How to paint a finished birch coffee table? I want to refinish to a darker color.

Question

Hi. We have a great sized coffee table, that is of a quality birch color with a shiny finish. We think that it would be cheaper to refinish it (either via black-mocha colored paint or a dark stain). This is a first time project for me. What do I need to BUY to complete this project? To my understanding, I need to somehow remove the shiny finish... Also, are there different kinds of stains? How do I know which to pick? Thanks!!

Answer 1

You have to totally strip it with a stripper to restain it..if you were painting you could simply degloss the exisiting surface prime it and paint it.. But if you want to RESTAIN..stain is a penetrative product and not a "on the surface" product like paints..stain must penetrate the wood grain in order to properly give you the stained effect..so you must totally strip the table and bring the old stain and salers out of the wood in order for a new stain to work...

Answer 2

It is true that to restain you'd have to remove the current finish but there is a product by Minwax called "Polyshades" which is designed to be used on previously stained wood to either refresh the finish or to make it a darker color. It is a stain and urethane in one and comes in a satin or gloss finish. It is an excellent product for your application because it will preserve the wood grain while giving you the darker color you want. Painting it will be problematic because I am assuming that the table will be the host for resting feet and wet drinks. Simply scuff lightly with 180 grit sandpaper. You don't have to remove the finish, just rough it up lightly to create tooth. Dust well, use a tack cloth too to remove remaining dust. Then using a good brush, apply two thin coats. Do not over brush, urethanes don't like to be overbrushed and this product sets up quickly so brush on, backbrush and then re-charge your brush for the next pass. Practice first on a piece of scrap. When you are done though, you will have a durable and beautiful new table...use the satin finish!

Best,

Rodd

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