How can I change the wood veneer of my dining room set?

Question

The table is extremely scratched up, and I don't care for the light color of it. How can I change the color, preferably w/ faux wood finish w/ wood grain visible? The style of the chairs are out-dated w/ a kind of mesh backing, would it be an easy task to change that, and how? The china cabinet and microwave table are in the same boat as the table, however I don't think I'll be able to work w/ any of it outside -- unless it would make the whole thing 10x's easier. Please help, I can't afford a new set, and don't think anyone would buy these peices. Thanks ahead of time!

Answer 1

Assuming that it is a solid wood set, you should be able to sand it down and refinish with a new stain. then coat it with a sealer(? cant remember what its called.). I suggest going down to your local hardware store and asking the guy in the stain section if that would work. but make sure its a solid wood.

Answer 2

Save your money and buy a new set.

Answer 3

Unless you are a talented "do it yourselfer", attempting to do a faux finish, or to even change the decorative veneer on a dining table, will cost you more that replacement will cost.  Both procedures are time consuming, material costly, and unless you've done this before, will most likely turn out to be a wasted effort.   Now, the simplest thing you can do to improve the looks of the pieces, is to use a "Finish Enhancer", one such product is "HOWARD RESTOR A FINISH", it is virtually an industrial grade Old English Furniture Polish.    What "HOWARD..." does, is by following the instructions, it goes on like a furniture polish, and when allowed to dry as directed, it "re-vitalizes" the appearance of the original finish.   It does not remove scratches, but rather deminishes their ugliness.    If your original finish is intact, then the "Howard Restor A Finish" will make the pieces look better.   It can be used on the Table and chairs, and even on your other wood furniture.   Now, if your original finish is chipped, scraped, or badly worn in areas, then a "refinisher" can be used.     A "refinisher", is a solvent like product, that liquifies the original finish into a slury, that once softened, and rubbed out or brushed out as directed by the product instructions, will dry to an improved appearance.    The product is fairly easy to use, follow the instructions, and provided you don't have any structural problems with the unit, you should get good results.   The process will remove "surface scratches" and other mars in the finish.   If the scratches are deep, into the wood surface, it may accentuate the scratch instead of hide it.   Should all of that fail to satisfy your expectations, then nothing short of haveing the pieces stripped, re-stained, and finished.    While, some DIY's are able to do such projects economically, it is time consuming, messy, odorsum, and some of the products can be of health and fire risk.   My suggestion, is to save yourself all of the problems that will occur, and just have a professional do the job for you.   If a professional does the job, then, if you're not satisfied with the outcome, you can reject what was done and have it re-done more to you expectations.   If you do the job, and it doesn't turn out right, then you have to re-do it.    Which process sounds easier?