Rico asked 4 years ago
Hi, I have a 20 year old cherry wood Italian dining table with a laminate top. It has never been refinished but with age I notice that the finish is fading in certain areas of the table top and there are some very minor blemishes. Since laminate is very thin, do you recommend a light sanding with 330 or steel wool, then several coats of water or oil based polyurethane? Is another option just to clean the top and apply a good wax to seal the surface?
William Stewart Staff answered 4 years ago
Hi Rico, you are well versed in both options.
If you’re careful and sanding with a soft pad and P330 I don’t think there will be a problem. Your goal is only to scratch and not to remove a layer.
If you prefer the polyurethane option, you will have to spend more time and effort to apply, but then you will not have to do anything for a long time.
With the wax version, you will have less work and effort, but you must maintain the coating for a certain period of time, choose according to your own preferences.
Maybe these three articles will help you choose a product:
https://woodimprove.com/best-wood-waxes/
https://woodimprove.com/best-oil-based-polyurethanes-for-hardwood-floors/
https://woodimprove.com/best-water-based-polyurethanes-for-floors/