Expert: Eileen Cronk - 7/15/2009

Question
Love your directions! I am refinishing a solid oak dining table, 26 yrs. old.
Good shape. Bought it new, first refinishing. Color is good, varnish is worn a
bit. I washed w/TSP well and rinsed. Applied 3 thin coats of Minwax stain, one
day apart. No sanding in between and removed extra stain. The table feels a
bit "oily" but not bad. I'm not sure how to proceed. I'd like to get rid of the
oily feel before applying polyurethane. Should I sand lightly? Wipe down with
mineral spirits? Both? Have arthritic hands, so looking for kindest way to
achieve. Thanks!

Answer
Hi Phawnda
Nice to hear from you.
Can't recall I ever gave directions like this for refinishing a table but I can certainly advise your next step.
As you guessed, its mineral spirits that are needed to get rid of the excess stain.
The stain is only intended to cover any areas where the finish and stain have totally worn away.
While no harm has been done with your approach, it was not necessary to apply 3 coats of stain.
After the stain has been removed, I would very lightly sand with 220 paper.
Then apply a coat of poly.
It may be easier on your hands to use a wipe on poly. Really easy and fast to apply with a rag. I am also getting those "A" hands and holding a brush for long stretches is getting painful.
Good Luck
Regards
Eileen