- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Mark Topic as New
- Mark Topic as Read
- Float this Topic for Current User
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Printer Friendly Page
- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Highlight
- Report Inappropriate Content
How to restore an old Oak table?
We are restoring an old American oak table. It has been sanded back to bare wood. I would like to keep it a light colour - not the darker stain which it was before. What product is best to use? How about Cabots walnut stain with a satin finish? How about no stain and only Wattyl Estapol Speed Clear? The leaf in the middle is a different grain - maybe a different cut of the oak.
- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Highlight
- Report Inappropriate Content
Re: Restoring an old Oak Table
Sikkens 4L Natural Cetol BLX-Pro Timber Finish
$137.40
Buy the 1 litre version as you wont need 4 litre. lol
- Quick drying
- Ideal for decks and all exterior timber
- Long lasting weather and UV protection
- Beautiful transparent low satin finish
- Lower environmental impact and odour. Compared to a typical solvent-based equivalent
For a super glossy highly UV resistant outdoor nateral clear (no stain ) Finish
- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Highlight
- Report Inappropriate Content
Re: Restoring an old Oak Table
Hi Thanks for suggestion, but the table is for indoor use and I don't like super glossy.
- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Highlight
- Report Inappropriate Content
Re: Restoring an old Oak Table
Hello @katemckenzie95
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about restoring your oak table.
I propose having a look at the Cabot's 1L Satin Clear Benchtop Timber Finish. It's specifically designed for benchtops and tables, it's water-based and will therefore not turn yellow like oil-based sealers.
Timber being a natural product behaves in a certain way when it gets wet. I recommend testing the clear sealer on a small portion of the table and see if you like its finish when it dries off. If you like the finish, you can then commit the entire table.
Here is a handy step-by-step guide: How to restore wooden furniture.
If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.
Eric
- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Highlight
- Report Inappropriate Content
Re: Restoring an old Oak Table
Thank yo Eric,
I'll let you know how it goes.
Regards Kate
- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Highlight
- Report Inappropriate Content
Re: Restoring an old Oak Table
Hi Eric,
Is the Cabot Benchtop clear you recommend, a poylurethane product?
And is polyurethane desirable for my table?
Regards
Kate
- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Highlight
- Report Inappropriate Content
Re: Restoring an old Oak Table
Hello @katemckenzie95
I've double checked with Cabot's technical team, and it is classified as a clear varnish. Now because it is water-based it will not turn yellow unlike oil-based varnishes. It is a much more desirable coat rather than polyurethane that hardens and chips when exposed to sudden impacts.
As I mentioned earlier in my last post, it's always best to test it first, to see if you like the finish.
If you need further assistance, please let me know.
Eric
- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Highlight
- Report Inappropriate Content
Re: Restoring an old Oak Table
Thank you for your advice Eric,
Yes I will test a small area first - possibly underneath.
Regards Kate
- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Highlight
- Report Inappropriate Content
Re: Restoring an old Oak Table
Keep us updated @katemckenzie95, and reach out if you have further questions. We can't wait to see the finished project.
Mitchell
- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Highlight
- Report Inappropriate Content
Re: Restoring an old Oak Table
Help!
We put the Cabot's Benchtop Timber Finish on the underside of the leaf and it's dried white - see photos. We did stir it initially. It looked milky / white when we opened it and after the stirring.
Regards Kate

Why join the Bunnings Workshop community?
Workshop is a friendly place to learn, get ideas and find inspiration for your home improvement projects