Orange Oak Table Makeover

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This table was such a blessing! I was on my nightly walk and I saw this table sitting on the side of the road with a free sign on it! We've been wanting a new table. The one we have was also orange oak, but not in as good of shape as this one.

I walked home as quickly as I could and jumped in my car, praying it would still be there. It was!

I pulled up, flicked on my flashers, and opened the back of my CRV. This table top was heavy! I rolled it over to my car and tried to lift it in. Almost, but then it slid out of my hands... Ugh!

Then a young man in a truck pulled up and asked if I wanted help! Oh! Yes! Thank you! He effortlessly lifted the table top into my car. I told him I could get the rest, and thank you, thank you!! Then I loaded the pedestal and leaves into the back.

What a blessing! I was so happy!

The pedestal had the most intricate detail to it, so I decided to start with that, first. In my mind, start with the hardest, then the rest of the project seems so much easier and faster to finish!

Isn't this a nice ugly orange oak? I never actually put the table together until it was finished... Praying it all works out!🙏

So, I've been watching the latest trend of using oven cleaner to strip old varnish and stain off. Hmm.... what have I got to lose?

I picked up some cheap oven cleaner from Dollar Tree to see how it would work. Don't waste your money. It really didn't work very good. Not like, Easy Off! It doesn't matter what kind of Easy Off Oven Cleaner. Just get the real deal!

That stuff worked! Don't get me wrong, you still had to work to get the stain off. But it was easier than sanding forever!

I wore a respirator, because that stuff is strong, even if I was outside spraying it.

First, spray on a thick coat. Wait about 30 minutes, then scrub it and hose it off. It took about 4 coats of spray and scrubbing. After the 2nd coat, I moved on to a Scotch Brite stainless steel dish scrubber. Now we're talking! It did not damage the wood. Oak is a tough wood, I can't say how it would work on other woods. Use your best judgement.

I also did the same technique to the table top and leaves.

Okay, now that we are down to the bare wood, let's bleach this thing!!

I was soooo excited about this part! I picked up some Clorox Outdoor bleach at Walmart in the Auto/RV section. It was only about $6 for the gallon.

All I did, was pour some into a leftover can, and brush it on. (Again, I wore my mask, bleach is strong as well.)

Then I set it out into the sun to dry. This next photo is after the first coat.

This is about 3 coats of bleach on the pedestal.

Before: (I put this photo here so you could easily scroll between the before and after.) What a difference!

It's odd how different parts of the wood accept the bleach differently, but I love the variation. You can do as many coats as you like. However light you want it.

After the last coat, I wiped it down with water to neutralize the bleach.

Ready for some more fun? It's time to sand!😜

I started with 150 grit and worked my way up to 400 grit. I wanted this baby smoooooth!!! Just look at it! 😍

Then one last step to finish it off! Time to seal. I used General Finishes Flat Out Flat. I've used General Finishes before when I transformed my other dining table.

I really like the flat out flat finish. I did 3 coats and it literally feels like there is nothing on the table. No shine, it almost feels like a wax, but it's not. So far it's held up well!