A tired tabletop doesn’t always need sanding down to bare wood to shine again. With the right products and a careful touch, you can bring out the natural beauty of wood while preserving its character.
That’s exactly what Sheri from @BrassWalnut did when she refreshed a well-loved vintage table using a few of her favorite Amy Howard at Home products. The result is a beautifully renewed surface that celebrates craftsmanship and timeless design.
Here’s how she did it — and how you can recreate the look in your own home.
Supplies Used
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Clean Slate – Removes wax, dirt, and oils for a clean surface
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Gel Stain in Hazel Mahogany – Adds rich, even color with lasting depth
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Furniture Tonic – Seals, conditions, and nourishes wood finishes
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Wallpaper - Morris Day – Adds a designer-inspired interior detail
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Acetone
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400-grit sandpaper
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Cotton rags
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Iron and water mist bottle
Step 1: Clean the Surface
Begin by cleaning the entire piece with Clean Slate to remove any wax, oil, or residue. This ensures your stain and finish adhere properly and evenly. Wipe away any excess and allow the surface to dry completely.
Step 2: Prep the Top
For this project, the tabletop needed the most attention. Sheri started with Acetone to loosen the old varnish. When that didn’t fully remove the finish, she gently hand-sanded using 400-grit sandpaper — just enough to smooth out imperfections without stripping to bare wood.
Step 3: Refresh and Repair
After another wipe-down with Clean Slate, lightly mist the surface with water and use an iron to steam out minor scratches. This step helps lift compressed wood fibers and reduce visible wear before staining.
Step 4: Apply Gel Stain
Sheri applied Gel Stain in Hazel Mahogany, brushing on a thin, even coat and then quickly wiping it back with a cotton rag. She buffed with a clean cloth for a smooth, natural finish and touched up any scuffs on the table base for an even tone throughout.
Step 5: Seal and Condition
Once dry, she sealed and nourished the wood using Furniture Tonic — a conditioning finish that revives dull wood and enhances its natural luster. Simply apply it with a cloth, let it absorb, then wipe away the excess for a soft sheen.
(For added protection, you can also use a polyurethane or Furniture Wax.)
Step 6: Add a Finishing Touch
To complete the transformation, Sheri lined the drawers with Amy Howard at Home Wallpaper — adding an elegant, custom touch that perfectly complements the refreshed exterior.
Why We Love This Project
This furniture refresh showcases how small updates can make a big impact. Instead of stripping and refinishing from scratch, Sheri used gentle restoration techniques and high-quality products to honor the original beauty of her piece.
It’s proof that with a few key steps — clean, stain, seal, and style — you can breathe new life into old furniture while maintaining its soul.
