How to refinish a coffee table using natural finishing products. First step - stripping

Bife-Sim 2024, Wood Hub hosted a practical demonstration on refurbishing an old coffee table using natural products. In a first step, Mihaela Radu from Revista din Lemn and Florin Mihalea, representative of Sirca Romania, presented step by step the process of stripping the old finish. Video at the end of the article.

Paint stripping is the process of removing old varnish, paint or other finishes from the wood surface. It is essential in the restoration and renovation of wooden objects, restoring the wood to its natural appearance or preparing it for a new finish. The process involves the application of a chemical agent called paint stripper, which dissolves and softens the existing varnish layer, facilitating its mechanical removal.

Materials needed:

Gel stripper (Borma Wachs from Sirca Romania)
Spatula
Steel wool
Abrasive paper (120-150 grit)

The pickling process:

Meal preparation
Before beginning the renovation process, the table was disassembled to ensure effective cleaning in all areas, including around the legs.
Beheading
- Apply a thick coat of gel paint stripper to the surface of the table.
- Leave on for about 10 minutes.
- Remove the swollen lacquer using a spatula.
- If necessary, repeat the process for areas where the lake has not completely broken up.
Cleaning
- After the varnish has been removed, the surface is cleaned with thinner to remove all traces of paint stripper and varnish.
- For difficult areas such as corners, use steel wool soaked in thinner.
Polishing
- If complete removal of the dye in the fiber is desired, sand the surface along the fiber with coarse sandpaper, 80 grit.
- Sand with 120-grit sandpaper, avoiding coarser grits that could damage the wood.
- To prepare the finishing table, continue with 150-grit sandpaper.

Expert advice:

Mihaela Radu stresses the importance of applying a thick coat of paint stripper to prevent rapid drying, especially in outdoor conditions.
For diluting natural products based on oils and waxes, use orange peel oil or turpentine balm.
Choosing hard floor waxes provides superior strength, ideal for a frequently used piece of furniture.

Follow our posts to see all the steps to refinishing your coffee table. This refurbishing method not only restores the original look of the table, but also uses natural products, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional wood finishing methods. By following these steps, DIY enthusiasts can give new life to old pieces of furniture.