Expert: Eileen Cronk - 9/15/2009

Question
I am in the process of refinishing a vintage 40" round oak dining table with two leaves. It was previously finished a light golden color. It had some scratches but didn't need much repair. Currently, it is fully stripped and waiting for stain. My questions relate to how to finish the underside of the table, including what to do with the wood slides. All of our wood furniture is dark, so we want to stain the oak table a cherry with some darker shading.

1. Should the underside of the table be stained to match the top? And if not, won't that be visible?

2. Should the underside of the table be sealed? The original manufacturer did not seal or stain the underside.

3. If the underside is stained or sealed, should I avoid the area where the slides go? I am afraid of altering functionality. They work very well now.

4. Should the slides be left unfinished or stained to match the top? My understanding is the grooves in the slides shouldn't be touched because this could also affect functionality.

5. Regarding removing the slides (if necessary) do you have any advice so that they work the same when put back on?

6. Is there anything else I should be aware of or avoid regarding the underside of the table and the slides?

Thank you very much for your help!  

Answer
Hi Trina
Nice to hear from you.
A lot of questions here so I'll put them in numbered order so nothing is missed.
All the points you address are good.
1..No the underside should not be stained. It will not be visable.
2..No the underside of a table should not be sealed.
3..The underside will not be stained so the slides not working is not an issue.
4..The slides are left unfinished and should never be stained.
5..The slides will work properly if put back the way they were. To ensure they are put back in the same position, take a marking pencil and make a line on the table top and extend it up the side of the slide.
Do this on the 4 corners of each slide. Then number the lines like this..the line on the table top is numbered one. The line up the edge of the slide is also one.
The next set of lines is two etc. Then match all your numbers when you put the slides back on. You will not go wrong.
6..Trina when we refinish any piece of furniture, we always duplicate what was original.
So if there was stain or finish in some area, then you do the same.
If the wood is bare, leave it alone.
Good luck and thanks for a great question.
Regards
Eileen