Refinishing Dining Room Table

I've never tried it, but, I do intent on refinishing my dining room table at some point in the near future. I found some tips on how to do so. Here's the link:

http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2011/08/how-to-restain-a-...

I bought a table that had glitter glue and some paint on it. I *intended* to refinish it but it seems like so much work! So I just cover it with table cloths. LOL! I hope it works for you, good luck!

I have only used the chemical based wood stripper. The Formby's looks great, though. I'd try it first, underneath the table (like on the lip area that is finished, but peopl don't see). Test how easy it is and how well it works.
If you have a lot of scars and indentions on your wood, I'd consider dong a light sanding with a high-grit sandpaper. When you go to refinish your table to protect it, etc. I highly recomend Watco oil.

We haven't used that specific product but I would follow the instructions exactly. Also I would test an inconspicuous area of the table first. This will allow you to see how the wood reacts to the product and to get a feel for how the process works. Make sure you have a large, clean work area for refinishing the table. You will make a mess during the entire project so make sure you have amble clean up supplies and drop clothes laid around your work area. I would recommend gloves to keep your hands clean. YOu should consider eye protection and a face mask too. You will need to work in a well ventilated area but as free of dust/debris as possible. I am sure Fromby's has tips on their website.

We typically sand the finish off pieces we are refinishing but a stripping product is equally effective if not a little quicker. Take your time on removing the old finish. The time spent in removing all of the old finish will pay off in the long run. We often strip the piece in stages to make sure we don’t miss any spots and to allow us and the piece to rest. Restaining is often the more difficult aspect of the project honestly. Wood reacts differently to different stain types and stain colors. For instance I have a pecan wood cabinet which turned orange over time. The chemicals in the wood reacted with the stain and it resulted in an orange cabinet. Other woods didn't take the color correctly and the result was not what I wanted. I would suggest testing your desired stain color in an inconspicuous spot to ensure the end result is the color/shade you want. There is nothing worse than having to restrip a piece over a new stain you dislike.
We like to condition the wood after stripping and right before staining. Follow the wood conditioning instructions exactly. After reconditioning apply your new stain and follow its instructions exactly. To protect your piece, you will need to apply a polyurethane product (or other post staining product) after the staining process. Again follow its instructions exactly. Whatever you do don’t cut any corners or you’ll wind up with a poor final product.

If there is a cabinet shop or wood working store in your area, you can try asking them any questions you may have. There are alternatives to stains if you are interested - wood waxes, tung oil, etc. Refinishing requires patience and it is time consuming process to get a great final piece. Good luck.