How do I go about restaining an old coffee table?

I found this really neat coffee table, but its the wrong color and doesn't match any of my furniture. I wanted to stain it a dark cherry color, but I don't know how to even go about doing that? How do i get rid of the stain/gloss thats on there now?How do I go about restaining an old coffee table?
1st you are going to have to strip, then after you have enough dollar bills, take that to Lowe's %26amp; get some varnish stripper. Use that, sand it down, restain %26amp; add a coat of polyurethane. Lowes will have directions on how to do those thingsHow do I go about restaining an old coffee table?
I would suggest you go to the public library and get a book, they often come with a video
Purchase a ';stripper'; solution at the hardware store and follow the instructions on the can. The stripper saves loads of time getting the old stain off and from around leg joints.



After you have removed the stripper and the wood is thoroughly dry, you can sandpaper. Sand with about a 120 grit paper. After it feels smooth you can use a 00 steel wool.



Always use a slightly damp cloth to remove any grit and sanding residue from the wood.



Then get your stain and follow the directions on the can.
http://www.easy2diy.com/cm/easy/diy_ht_i鈥?/a>
If it is a light brown now a light sanding will do to add the new cherry stain.



If it is dark now then you'll need to sand it almost to no stain all over to add the new stain (very painful on the detail parts, legs etc.)
You're going to need to take off the old varnish and stain. The varnish is quite easy, just get a good paint remover and follow the instructions. As for the stain, well, it's just that, STAIN. It stained the wood when first applied, so it's down into the pores of the wood a bit. You're going to need a sander. I suggest a Random orbital (RO) sander. They work fast and leave a great finish. Just be careful, cause they can chew into the wood very easily. Never start an RO sander and then put it on the wood. Put it on the wood and then start it, and you'll be all set.



After you get the varnish off, begin with a 100 grit sandpaper and sand the whole thing. Sand a second time with a 150 or 220 grit sandpaper. When you're done sanding, wipe the whole table down with a tack cloth (available at the Depot, or Lowes) When all the dust is removed, stain the color you want.



If you're going to use the table, use varnish for the finish, not lacquer. Although lacquer is beautiful, it does not stand up to much use. Best if you apply 3 or 4 thin coats of varnish. DO NOT try to put one thick coat on, you'll be disappointed. Between each coat of varnish, let it dryovernight (24 hours) and then take some size 0000 steel wool and ';sand'; it.



I suggest you use a oil based varnish. Water based finishes just don't have the durability if you're going to use the piece.



IM or email me if you wish to further discuss.
I would use steel wool or a light abrasive sand paper. Back in my school shop days we used either the steel wool or a black fine sandpaper and wet it down to use it. I have no idea about the theory of wetting down the sandpaper but everyone was doing that in my class. Then we would re-stain it another color and put a gloss or sealant on it or shellac it like there is no tomorrow. We were kids , what can I say?
By any chance could you just swap out your grandmother's super sweet furniture for you own? She probably wouldn't even notice, anyway.
Go steal a Stop Sign, and just bolt it to the top.

and....Voila!

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