer.

9. Lightly sand and apply additional coats: After the first coat of sealant is dry, lightly sand the table with fine-grit sandpaper (around 320-400 grit) to remove any imperfections. Wipe away any dust with a damp cloth, then apply a second coat of sealant. Repeat this process until you achieve your desired level of protection, usually around two to three coats.

10. Reattach hardware and admire your handiwork: Once your final coat of sealant has dried, reattach any hardware removed earlier. Now it’s time to sit back and enjoy your beautifully refinished coffee table!

By following these 10 steps, you can transform an old coffee table into something new and stylish without spending a fortune. Happy refinishing!