Kristin Lia Restoration

HERE ARE STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW I TRANSFORMED THIS R.S. & ASSOCIATES TEAK COCKTAIL TABLE:

Sanding teak veneer & Disassembling

Here’s how I prepped this piece:

1. Using my SurfPrep 3”x4” electric ray sander, I very carefully sanded the drawers and the curved edges on either end; I used both a 100 grit film on an interface pad and a 5mm ProFoam pad in medium; reduced the speed to low to protect that very delicate veneer
2. For the flat top and sides, I switched over to my DeWalt random orbit sander; used 150 grit on a very low speed again to protect that veneer
3. Removed the dust with a tack cloth
4. Using needle nose pliers, gently unscrewed the bolts that secured the base to table frame

I love being able to 1) uncover a gorgeous grain and 2) disassemble as much of the piece as possible to make my life easier. Next up is applying the wood sealant!

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Application of Osmo Wood Wax Finish Extra Thin Clear

I’ve learned that restoring teak is a different skill in itself. It’s a more oily wood and because of that, I used Osmo Wood Wax Finish Extra Thin Clear as a base coat.

Here’s how I applied it:

1. Poured Osmo Wood Wax Finish Extra Thin Clear into a foil lined tray
2. For the drawers and edges, applied very thinly with an Elite ring brush
3. For the flat surfaces (top, sides), applied with a microfibre roller
4. I should have removed any excess after 30 minutes but completely forgot this step ; it doesn’t seem to have affected anything though – probably because I made sure to apply a very thin coat; I’ll make sure to remember this step next time
5. Let dry overnight but only 12 hours required
6. Lightly sanded surface with a 400 grit foam pad and removed the dust with a tack cloth
7. Despite my best efforts, burned through the veneer along the bottom edge of each drawer
8. After deciding on the proper mixture (using the chart provided), applied Coconix Furniture Repair Paint to camouflage these areas

Seeing this grain emerge was truly spectacular!

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Painting with Country Chic Paint Liquorice

Being able to restore this iconic Canadian made table is truly an honour. The black bases needed some updating so Country Chic Paint’s Liquorice (their deepest black) was the perfect choice.

Here’s how I painted the bases:

1. Used Rustoleum’s Krud Kutter to clean the grime off the bases and prepare it for paint
2. Rinsed any remaining residue with a clean rag and new water
3. Let dry
4. Using a CCP 1.5” oval brush, painted 2 coats of Liquorice; waited a few hours in between coats

This is all coming together so well! Up next will be to give extra durability to the painted bases as well as the actual table.

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Application of Osmo Polyx-Oil on Teak

County Chic Paint has a topcoat included in its formula, I always like to add extra durability with Osmo Polyx-Oil Clear. Of course, I always use it to seal the wood surfaces.

Here’s how I’ve sealed this piece:

1. Poured Osmo Polyx-Oil Clear into the foil lined tray
2. For the drawers and edges, applied with an Elite ring brush
3. For the flat surfaces (top, sides), applied with a microfibre roller
4. Let dry overnight night but only 8-10 hours required
5. Lightly sanded all surfaces with a 400 grit foam pad and removed the dust with a tack cloth
6. Applied the second coat
7. Again let dry for 8-10 hours; sanded, etc.
8. After stirring, drizzled a modest amount of oil onto the surface; I use it as a dipping pad
9. Using an Osmo Superpad (a white, non-abrasive pad) attached to a pad holder, did gentle circles with the oil until it was all absorbed into the surface
10. Finished with long even strokes with the grain (or in one fluid motion in the case of paint)
11. Let dry overnight

It can often feel redundant to sand and then apply several times but the smooth surface it leaves makes it all worth it!

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Finishing Touches

This is when it all comes together- always such a good part of the process.

Here’s how I finished off the piece:

1. Reinstalled the pedestal legs using pliers
2. 👴🏻 Used Grandpa Ernie’s sanding method for all the wood surfaces for a “smooth like butter 🧈” finish; let me know if you need a further explanation
3. Put the drawers back into their proper locations

This iconic table that was once well loved needing some effort to restore it to its original glory. With the help of Osmo Wood Wax Finish Extra Thin Clear and Polyx-Oil, the wood surfaces have been updated and protected. The bases have been updated using Country Chic Paint’s Liquorice and absolutely finish the piece. A true beauty!

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