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Colour Matching a French Oak Dining Table Restoration with Rubio Monocoat

Updated: Oct 28

A Tale of Colour Matching and Reviving a Classic


A large, rectangular French oak dining table with a light, natural finish. The table has multiple leaves, allowing it to be extended. It's positioned in a living room setting with a fireplace and a bookshelf visible in the background.

Recently, I had the pleasure of working on a beautiful French oak dining table restoration that had seen better days. The table, which had a dark stain finish, was showing signs of wear and tear after nearly two decades of use. The client's goal was to restore the table's original lustre and ensure it complemented their existing dark oak waxed furniture.




The Challenge: Colour Matching

A large, rectangular French oak dining table with a light, natural finish. The table has multiple leaves, allowing it to be extended. It's positioned in a living room setting with a fireplace and a bookshelf visible in the background.

One of the biggest challenges in this project was achieving a perfect colour match between the table and the surrounding furniture. Given the table's age and the fading of its original finish, this was no easy task. To address this, I turned to Rubio Monocoat's 2C oils. These innovative products are renowned for their colour-matching capabilities and their ability to create a durable, natural finish.




The Process: Stripping, Sanding, and Applying Rubio Monocoat


Stripping: The first step was to remove the existing varnish. Using a combination of tools, including a carbide scraper, I was able to efficiently remove the bulk of the finish. This step is crucial to prevent the sandpaper from clogging during the subsequent sanding process. I particularly enjoy using a carbide scraper as it produces distinct streams of varnish that are easy to vacuum up.

A close-up photo of a French oak dining table with a light, natural finish. The table has a rectangular shape with visible grain patterns. The edges of the table are slightly rounded.

Sanding: Proper sanding is essential for ensuring a smooth and even surface for the new finish. Removing every trace of the old varnish is crucial to prevent the oil from failing or adhering incorrectly.

I followed a four-step sanding process, starting with a coarser grit to remove the majority of the remaining finish. As I progressed, I gradually switched to finer grits to eliminate the scratches left by the previous sandpaper. This methodical approach ensures a perfectly prepared surface for the application of the Rubio Monocoat.


Applying Rubio Monocoat: Rubio Monocoat is a revolutionary wood finishing

A close-up photo of a French oak dining table with a light, natural finish. The table has a rectangular shape with visible grain patterns. The edges of the table are slightly rounded.

product that penetrates deeply into the wood's pores, forming a durable, natural finish. Unlike traditional oil-based finishes, Rubio Monocoat doesn't sit on the surface of the wood but becomes an integral part of it, enhancing its beauty and protecting it from wear and tear.


By choosing Rubio Monocoat for this project, I demonstrated my commitment to providing the highest quality service. The best results often require the best tools and materials, and Rubio Monocoat's superior performance is a testament to this principle.



While the standard dark oak 2C oil didn't quite match the existing furniture in the room, I was able to achieve a perfect colour match by carefully blending sample colours of citrine and ruby red. This process involved a significant amount of experimentation, but the end result was a finish that seamlessly integrated with the surrounding décor.


The Results: A Stunning Transformation


The results of this project were truly remarkable. The French oak dining table was transformed from a faded and worn piece of furniture into a stunning centerpiece. The Rubio Monocoat finish not only brought out the natural beauty of the wood but also provided a protective layer that will help to preserve the table's appearance for years to come.

A close-up photo of a French oak dining table with a light, natural finish. The table has a rectangular shape with visible grain patterns. The edges of the table are slightly rounded.

Do You Live in Surrey or Sussex? Has Your Table Seen Better Days?


If you live in Surrey or Sussex and your dining table needs a refresh, I'm here to help. Let me bring your beloved piece back to life with a professional restoration.

Would you like a free, no-obligation quote? Contact me now to find out more.

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