Every well-loved piece of furniture has a story—and for this maple coffee table, it was time for a new chapter. When Lee Ann from Creative Moments spotted its sturdy build and classic design, she knew it deserved a refresh. Using Dixie Belle products, she brought out the natural beauty of the wood while giving it a clean, updated finish. In this guest blog, Lee Ann shares how she transformed this tired table into a timeless treasure ready to shine again.

(The following is an excerpt from Creative Moments. Read the full article here) 

I knew this was a quality piece when I saw it on Facebook marketplace. When I picked it up, the legs were loose (easy fix), a drawer knob was missing (easy to replace), there were usual scratches on the top but the corners were chewed on by a puppy. It was a bit more than I saw at first look at the posted photo but it is solid maple and worth picking up.

Before photo of a solid maple coffee table with a light wood finish and simple drawer design, shown prior to refinishing. Before photo of a solid maple coffee table with a light wood finish and simple drawer design, shown prior to refinishing.

Step 1: Remove original finish

The first step was to remove the original finish from the top using EZ Strip paint & varnish stripper.

Maple coffee table placed on a workbench covered with newspaper, prepped for cleaning and refinishing with a bottle of Dixie Belle White Lightning cleaner on top.

Step 2: Sand

I started sanding the top with my Festool orbital sander.

Person sanding the surface of a maple coffee table with an electric sander to prepare the wood for refinishing. Close-up of a sanded maple tabletop showing the smooth, natural wood grain after surface preparation for refinishing.

The beautiful maple grain on the top. In the background is a tall pine dresser getting its gray makeover.
Overhead view of a sanded maple coffee table with smooth natural wood grain, surrounded by freshly painted drawer fronts drying on a workbench.

Step 3: Apply Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner

Pre stain wood conditioner was applied with a soft cloth. Allow it to absorb, wipe excess off and after 30 minutes it is time to stain.
Applying finishing wax to a refinished maple coffee table with a soft cloth to enhance the wood grain and add a smooth protective sheen.

Step 4: Apply Stain

I apply No Pain Gel Stain in Walnut with a lint free blue shop towel.
Person wearing gloves applying No Pain Gel Stain to a refinished maple coffee table to enhance depth and bring out the rich wood tones.
Here is the walnut coat on
Refinished maple coffee table with a smooth, rich finish sitting on a workbench covered in newspaper, with open No Pain Gel Stain containers and application tools nearby.
While it was still wet I applied a coat of espresso Gel Stain to deepen the color like the first round. Allow to dry 72 hours.
Close-up of a person applying No Pain Gel Stain to a maple coffee table, showing the contrast between the freshly waxed and unwaxed sections of the wood surface.
And it looks beautiful.
Refinished maple coffee table with a warm, rich finish styled in a cozy living room with a beige sectional sofa and a potted plant centerpiece. Refinished maple coffee table with a warm, rich finish styled in a cozy living room with a beige sectional sofa and a potted plant centerpiece.
From start to finish, Lee Ann’s project beautifully blends craftsmanship and creativity. With just a few Dixie Belle essentials and a clear vision, she proved that even simple updates can make a lasting impact. Whether you’re refinishing a family heirloom or a thrifted find, this makeover is sure to inspire your next DIY adventure.
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