Picture this: your favorite dining table has been with you through countless dinners, birthdays, and late-night chats. But lately, it’s been looking… tired. The finish is dull, the scratches are showing, and it’s starting to feel more “thrift store” than “centerpiece.”
Good news: your table doesn’t need replacing—it just needs a refresh.
Refinishing a table is like giving it a second life. Whether you’re working with wood, veneer, or sleek sintered stone, this guide will help you bring it back to its former glory (or even better). We’ll break down how to care for different table materials, how to refinish when needed, and when it’s time to upgrade to a low-maintenance dining hero.
Let’s dive in—your dining room deserves it.
How to Refinish or Care for a Dining Table — Based on Material
Not all tables are created equal—and not all can (or should) be refinished the same way. Before you begin sanding or sealing, it’s important to identify the material of your dining table so you can use the right method. Here’s how to care for and restore your table based on what it’s made of:
1. Solid Wood Tables
✅ Best for full refinishing and sanding
Solid wood (like oak, walnut, or pine) is the most forgiving material when it comes to refinishing. It can be sanded, stained, painted, and sealed multiple times.
How to Refinish:
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Sand thoroughly with medium and fine-grit sandpaper
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Fill scratches or dents with wood filler
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Apply stain or paint
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Seal with polyurethane or wax for protection
Care Tips:
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Use coasters and placemats
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Avoid standing water and heat
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Polish occasionally with wood oils
2. Wood Veneer Tables
⚠️ Suitable for light refinishing—handle with care
Veneer is a thin layer of real wood over an engineered core. While beautiful, it’s fragile and can’t withstand heavy sanding.
How to Refinish:
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Lightly sand using fine-grit paper only
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Avoid pressure to prevent sanding through
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Use gel stain or paint
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Seal with water-based varnish
Care Tips:
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Keep dry and dust regularly
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Don’t drag objects across the surface
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Use gentle furniture polish sparingly
3. Sintered Stone Tables
✅ Low-maintenance, no refinishing needed
Sintered stone, used in modern Povison tables, is extremely durable. It resists scratches, stains, and heat—no sanding, sealing, or staining required.
How to Care:
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Wipe with soft cloth and mild soap
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Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals
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No polish needed
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Use placemats to preserve surface sheen
4. Painted or Glossy MDF Tables
❌ Do not sand—refinishing may damage finish
These surfaces are sealed in lacquer or high-gloss coatings and cannot be restored with traditional sanding methods.
Care Tips:
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Clean with microfiber cloth
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Use mild glass-safe cleaner
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Avoid scratching or strong abrasives
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Consider a runner or cloth to reduce visible wear
5. Glass or Composite Stone Tables
❌ Not suitable for refinishing
If your dining table set includes a glass or composite top, stick to routine cleaning.
Care Tips:
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Clean with vinegar-free glass cleaner
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Avoid direct impact or dragging objects
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Use decorative mats to soften the look
When to Consider a Table Upgrade
If your table is severely damaged, made of particleboard or MDF, or no longer suits your space, it may be time to explore better options—ones that look stunning, clean easily, and last for years.
At Povison, we believe in furniture that fits your life, not the other way around. That’s why all of our pieces arrive ready to use—because we’re proud to be Povison, the world’s best fully-assembled furniture.
Explore These Durable Dining Tables from Povison
A Hobart Rectangular Sintered Stone Dining Table meets a clean-lined carbon steel base—perfect for minimalist or modern dining rooms. Easy to wipe, impossible to scratch.
Ideal for small dining spaces, this Round Matte Sintered Stone Dining Table supports better conversation flow and style-forward living—all with an easy-clean surface.
This Amara-Rectangular Sintered Stone Dining Table brings soft edges and architectural beauty to your dining room set. Its sintered stone top resists heat and scratches, and the butterfly base adds visual flair.
Your Next Dinner Party Deserves a Table That Wows
At the end of the day, your dining table isn’t just furniture—it’s where takeout turns into connection, and family game night turns into unforgettable laughs. Whether you’re reviving your trusty wood table with a weekend project or looking to upgrade to something sleek and stress-free, the right table sets the tone for your space.
So—sand it, seal it, or swap it.
And when you’re ready for something that’s beautiful and built to last, check out Povison’s collection of dining tables. From durable sintered stone surfaces to designs that arrive fully assembled (yes, really), we’ve got pieces ready to live in—and love.
A beautiful table should feel like part of the family from day one.
Povison brings you fully-assembled furniture that’s built for real moments—and real homes.
