Anyone familiar with furniture refinishing?

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radarmonkey

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Mrs. Monkey inherited a gate leg dining table when her grandmother passed. Unknown age and origin. She says it's been around as long as she has so at least 50 years. The only markings are underneath the top. I've attached a photo. It's seen quite a bit of wear over the years and I was hoping I could just give it a light sanding throw some stain and sealer on it and call it good. Any information would be appreciated, Mrs. Monkey would be less than pleased with me if I mess this table up.
38893.jpeg
 

JEVapa

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I would not sand it at all and I wouldn't strip it unless it's just thrashed (or if it's painted and you don't want the paint). There are some refinishers that are simple to use but take some time. Sometimes, a thorough cleaning with lemon oil or something to get old wax off then re-wax will do wonders and it will keep it's charm and patina.

Forgot to add, there are actually some really good videos online just for this.
 
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magna19

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Mrs. Monkey inherited a gate leg dining table when her grandmother passed. Unknown age and origin. She says it's been around as long as she has so at least 50 years. The only markings are underneath the top. I've attached a photo. It's seen quite a bit of wear over the years and I was hoping I could just give it a light sanding throw some stain and sealer on it and call it good. Any information would be appreciated, Mrs. Monkey would be less than pleased with me if I mess this table up.
Without seeing the other side I would try some Old English Scratch Cover in proper color. It works pretty good for reviving wood furniture, kitchen cabinets, etc.
 

Catt57

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Based on the style of the markings I would guess it was a mass market piece of furniture. That being said I would hesitate to sand on it. What looks like solid Oak, Walnut, Maple, etc. could very well be laminate. And once you sand through that there is no fixing it. And those can be so thin that even "light sanding" can go through the laminate. Old English might be your best bet without further research or inspection.
 

druryj

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Some time ago, I used Formby’s refinisher to restore an old grand piano. It did a beautiful job of removing old varnish and crud without damaging the patina. Easy to use.
This! Formby's Refinisher (at Lowes, Home Depot) won't strip or hurt the wood, but will take old varnish, crud, etc off and give you a nice result. Good stuff, I've used it a lot.
 

okierider

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Can you show a picture of the shinny side. Is it a poly finish or stain and wax..... lot of factors.
 

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