The secret of a gleaming wooden table lies in the judicious choice, preparation and application of varnish. To ensure that this maintenance process is a success, you need to be aware of the different species used to make the table tops and legs. With Anova Bois, find out all you need to know about varnishes for tables made from this material, and the secrets for enhancing the natural appearance of your furniture.
WHY VARNISH YOUR WOODEN TABLE?
Varnishing a wooden table is not only about aesthetics, but above all about protection. Varnish creates a resistant barrier on the surface where it is applied, protecting it from scratches, stains, moisture, and wear. This protective layer helps preserve the natural beauty of the wood and extend the lifespan of the furniture. Applying a Wood Table Varnish will also make everyday maintenance much easier.
Preparing to varnish a wooden table
When planning to varnish a table, you may encounter different types of wood. For example, oak is well known for its durability and raw appearance. Pine is also common, a noble and aesthetic wood species whose uniform tone is highly appreciated. Walnut is another wood species with a rich and warm color. Each type of wood has unique characteristics, which can influence the sanding and finishing process.
Before applying varnish, you must clean the furniture beforehand to ensure optimal adhesion of the product. Use a mild cleaner to remove any dirt or residue from the surface. Make sure the product is compatible with wood to avoid damaging its natural texture. Then sand the tabletop and the legs to remove any traces of oil or wax.
When it comes to sanding, the choice of abrasive grain depends on the type of wood. For oak, you can start the sanding with 120-grit sandpaper, then 150-grit and finish with 180-grit to preserve the fineness of the material. For a walnut table, you can use 150, 180 and 220 grit. For a pine dining or work table, start with a medium grit (80) to remove roughness, then move on to a finer grit for a smooth finish.
After cleaning and sanding, make sure the surface is dust-free. We recommend that you use a damp cloth at this stage to remove any residual particles from the table top and legs. Make sure the surface is completely dry before applying the wood varnish or protective product.
SELECTING AND APPLYING VARNISH FOR WOODEN TABLES
There are different types of wood varnish, each with its own advantages. In particular, Anova Bois offers products made from water and resins, which are environmentally friendly and odourless. They are ideal for use indoors, particularly on wooden furniture in confined spaces. They offer effective protection against everyday household stresses and stains.
There are also oil-based products and polyurethane and acrylic varnishes for wood. Oil-based products are appreciated for their natural, warm appearance. They penetrate the wood, nourish it and give it a pleasant finish. The disadvantages of wood oils are that they give off an odour when they dry over a longer or shorter period of time, offer little protection against water and stains, and significantly alter the original colour of the wood. Polyurethane and acrylic varnishes are known for their durability, resistance to knocks and scratches and, above all, to everyday stains. They are recommended for wooden tables that are subject to heavy use and for easy maintenance.
When it comes to colour, the ideal choice is a colourless product if you want to preserve the authentic appearance of the material. There are, however, varnishes for wood in grey, black, red, light oak, dark oak, etc. This allows you to colour and protect the table at the same time. This is an option if you're looking for a more modern look or coloured furniture in your décor. You can opt for a wood varnish with a matt, gloss or satin finish, depending on your preference.
When it comes to application techniques, you can choose between brush, roller and spray. The brush offers precise control and the roller covers large surfaces quickly. Spraying gives a professional finish, but requires experience.
For a perfect finish, apply several thin coats of varnish rather than one thick coat to the wooden table. Once the first coat has dried, use a fine-grain abrasive to sand before applying another coat. This will allow the second coat to adhere better and there will be no roughness in the wood or drips after drying.
Flat brush for varnishing, staining, sealing or oiling - Spalter Performance 100 mm
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR MAINTAINING A VARNISHED WOODEN TABLE
To preserve the beauty of your varnished wooden table, clean it regularly. Use a soft, damp cloth (ideally a microfibre cloth) to remove dust and particles. Avoid abrasive products that could damage the varnish surface. Instead, opt for gentle cleaners specially designed for tables. Avoid white vinegar or bleach.
Scratches may appear on your furniture over time. If they are light, use a wax crayon that matches the colour of the wood to camouflage them. For deeper scratches, gently apply a small amount of colourless varnish with a fine brush to restore the surface.
If the varnish on your wooden table shows signs of wear, restore the protective layer. Start by cleaning the top and legs with a mild degreaser. Then sand and apply coats of clear varnish according to the manufacturer's instructions.