newbiewoodworker

Hi Guys,

I'm trying to refinishing a small table I purchased from a yard sale.
I see there are very minor scratches across the wood grain..almost as if a wife brush was run across the grain. Maybe from a previous staining, etc. Anyways.

What would be the easiest way to get rid of these scratches? I don't need the table super nice, just want to get rid of the obvious scratches that are obvious through the stain. I've removed the stain with stain remover and I see these small, tiny lines that aren't deep at all.

I tried wood putty but I think it'll make the table look nasty when I restain.

Here is what I plan on doing but I wanted to get your opinions:

1. Sand with the grain using 220 grit.
2. Finish up with 400 grit.

LIke I said, I don't need the table perfect, I just want to get rid of the visible lines. Is my process worthy?

BHOFM

What kind of wood?
What finish are you planning?

A good sanding with the grain should
do the trick.

Sanding the wood with 400 is pretty much
a waste of time, unless it is walnut or maple.
400 is mainly for those using lacquer finishes.

Because of the grain structure of oak, it showes
cross grain sanding marks the most. Just as I said,
a good sanding with the grain should solve the
problem.

To check your work, a wipe with a damp cloth
should show how your work is progressing.

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mwhafner

Do you know what the existing finish is?

newbiewoodworker

It appears to be oak from what I can tell. What grit should I use then to eliminate the scratches? I was thinking changing the first step from 220 to maybe 120 or 150 then using 220 to finish it off. What do you guys think?

There is no finish on the piece anymore.

meetre

start with a 100 to 150 range then move up to the 200's. Like stated before, much past that is for clear-coats.