Antique Table Top stain and varnish question

[danno548]

Hi,

I have taken the top layer of stain/varnish off this table.

I am looking for advice on what to you use to repaint the top and what colour match advice.

Any advice welcome

Many Thanks

Dan

[danno548]

Sorry - More photos.

Table 4 is to show the existing color better.

Many Thanks

Dan

[Bob Boardman]

I'm confused. Do you want to paint the surface or stain it?

[danno548]

That's what I'm unsure of - I need to math thr top where I have sanded with the rest of the table where I havne;t sanded.

Do I stain for the colour then varnish - or use a coloured varnish?

Thanks'

Dan

[Bob Boardman]

I'd apply a coat of a product called SealCoat. It's diluted clear shellac. Apply, don't go over spots you've already covered, let dry for 45minutes.

When dry, either go to paint store/dept and look at different waterbase stain colors. You might be able to get little samples. Get a color that is slightly lighter than the color you need because you can always add a second coat after first coat dries.

Apply first coat. Wait 5 minutes and see if it's close to color you want. If not, take a damp rag and remove the stain. The Seal Coat will still be there, but you'll be able to remove the stain. If color is close to what you want walk away. Don't do little touch ups. Let dry according to directions on can. Then light sand with a 400 grit sandpaper and vacuum up dust

On an inconspicuous spot, apply a small amount of 2nd coat of stain. After applying small bit of 2nd coat, is color close or lighter. If close, apply 2nd coat to entire surface.

If too light, think about getting a stain that's just a touch darker. Before applying this coat of darker stain apply a 2nd coat of SealCoat. This way if darker stain is too dark you can remove it. Before applying the darker stain, try diluting it just a little with water. Test this on an inconspicuous spot. If a good match, great. If too dark, dilute some more.

Once color is matched, light sand all surface, remove dust, and apply 2 - 3 coats of waterbase finish, sanding between coats.

[danno548]

Awesome - thanks for the advice. Dan