How do I strip the finish off a wood table?

In My Humble Opinion (IMHO)
#1

(Mods, I wasn’t sure where to put this, so please move if necessary.)

Our kitchen table was handmade by my former stepdad. He finished it, stained it a nice cherry color, and then (we think) put a polyurethane finish on top of that. It’s several years later, and the finish is starting to wear off. The original wood is showing through in places.

I am thinking that the way to do this is to strip all of the finish off, and then restain it, and then re-polyurethane it? I don’t know much about this kind of thing and thought I would solicit advice. I would ask my stepdad, but you will note my use of the word “former” – he and my mom had a fairly acrimonious divorce a few years ago, and contacting him is not really an option. So, suggestions? Right now we’re just throwing a tablecloth over it but I’d like to get it back to looking pretty all on its own.

#2

Hm, I think the title actually should have been “How do I refinish a wood table?” Whoops.

#3

Is overall sanding the whole table an option? I think that’s the only way to get rid of a stain. Doesn’t that soak into the grain? Or did you just mean strip off the old poly?

#4

When you say the original wood is showing through do you mean that the stain has worn away? If so, I don’t see why you can’t just sand it down to the original wood and start over.

#5

Well, I think that’s what we’re going to do, yeah, but I’m not sure what “starting over” is going to involve. :slight_smile: Just, restaining it, or is there some kind of clear top finish that goes on after that, or…?

#6

It’s up to you. Generally a polyurethane top coat is added for protection.

A simple step by step method is explained here.

#7

Ah, thanks! Hm, perhaps I should have Googled…

#8

Just an anecdote, but I accidentally discovered once that Pine Sol will eat right through polyurethane.