Hello everyone. New poster here. I've recently gotten into woodworking, mostly just refinishing items in the last several months. Inherited some items (that nobody wanted) from family that has passed on. An antique upright chest that somebody identified as Chinese Kitchen Cabinet from my late aunt. Dropped at least a hundred hours into sanding it down completely, using wood fill to patch up some of the rough patches, and then tung oil to finish it. It turned out okay, but it was in such bad shape to begin with, that it is a major improvement. Still....that piece needs a lot more than what I put into it in order to really restore it. Maybe someday.
Anyways....I also received a set of end tables (two ends and a square table) from my late grandmother. Probably dating back to the 60's according to my father. Really love the style of these, and considering how old they are, they're in pretty good condition. But since I am mostly finished for now with my previous project, and because these do have quite a few blemishes from years and years and years of use, I have decided to refinish these as well.
Now this is all pretty new to me, so any tips while I'm still early on in the process would be appreciated. I've also got a couple of questions as well.
So....I've already dismantled all three pieces. But I set the pieces back together for one of the ends so you have an idea of what I'm working with:
![]()
![]()
I'd like to consider myself fairly resourceful. Most of what I learn about this stuff is read online and then put into action in a hands on approach. I started with the square table due to simplicity. Approximately three inches taller than the main surface of the end table. No second deck.
Top, bottom, inside and out....completely hand sanded beginning with a 100 grit sandpaper to remove everything and get it down to the bare wood. Next....another go over with 400 to smooth it out. After using a wood soap to clean up all the surfaces, I moved onto the stain. Basically I picked one out without really thinking too much about it. Golden mahogany. Three coats allowing for drying time in between. After that, a Minwax clear satin polyurethane to finish it up. I bought both a quart of the oil-based stuff....as well as canister of the diluted wipe-on kind. I figured for the bones, the wipe-on would be easier to apply and less messy. The coat might not be as durable, but it shouldn't see as much wear either.
I think the results here were pretty nice. I'm happy. Un-refinished end on the left...completed on the right:
![]()
So here's where I'm at now. The table top portion has now had three coats (with light sanding in between) of the oil-based poly. The finish is not turning out as smooth as I would hope. Anyone have any ideas here? I am wondering if now that I have a few protective coats on, could it be worth sanding it down lightly, and instead of another coat of the oil based poly, maybe trying the wipe-on as it is lighter? Just a thought. Would a really fine steel wool be able to smooth out the finish without clouding it up possibly?
The other thing that I could use some guidance on is the cane weave. The color I chose to stain with isn't entirely different, but it is obviously more red than the original yellowish golden (mustard?) color (which could have gotten that way due to age). I'm resigned to the idea that there isn't much I can do here. Honestly....I'm not sure if it would look really noticable if I left it as is. But what I've read thus far is that the glossy top side won't absorb the stain...however...if left on the back side...it might absorb that way. Unless someone has any strong feelings one way, I probably won't attempt it. Because I've also read that stain can leave the cane dried and brittle. And I'd rather it be a little worn and slightly off color than in physical and functional disrepair. For how old these are, there are no rips or snaps to be found in any of the cane.
Picture of the yet untouched bottom for the square table below:
![]()
I still need to sand, stain, and finish the border of this. Bound to be a little trickier than the first two pieces. Assuming that the cane is to be untouched....I'll have to be careful to avoid the spline as well.
Anywho. That's what I've got. Again....any tips or ideas are welcome and appreciated. Thanks!
Anyways....I also received a set of end tables (two ends and a square table) from my late grandmother. Probably dating back to the 60's according to my father. Really love the style of these, and considering how old they are, they're in pretty good condition. But since I am mostly finished for now with my previous project, and because these do have quite a few blemishes from years and years and years of use, I have decided to refinish these as well.
Now this is all pretty new to me, so any tips while I'm still early on in the process would be appreciated. I've also got a couple of questions as well.
So....I've already dismantled all three pieces. But I set the pieces back together for one of the ends so you have an idea of what I'm working with:
I'd like to consider myself fairly resourceful. Most of what I learn about this stuff is read online and then put into action in a hands on approach. I started with the square table due to simplicity. Approximately three inches taller than the main surface of the end table. No second deck.
Top, bottom, inside and out....completely hand sanded beginning with a 100 grit sandpaper to remove everything and get it down to the bare wood. Next....another go over with 400 to smooth it out. After using a wood soap to clean up all the surfaces, I moved onto the stain. Basically I picked one out without really thinking too much about it. Golden mahogany. Three coats allowing for drying time in between. After that, a Minwax clear satin polyurethane to finish it up. I bought both a quart of the oil-based stuff....as well as canister of the diluted wipe-on kind. I figured for the bones, the wipe-on would be easier to apply and less messy. The coat might not be as durable, but it shouldn't see as much wear either.
I think the results here were pretty nice. I'm happy. Un-refinished end on the left...completed on the right:
So here's where I'm at now. The table top portion has now had three coats (with light sanding in between) of the oil-based poly. The finish is not turning out as smooth as I would hope. Anyone have any ideas here? I am wondering if now that I have a few protective coats on, could it be worth sanding it down lightly, and instead of another coat of the oil based poly, maybe trying the wipe-on as it is lighter? Just a thought. Would a really fine steel wool be able to smooth out the finish without clouding it up possibly?
The other thing that I could use some guidance on is the cane weave. The color I chose to stain with isn't entirely different, but it is obviously more red than the original yellowish golden (mustard?) color (which could have gotten that way due to age). I'm resigned to the idea that there isn't much I can do here. Honestly....I'm not sure if it would look really noticable if I left it as is. But what I've read thus far is that the glossy top side won't absorb the stain...however...if left on the back side...it might absorb that way. Unless someone has any strong feelings one way, I probably won't attempt it. Because I've also read that stain can leave the cane dried and brittle. And I'd rather it be a little worn and slightly off color than in physical and functional disrepair. For how old these are, there are no rips or snaps to be found in any of the cane.
Picture of the yet untouched bottom for the square table below:
I still need to sand, stain, and finish the border of this. Bound to be a little trickier than the first two pieces. Assuming that the cane is to be untouched....I'll have to be careful to avoid the spline as well.
Anywho. That's what I've got. Again....any tips or ideas are welcome and appreciated. Thanks!
