Help Around the House host Henry Harrison shows a guest how to use fine-grit sandpaper to get rid of scratches on a wooden table (
figure A). He also shares tips for refinishing the table with a new coat of varnish. On his elbow grease scale of one to four, Harrison gives this job a three.
Tools:
towel
paint brush
320-grit sandpaper
steel wool
rubber gloves
safety glasses
varnish
mineral spirits
linseed oil
lacquer thinner
Steps:
1. Fold the sandpaper into thirds and dip in linseed oil. Lightly sand the scratched areas, making sure to sand in the direction of the wood grain (figure B).
2. For scratches that aren't quite so deep, use a piece of fine-grained steel wool to rub them out.
3. If the scratches require so much sanding that you get down to the bare wood, then you'll need to use the lacquer thinner to remove the finish across the surface of the table. Otherwise, you'll be stuck with light spots in places (figure C).
4. When working with thinners, make sure to work in a well-ventilated area and keep the air circulating. Wear heavy rubber gloves and eye protection just in case thinner is accidentally splashed.
5. Rub lacquer thinner into table using steel wool pads. Once the surface is uniform with no dark or light spots, wipe down the wood with a piece of steel wool saturated with mineral spirits or paint thinner (figure D). Again, make sure to work with the grain of the wood.
6. Wipe the dust off the table with a clean towel soaked in paint thinner.
7. Before applying varnish, mix it slowly with a paint stirrer. Do not shake the varnish, as this will create air bubbles and ruin the finish. Air bubbles are the enemy when it comes to applying varnish.
8. Use a natural bristle brush to apply the varnish. Dip the brush in the varnish but do not scrape the brush against the opening on the paint can as you might when painting. This will cause air bubbles to form in the brush and air bubbles are just plain evil when it comes to applying varnish.
9. Lightly spread the varnish in one direction only, working with the grain of the wood (figure E). Do not go back and forth with the brush as this creates air bubbles. Remember: Air bubbles + Varnish = Bad Results.
10. Allow varnish to dry then sand lightly with 320-grit sandpaper, sanding with the grain of the wood. Wipe dust off with a clean cloth and apply another coat of varnish. Repeat for a third or even a fourth coat.
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