I have stripped down a table to natural wood, sanded it, and then stained it. It looks dull what do I do?

Question

There is no shine and it looks horrible. I am trying to match this table with my new furniture. It was an old piece that was white and had gold trip.

Answer 1

it needs varnish. sand with a fine sandpaper lightly and varnish again.

Answer 2

you can go with the poly or varnish like everyone else is talking, nothing wrong with it but you can get drips and runs on the edges if your not careful - easy to overcome though.  Another technique is to mix equal parts of poly (whatever gloss), mineral spirits and boiled linseed oil.  Then, using a rag or sponge brush, wipe it into the table.  wipe off the excess.  Give it about 24 hrs to dry then do it again.  Repeat the process about 3-4 times.  Mineral spirits and boiled linseed oil can be bought at any paint section and it's pretty cheap.  Just another technique.

Answer 3

Varnish it.

Answer 4

Lighty sand. Then apply 2 coats polyurathane satin, gloss, or high gloss, depending on how much shine you want. Lightly sand between each coat. But only do this if you have the stained color right already. If its to light use more stain, if its to dark you can try to wash it down with mineral spirits to lighten it. If you cant get the color right this way, it will have to be resanded or stripped.

Answer 5

You could finish with a wax or put on a coat of lacquer or polyurethane.

Answer 6

Since you are doing yourself, use polyurethane. Its easier to work with then varnish or lacquer. Get a natural bristle brush and apply thin even coats, let dry and buff in between each coat. I recommend 3 coats for a hard durable finish.

Answer 7

Have you heard of french polishing? To do this you need batting. I use old flannel. Lay a long piece of batting on the center of a piece of linen. ( old hanky )Fold the ends of th lineninward and grasp them in the center of your palm. With all the outer edges gathered tgether, twist the ends of the linen to form a tail. This called a rubber. To charge the rubber , pour polish on the batting in the center. Refold the linen around the batting. The idea is to body up or fill the grain. First do long strokes following grain. Then do circles, after that do figure eights. Allow to harden 24 hours. When polish has hardened use fine wire wool in the direction of the grain. Using light strokesremove anyraised nibs f polish. Thenapply a coat of wax. Let sit a few days to allow it to harden. I have used this technique myself. I used my book Repairing and restoring to help me explain this.

Answer 8

Go down to the hardware store and buy yourself some polyurethane.  and  real good fine paint brush.  Coat over the stained wood, Let dry..  sand lightly, then coat again.  It will make your wood stand out and shine all the time.