Expert: Eileen Cronk - 7/19/2007

Question
Hi! - I have two solid ash tables made by Lane purchased in 1995.  They are very light in color - a blond shade.  I would love to darken them so they would match my new home better which has lots of dark wood trim all over.  A friend told me that they could not be redone because of the finish (?).  Is this true?  Is there a way I can restain these lovely solid wood tables so that they will be a darker color?  Thanks, Jan

Answer
Hi Jan
Nice to hear from you.
Well Jan I guess your friend is correct in saying "they cannot be redone because of the finish", because the finish will need to be removed before you can stain your tables darker.
I cannot imagine this meaning anything else if these tables are really solid ash as you say.
So again, the tables will need a full stripping, restain dark, then a new finish applied.
Jan please ask your friend again what exactly she means. Perhaps she sees something you don't. Perhaps the tables are not real wood.
Get back to me please.
Regards
Eileen