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Hello Experts
Seeking guidance on restoring an old coffee table. Its made of solid wood, and has lost its sheen over time with visible scratches. I am thinking of using fine sandpaper and then putting some varnish. Is there any other process/ material I can use to bring this to its former glory.
PS: My preference is matt/ wood finish and not glossy and hence wondering if varnish is the right product.
Hi @Maddy_S,
To achieve a matte wood finish, start by sanding the entire surface back to raw timber. Use coarse sandpaper, such as 120-180 grit, to remove the old finish and visible scratches, and then follow up with finer sandpaper, like 240 grit, to smooth the surface and prepare it for refinishing. Always sand along the wood grain to avoid leaving unwanted scratches.
If you wish to enhance or change the wood’s colour, apply a wood stain in your desired shade using a clean cloth or brush, wiping off any excess for an even finish. Once the stain is dry, seal the wood with a matte varnish such as Cabot's Cabothane Clear Matt. This will protect the wood while maintaining its natural, non-glossy appearance. Apply thin, even coats, and lightly sand between coats with fine-grit sandpaper (e.g., 400 grit) for a professional result.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
