Expert: Eileen Cronk - 9/2/2006

Question
Thank You for answering my question. After I strip it down to bare wood, what kind of paint or stain should I use to get the effect I want?

Should I paint or stain? What color?

Carole
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Followup To

Question -
Hi,

I have a great table. I've stripped and stained it once. It's dark oak stain.

I would like to update it a brown-black or a black color, or just a very very dark expresso color. I know I'll have to sand it, but what is the best product for me to use without having to take it down to bare wood?

Thank You
Carole

Answer -
Hi Carole
Nice to hear from you.
In order to stain your table a different color Carol you will have to strip it down to the bare wood.
There is no other way.
And no sanding should be necessary in fact try to avoid sandpaper.
Thanks for a great question
Eileen

Answer
Hi again Carole
Minwax makes a black stain that I have used in the past.
If you do not want to go black then Minwax dark walnut is pretty dark.
I always apply the stain with a rag and wipe back excess.
If this is a low use table I would apply 3 or 4 coats of low lustre tung oil after the stain dries.
Tung oil is applied with a rag also so the project is certainly easy.
Good Luck Cathy
Regards
Eileen