Video
Video Description
In this video, I explain the steps to restore an old picnic table that needed to be revamped and repurposed for my glamping site. I go through the process in which you will learn how to sand a table properly as you will need to follow the grains of the wood. Here, I used Thompsons water seal product to obtain a golden cedar stain on the picnic table. For any refinishing project, the most important part is prepping for paint and stain. When prepping for paint and stain, one must remove any and all of the old paint/stain by sanding the wood surface to allow the wood to absorb the new stain. In this case, sanding the table beforehand will give you the best result in restoring your picnic table. The Thompsons water seal stain that I used was very economical and easy to apply. The golden wood stain looks really good on my refinished picnic table. There's nothing more pleasant than seeing the finished product of a restored old picnic table done with your own hands and to your liking.
Why throw away an old picnic table when you can give it a new life with a little elbow grease, sanding, and stain? In this hands-on DIY project, I take you through the step-by-step process to restore an old picnic table and transform it into a beautiful, usable piece for my glamping site.
From selecting the right sandpaper grits to applying the perfect wood stain, this video walks you through every detail of refinishing a wood picnic table—even if you’ve never done it before. Whether you're working on outdoor furniture for your backyard or upgrading a table for your rental property or campsite, this video will guide you through the essentials of prepping, sanding, and staining wood like a pro.
🧰 What You’ll Learn in This Video:
How to sand a picnic table using the right technique (follow the grain!)
Why prepping for paint and stain is the most important step in wood restoration
How to use pressure washers safely without damaging the wood
Best practices for smoothing surfaces with 80, 120, and 220 grit sandpaper
Why I chose Thompson’s WaterSeal in Golden Cedar and how it enhances outdoor wood
How to apply wood cleaner and chemical treatment before sealing
The finishing steps to ensure your table is smooth, splinter-free, and weather-protected
🎯 Who Is This For?
DIY enthusiasts looking to restore an old picnic table
Homeowners and renters wanting to upgrade their outdoor furniture
Glamping hosts, Airbnb owners, and campers needing durable, restored pieces
Anyone interested in picnic table refinishing, staining, or sanding wood
Beginners eager to learn how to sand a wooden table and apply stain correctly
🔨 Tools u0026 Materials Used:
Sandpaper (80, 120, and 220 grit)
Protective gear: gloves, mask
Pressure washer for deep cleaning
Wood cleaner/chemical prep
Thompson’s WaterSeal – Golden Cedar stain (for exterior furniture)
Rags, brushes, and some patience!
🔧 DIY Tips Included:
Why sanding with the grain of the wood matters
How to refinish corners and table edges by hand
Tricks for smoothing the surface so it’s safe for guests to use
How to avoid damage when pressure washing softwood
The correct waiting time between chemical wash and staining
Final Thoughts:
There’s something satisfying about breathing new life into old wood—especially when it’s done with your own hands. This picnic table went from dull and damaged to smooth and stunning, and it now adds charm and functionality to my glamping site.
Restoring wood furniture doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated—it just takes the right prep, tools, and patience. So if you’re thinking about tossing that old table… don’t. Grab some sandpaper, put on your mask, and let’s get to work.
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Affiliate links of products used in this video:
THOMPSONS WATERSEAL TH.041851-16 Transparent Waterproofing Stain
https://amzlink.to/az056ZEMtISHg
DEWALT Random Orbit Sander, 5-Inch
https://amzlink.to/az0FLHlRxRCXs
Bates- Sanding Discs 5 Inch 8 Hole
https://amzlink.to/az0RPQhfweX6e
3M N95 Dust Mask
https://amzlink.to/az0dZFWX3AGKw
Uxglove Chemical Resistant Gloves
https://amzlink.to/az0hglu1HZLuF
Construction Gloves
https://amzlink.to/az0Hu3zVSOAzi
