How do I refinish clear coat on a wood table?

Question

The table now has clear coat but it's all scratched up. Do I strip the clear coat off and re-apply? Or do I just add more.

Answer 1

Depending on the finish originally used and the extent of the scratches you may need to sand it down and reapply a new finish. You may also need to get it down to the original wood and then re stain it and then finish it. If you are new at this you may need to take it to a re-finisher to do the job right, there are too many variables that I would have to see first before I could give you an accurate answer.

Answer 2

You sand it down till you see no scratches.  I suggest using a fine sand paper for this.  If it's deep scratches, use a rougher sand paper.

Add another coat of whatever is on the table.  Sand it with fine paper...... repeat until it's smooth and has a shine.

Make sure you aren't doing this over carpet!

Answer 3

It depends on the clear coat. If it is lacquer, you should be able to rub it down with lacquer thinner and reapply. If it is polyurethane, I would lightly sand the area, and reapply. Ultimately, it is nearly impossible to remove a clear top coat without completely removing the finish. I would try and patch it first, and then very lightly sand the entire surface with 800, 1000, then 2000 grit sand paper.

PS, don't use a belt sander to strip furniture. Belt sanders are really powerful, and will strip off too much material. Use a palm or random orbital sander to strip non-lead based finishes.

Answer 4

To get the best coat, you should strip it first. Get a good belt sander!

Answer 5

You are first going to have to strip or sand the clear coat off then put another one on Good Luck  

Answer 6

I would sand or strip and reapply. The scratches may show even if you cover it with another coat.

Answer 7

      Your not going to be able to do anything with this. I do this all the time, the best way is to strip it all off, using "Zip Strip" from  Ace Hardware.

        

Answer 8

do what MP says   except feel free to use a larger grit sand paper 220  3m pad ,or steel wool is usually sufficiaent for furniture  all those other grits or for autobody