Sand off the current finish---a hand sanding block will do well.

Once the sufaces are to your liking, wipe all the dust off with a clean cotton rag---so as not to leave lint---wetted with water.

Then use a good paint brush, Purdy is the brand I use---HD/Lowes/etc have them-----with manmade bristles and apply two to three coats of water based satin polyurethane.

You can also use varnish, but most varnishes are still oil based and have an odor when curing.

Nicks are easier to repair in a varnish finish, but the poly will resist damage a bit better.

HandyMac,

Thanks very much for that advice! I've never attempted a project like this, but it sounds like something I can do, since I won't need power tools.

Sue

I would not wipe it with a rag soaked in water, That will only raise the grain which you will then have to sand again. Use a tack cloth, you can purchase one at your favorite Box store, Paint store etc. Then finish the top.

Um, I recommended a rag just wetted---barely damp---which will not raise the grain. I no longer use tack cloths---too many of them left residue and casued fisheye in the finish.

A lintless rag dampened with the thinner for the finish removes the dust and leaves no residue.

Tom, thanks for the advice.

HandyMac, you mentioned "thinner" in your last post. What kind of thinner should I get? I'm a total novice, and I don't want to get the wrong thing.

Also, I'm wondering about the satin polyurethane. Won't that give a shiny appearance? Is there a less shiny alternative?

Thanks,

Sue

Paint thinner is used for varnish and other oil based finishes.

Satin is not shiny like gloss----but is not dull like matte finishes. Try the satin on a scrap---if you want a duller finish, you can buy additives---paint stores usually have them----which will dull the finish.

I really appreciate all the advice. Thanks!

Sue