Thread: Refinish polyurethane table top

I have had good results with a tungsten scraper. Four tricks are:

• Insert a 1 metre broom handle - aids control,
• Round over the corners of the blade before you start - stops gouging,
• Keep the blade sharp - diamond file essential,
• Follow the grain assiduously - first deviation and you'll know why!

Tungsten Scraper 2.jpgTungsten Scraper.jpg

Side grain is relatively easy with care. End grain is difficult. You need absolute control of the cutter, and the cleaned surface remains much darker - presumably because it has absorbed more poly? Joints need real care because of changes in grain direction.

I got reasonable results with a heat gun - both gas and electric - and with stripper - gel first, then liquid. But in both cases I had to use a scraper to finish.

A ROS gave tolerable results but a lot of work - poly is tough. My old Rupes orbital sander left indelible sanding swirls.

My big brutish Makita belt sander was too hard to control. Glossed over "good poly" and dug into exposed timber.

Most experience has been with one pot Estapol, a little with very old two pot Estapol.

Sanding should be okay but I would avoid 40 grit, way to aggressive. You'll clog a lot of paper but I prefer to stay away from any chemicals and heat guns give off a lot when they get at poly.