How to Finish Wooden Tables

From rustic farmhouse to high gloss table tops

With tables being available in a wide range of sizes, shapes and styles, from farmhouse styles to very ornate dining tables, our project guide is designed to show which products are best suited for a range of tasks from preparation to finishing. Whether working on a new, unfinished table or perhaps restoring an old table, our product guide can help you find the right finish and faster.

Stage 1: Preparation Stage 2: Staining Stage 3: Top Coats Table top maintenance Optional Extras

Stage 1: Preparation

The foundation to table top perfection.

For great table top finishes, good preparation is essential. This preparation guide aims to provide a short list of products that could be used to help achieve that perfect table top finish be it kitchen farmhouse style or the look of fine dining.

Wax Remover Recommended
If refurbishing a previously waxed table, our wax oil remover could save or reduce on the time, effort and cost involved with sanding a table back to bare wood.

Brand: SWS

from £1.95

Stainable Wood Fillers Best Value
Table top surfaces and legs are often prone to dents and scratches, with our stainable wood fillers, damaged tables can be easily repaired. Once the damaged area has been filled and sanded smooth, the table can be re-waxed, stained or varnished, the final finish will blend the repair with the surrounding wood making the repair difficult to spot.

Brand: Bonda

only £4.29

Wood Filler Gel Best Quality
When mixed with the fine wood dust from a repair or renovation, wood filler gel can produce an almost invisible repair. Ideal for table tops and other furniture, once dried, the wood filler gel can be sanded to a smooth finish prior to the application of a stain, wax or oil.

Brand: Manns

from £16.59

Filler Knife
Perfect for repairing tables and other pieces of furniture, these tough but flexible filler knifes provide a good level of control when shaping and applying wood fillers.

Brand: Mako

only £1.77

Sandpaper Rolls
Aluminium oxide sandpaper is a hard wearing paper that continues to perform when others have worn out. Available in a range of grits as a pack or a roll, this sandpaper is ideal for achieving the high level of smoothness required on tables and other wooden surfaces.

Brand: Hermes

from £14.27

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Stage 2: Staining

A range of furniture stains for a range of styles.

Tables play a vital roll in the home and are often the centre piece in kitchens and dining areas. With an almost limitless number of stain options, any type of style or shade can be achieved.

Wood Stain
Ideal for the renovation of tables and other pieces of furniture, water based wood stain can be quickly and easily applied with a paint brush, foam sponge or spray gun system.

Brand: Manns

from £2.50

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Wax Stain Alternative Product
With a wax content that contributes to a final sheen, water based wood stains are a popular choice with people staining tables, floors and other wooden surfaces.

Brand: Ciranova

from £9.00

Wood Stain (Solvent Based) Alternative Product
Solvent stains can be mixed with a combination of compatible wood dyes to achieve almost any colour or shade. quick and easy to apply, this quick drying product is perfect for tables, floors and other wooden surfaces.

Brand: Manns

from £37.95

Stage 3: Top Coats

Table top beauty and durability.

Offering a high degree of durability, these top coats are perfect for tables and other wooden surfaces that require a high resistance to wear.

Hard Wax Oil Recommended
This strong hard wax oil is perfect for table tops and other wooden surfaces that require a high level of durability. Child and food safe, hard wax oil is perfect for wooden surfaces that come in to close contact with foods such as tables, chopping boards and fruit bowls. This product gives a gentle soft sheen and is very easy to repair should it get marked. (Simply sand the affected area and apply more oil).

Brand: Fiddes

from £3.50

Extra Tough Clear Varnish Alternative Product
Extra tough clear varnish is the most durable top coat and gives a smooth finish. Perfect for tables and other wooden surfaces, it is available in matt, satin and gloss finishes and can be easily wiped down with a damp cloth.

Brand: Manns

from £3.47

Table top maintenance

Tough finishes for easy cleaning.

Hard wax oils can be cleaned with a slightly damp cloth, varnished tables have a higher degree of water resistance and can be cleaned with a slightly wetter cloth, a little floor cleaner in some warm water can be used on stubborn marks. Care should be taken to ensure that wooden surfaces, finished or unfinished, are not soaked with water as this may penetrate into the wood causing damage to both the wood and finish.

Cloth Recommended
Ideal for buffing, polishing and cleaning, these highly versatile lint free cloths are perfect for the day to day maintenance and cleaning of tables, furniture and other wooden surfaces.

Brand: Manns

from £2.97

Aerosol Polish Optional
With a pleasing lavender odour, this is Ideal for sealed tables tops, furniture and other wooden surfaces with a varnish, lacquer or French polish finish, this aerosol polish is also compatible with most wood oil finishes. Very much like the spray polishes from the supermarket, this aerosol polish is of a superior quality and comes in a bigger tin. Perfect for the day to day cleaning and polishing of household furniture.

Brand: Ciranova

only £9.25

Optional Extras

Foam Sponges
Foam sponges are commonly used for applying stains and oils to table tops and furniture. Quick and easy to use, these versatile foam sponges are both inexpensive and effective.

Brand: Manns

from £0.49

HVLP Apollo Spray Mate
Ideal for coating large surface areas such as table tops and wooden floors, HVLP spray systems provide a quick and effective solution for applying wood oils, waxes and stains on a large scale.

Brand: Apollo

only £102.77