Pine table in a bad way

[IorekByrnison]

We have a badly abused large pine kitchen table. Was varnished originally but this has largely worn away and the surface has all kinds of quite deep scratches and stains.

I'm thinking the best thing to do is to sand it down, and am hoping that this will be an uncomplicated sort of job (will it?). I am wondering then what would be the best way to seal it. Can anyone help? The varnish was never very nice. Could it be oiled like a worktop, or waxed in some way?

Any advice much appreciated.

i did mine recently, use an electric sander. it didn't take too long to do.

i varnished mine again. took about 4 coats but looks good as new (well did until ds got pen on it)

I cleaned our one a while back with some fine wire wool and pine-cleaning solution - from B&Q I think it was. Worked a treat.

Was then going to wax it but never got around to it. I just scrub it with a brush and detergent every couple of months, so it has a sort of bleached effect. The top is now a completely different colour to the legs, though. The legs are utterly filthy.

Thanks very much, both. Will have to sand I think as the problem is quite severe.

Were you happy with the varnish, southeast? Is it wearing well?

you could use wax, may give a nicer finish.

yes its wearing well looks so much better

ex did ours a few years ago - as it turns out the top was only a veneer and he wore through the top in a couple of places before he realised.

We then did a few coats of varnish and it looked really good.