AMR1324

Thank you for this information. Definitely will help!! Still haven't touched it since as I'm still disappointed in the results...not only am I ocd..I'm a perfectionist so anything less than perfect I'm devastated. So it may end up in the dumpster or anywhere that's not in sight. I'm going to try a few things first that's been recommended though before I make that decision.

Awesome! Thank you!

Ouch...I thought I mentioned I wasn't a professional? Seemingly I came on here for advise on something I've already done..can't be reversed unfortunately. The facts..I know nothing about wood or refinishing..table was given to me. Had horrible damage to the top so figured I'd attempt to do something..which failed. Why I'm here...solutions. I used all minwax products..an orbital sander 60,100 and 150 grit. I used a wood conditioner first. Then applied stain. Now I'm where I'm at...and I did test on a piece of the table not visible and got great results..why I moved on. But since the table happens to have opposing grain..which I knew nothing of until after the fact..different result. Here is all the products..didn't use the lambswool or poly yet..thankfully. I used a cloth to apply 2 coats of ebony and 1 coat of classic grey oh and also to apply wood conditioner. What do you think about mineral spirits?

These are the chairs..not finished with the white obviously.

Lol any advise is greatly appreciated. And I understand that each case is different...there is no cure all answer to any one situation. Trial and error..specially for me. Haven't made any decisions yet on what I'm going to do..waiting a little bit as every time I walk in the work room..this extreme urge to take the chainsaw to it makes more sense. But I guess that means no more kitchen table. ? anyhow thank you guys a bunch for your responses!! Greatly appreciated!! The table was given to me...don't think I want to pay someone. Its a really nice table though..bar height and sits 8. Chairs are super nice. Redid one of them and looks really nice. My vision was dark stained top and white bottom..which I painted one of the chairs and looks nice to me. Don't really like the idea of paint on the top..however it may be the end result if I can't figure something out.

Thank you for your reply... I will definitely keep that in mind. However I don't have experience with mixing dyes or using them in general and I fear the lack of experience or experienced help will just be a big mess.

Thank you Brandon for your response. So what I am asking is basically for a way to fix that..preferably without spending more money. Using a softer grit isn't a big deal as long as it works. As highlander said above..there's definitely opposing grain where the line is..which is what I think caused the 2 different color takes. As far as the lighter takes in other areas..not a big deal as I'm going for a more rustic look anyhow..it's that line that is driving me nuts and extremely unacceptable as far as I'm concerned look wise. That is what I want to fix but unsure of how or if it's even possible. I haven't touched the mdf yet however my concern is I have to be close and I do know that would ruin it. I used a cloth to apply the stain and that clean cut is where the leaf folds to slide under the table. Now...with all that being said...what should I do? I also have mineral spirits on hand as well. Here is a close up of the line and different takes.

Thank you for your reply, however I just noticed this. Wondering if that makes a difference?

Okay...want to make this pretty short and sweet as it's late and my googleing attempts are as exhausted as I am. Have a kitchen table that had burn marks on it and had the idea of refinishing it the way I wanted it. Started off as a Pinterest idea..thought I had it covered..apparently I'm not as crafty as I thought. Any who I took a trip to HD..got myself 2 different color stains, wood conditioner and some polyurethane. All minwax brand. I have no knowledge as to what type of wood it it...seems to be MDF..with a thin layer of some wood. Sanded it with an OS...60 then 100 And finished with 150. Applied the conditioner and then coated with my first color choice of stain, let sit for a few minutes..wiped off. Color is uneven and blotchy in some area. I tried applying another coat after dry time..still the same. Figured if I Applied my second choice of color it would be okay as I'm going for a more rustic look anyhow. Didn't make a difference..and I hate it. As it looks like almost a straight line with 2 different color tones on each side. Ugh...I'm hoping to avoid spending more money. If anyone can give me some idea..id greatly appreciate it.