How do I get a smooth finish on a table top?

Load a sanding block with 600-grit wet/dry paper, dribble on some soapy water and rub the finish smooth. Then wipe the table dry, look for flaws and rub some more. Don't stop until you achieve perfection. Smooth shaped edges with synthetic steel wool.
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How do you smooth a wood table?

Starting with the roughest sandpaper (60-grit), sand in the direction of the grain. You can sand by hand, but a mechanical sander makes the job go, ahem, much smoother. Finish by wiping down the table with a tack cloth so it's free of dust, then sand the surface again, this time with your 120-grit, to polish the wood.
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What is the best finish to use on a table top?

Polyurethane varnish is the quickest and easiest way to finish a kitchen table. Most flow well when brushed on and leave few, if any, marks. Though it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully, properly finishing a kitchen table generally requires two to four coats of varnish.
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How do you apply polyurethane without brush marks?

When the brush marks don't resolve themselves, try a few corrective techniques.
  1. Use a foam brush or a lambswool applicator instead of a brush. ...
  2. Use a natural-bristle brush rather than a synthetic one if you are using a bristle brush. ...
  3. Thin your polyurethane with paint thinner, mixing it with a paint stir stick.
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How many coats of polyurethane should you put on a kitchen table?

The polyurethane coat requires at least three coats to give the table a perfect finish. But you can put more layers to make the table look glossy and shiny. Make sure that you give time to each coat to be dried up properly.
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Ultra Smooth Finishing Method - Great for tables or Counters



What Sheen is best for a dining table?

The best finish for dining tables is lacquer. This finish will both bring out the beauty elements of dining tables and provide needed protective properties. Lacquer is applied in thin coats which allows a natural accent of the wood itself. This finish is durable and water-resistant.
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How do you finish a wooden table top?

Steps
  1. Lightly hand-sand the wood, always working in the direction of the grain.
  2. Start sanding with 120-grit sandpaper and continue with progressively finer sandpaper up to 180 grit.
  3. Brush a coat of wood conditioner onto the wood, which will allow the stain to soak in evenly without blotching.
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How do you apply polyurethane to a table top?

How to Polyurethane a Table Top
  1. Sand the table top to remove old finished.
  2. Clean the surface to get rid of dust.
  3. Prepare the polyurethane by stirring.
  4. Apply the first coat of polyurethane and let it dry.
  5. Sand before applying the next coat of polyurethane.
  6. Apply the next coat.
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What is used to smooth the surface of wooden furniture?

Sandpaper, the most basic tool for smoothing wood, contains tiny particles that scrape away imperfections and scratches.
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How do you make wood smooth and shiny?

To get a glossy finish for wood, start by sanding the surface smoothly, then apply a grain filler before lacquer or varnish. For professional-looking results, finalize the work by wet-sanding it with ultra-fine sandpaper and buffing it to create a polished look and feel.
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How do you make wood smooth to touch?

Wood Finishing Techniques: Hand-Sand the Curves

Sand curved surfaces—and other areas an electric sander can't reach—by hand. Treat all areas equally, using the same progression of sandpaper grits for both hand and power sanding. Start with 80-grit to sand away blemishes, then use 120-grit and finally 180-grit.
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Should I sand between coats of polyurethane?

Yes. Minwax Polyurethane should be sanded between coats. Sand with 320 grit sandpaper to get rid of any fine particles of dust that have settled on it while it was still wet. Sanding in this case not only allows for a smoother finish but can also help abrade the surface and increase inter-coat adhesion.
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Do you sand the final coat of polyurethane?

No, you don't need to sand the final coat of polyurethane. The only time you should sand the final coat of polyurethane is if you haven't gotten a smooth finish. Different problems can occur when you apply polyurethane, such as dust nibs, bubbles, and streaks.
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How do you smooth a wood surface without sandpaper?

What Can I Use Instead of Sandpaper on Wood?
  1. Sanding blocks. Also known as sanding sponges, they have a similar construction to a standard kitchen dish sponge but have a rough texture. ...
  2. Emery cloth. Most commonly used on metal, emery cloths are far more durable than sandpaper. ...
  3. Sand and leather. ...
  4. Walnut shells. ...
  5. Pumice.
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Is polyurethane good for table tops?

Clear polyurethane creates a beautiful, super-tough, armor-like finish that shields table tops and other wood furniture from scratches, stains, scrapes, solvents, moisture, UV, and weather damage. Polyurethane coatings are much easier to apply and are more durable for daily use than traditional marine spar varnishes.
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How many coats of polyurethane do I need?

For protection, two coats are the minimum, but floors and anything else that will see hard wear or occasional moisture should get at least three coats. Each coat also makes the finish a bit smoother.
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Is Minwax Polycrylic good for dining table?

With this much range and so many sheens, it is easy to find the one that suits your project. To top it all off, this finish offers exceptional durability and protection. The Minwax Polycrylic Water-Based Protective Finish dries crystal clear, protecting the natural beauty of the wooden table top.
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What is the best polyurethane to use on a kitchen table?

So, when it comes to someone who just wants to do a quick DIY job, the best finish for kitchen table would be a wipe-on, oil-based polyurethane. This is the best finish for wood kitchen table, as it has the appearance of an oil-rub finish, the application is simple, and it offers great surface protection.
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How do I get a smooth clear coat finish on wood?

The way to get the smoothest and best-feeling finish is to “rub out” the last coat using sandpaper and abrasive compounds. Methods of doing this are written about often. It's a mechanical procedure that doesn't differ all that much from sanding the wood.
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What grit sandpaper should I use for polyurethane?

Start with 120-grit sandpaper on refinished pieces and 80-grit on new wood. After sanding the entire surface thoroughly, wipe off the dust and all loose sandpaper grit with a clean cloth. Then, sand with 180-grit until you've removed all the marks left by the 120-grit, and the surface appears level.
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How do you get an even coat of polyurethane?

Use a Roller on Large, Flat Surfaces
  1. A 6-in. rollers lets you apply the poly fast and evenly. ...
  2. Don't freak out when you see the finish right after you lay it down. ...
  3. After each coat, re-dip the roller in mineral spirits and put it into a zippered plastic bag for the next coat and leave the wet tray to dry.
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