Table needs some refinishing - ideas appreciated

[rssmith2468]

After a spring full of nessessary commissioning work and repairs to our (new to us) H290, the Admiral wants me moving to some aesthetic jobs next. First up, the table in the middle of the settees. As you can see (pics attached) that the fold up/drop down leaf looks spectacular, ... but the primary part of the table used every day is in need of attention.

First: REMOVAL ? Before I start unscrewing things I just want to ask for advise and confirm that it looks like I should be able to remove the 9 smaller screws around the center storage unit (pics attached), and 4 larger screws on the upper stainless platform (and the screws and plate holding the smaller fill in section next to the post) and the table should be able to be removed fairly easily (I want to take it home to do some sanding and refinish work on it).

Second: Stain / Varnish ideas? - I don't think I'll ever be able to match it to the original drop down / fold up section unless someone has an inside tip on the color/brand that I should try. I'm thinking a light sanding to try to get out water stains and marks, then stay with a marine varnish? Definitely not a gloss, maybe a satin or flat? All ideas are welcomed.
Thanks, Ray

 

[centerline]

I would sand the surface smooth and clean, then use 1 single layer of bar top epoxy to seal it... hand rubbed, NOT brushed.
Use a bondo spreader to apply the epoxy, then rub it in and add a bit more as the wood soaks it in...
Once it seems to have absorbed all its going to, use paper towels to wipe the excess off..... it will cure to a hard, non yellowing, sealed surface that will last a long time, wont stain like yours is now, and look like natural wood.
If there is any raising of the grain during the cure, lightly wet sand it with 800grit after a couple days...

If you want a glossy surface, then after it cures out for a couple days, scrub it well with dawn dish soap and a scotchbrite pad, let it dry and then hand rub another coat on it, thinned 25% with acetone, and let it cure in a dustless enviroment.

Varnish remains too soft for a table top finish, but ALWAYS use pads under hot dishes, because any finish you put on it is only a plastic of sorts and is subject to acute heat damage.

 

[Rich Stidger]

There is likely to be a furniture re-finisher in your area. I would take the table to them as ask them how to remove the water stains and restore the finish. They may also give you a quote that you can live with. Sometimes it is good to have an experienced pro do the work for which you are at the bottom of the learning curve.

Years ago I removed my table and took it home over the winter. I just had cracks in the finish and a few small water stains. I sanded down to the veneer (be careful, it's thin) and then applied several coats of MinWax gloss polyurethane. The results were not perfect, but it was much better than before I started.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Good advice. You'll also have to determine what finish YOU want. Some folks like glossy, some not.