Expert: Eileen Cronk - 11/13/2006

Question

    I've stripped and sanded an oak table top.  The oak serface has a lot of small pores.

1.  Should I fill the pores prior to staining and finishing?
2.  What class of finishes do you recommend for table tops?
3.  Do you know a good sorce that describes the steps I need to go through as I stain and refinish the table top?

     Thanks,
        Bernie

Answer
Hi Bernie
Nice to hear from you.
In my opinion (for what its worth), if the table top is old I would never fill the pores.
If this is new construction then its your choice although personally I would not.
If the table will get a lot of use I would use only oil based products. A stain and then a fast drying poly. I like Minwax brand in both stains and the poly but there are other good ones out there too. I mention these because I get great results with them.
The steps are simple.
Good surface prep, a dust free place to work.
The stain applied with a rag and any excess completely removed. At least 12 hours drying time with the stain.
Then 2 to 3 light coats of poly applied with the proper brush with a light sanding with 220 sandpaper or fine steel wool between coats. My choice is always the steel wool. Use a tack cloth to remove any sanding dust.
If the table is for decorative purposes then the same stain and 3 coats of low luster tung oil applied with a rag. Use the steel wool between coats of the tung oil. Do not use sandpaper between coats of the tung oil.
You will find the tung oil a lovely easy finish to apply, drying time is far faster than the poly and a dust free work place is not essential.
Hope this is the info you seek
Regards
Eileen