To refinish a table with interior film, clean and lightly sand the surface, measure and cut the film with extra on every side, then peel and squeegee it on from the center outward. Trim the edges and press them down firmly. Most tables take an afternoon. Wood grain films give a fresh timber look, marble films like Cremano Arabescato suit coffee tables, and a sample pack lets you check the color in your own room before you buy.
A worn, scratched or outdated table does not need replacing. Interior film wraps straight over the existing surface, so you get a new look without stripping, staining or repainting. It is quick, tidy and easy to change later. This guide covers what you need, how to choose a finish, how to prepare the table, and every step of the wrap.
What you need
You need very little to get started. Gather these before you begin:
- Interior film, cut to the table size plus a few extra inches
- A squeegee and a sharp knife or blade
- A heat gun or hair dryer
- Measuring tape and a clean cloth
- Fine sandpaper and filler for any dents
The wrapping tools range has the squeegee and cutting tools in one place.
Choose your finish
Pick the look first, then check it suits how the table is used.
| Finish | Look | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Wood grain | Natural timber | Dining tables, desks |
| Marble (Cremano Arabescato, Nero Marquina) | Veined stone | Coffee tables, side tables |
| Stone (Grigio Pietra) | Calm, mottled grey | Modern, neutral rooms |
| Terrazzo (Terrazzo Micro) | Fine speckle | Small tables, bedside tables |
Best for: smooth, sound tables in laminate, MDF or veneer.
Wood grain is the safest choice for dining tables and desks because it looks natural in almost any room. Marble suits coffee and side tables where you want a statement. Stone is calm and neutral, and Terrazzo Micro works well on small tables because the fine speckle will not overwhelm the surface. See every option in the stone and marble range.
Which tables work best
Film grips best on smooth, sound surfaces, so laminate, MDF and veneer tops are ideal. Painted wood works too if the paint is firmly stuck down.
Rough, cracked or water-damaged tops need repair first, or the flaws will show through the film. Tables with deep carving or a very rough texture are harder to wrap, so a flat top is the easiest place to start.
Prepare the table
Preparation decides how good the finish looks, so do not rush it.
- Clean. Remove dust, grease and old polish with a damp cloth, then dry the surface fully.
- Sand. Lightly sand glossy or rough areas so the surface is even.
- Fill. Fill chips and dents with filler and sand them smooth, because film will show them.
- Wipe again. Remove all sanding dust before you start.
Step-by-step: refinish your table
Work in a clean, well-lit space and take your time.
- Measure. Measure the tabletop length and width. Add about 2 inches (5 cm) on every side.
- Cut. Cut the film to size on a flat surface with a sharp blade.
- Position. Peel back a small section of the backing and line the film up with one edge of the table.
- Squeegee. Press the film down with the squeegee, working from the center outward. Peel the backing away as you go to keep the film flat and push air out.
- Fix bubbles. If you see a bubble, lift the film gently and press it down again. For stubborn ones, follow the guide on fixing bubbles and peeling.
- Wrap the edges. Warm the film with a heat gun on a low setting and fold it over the edge. Heat makes the film softer and easier to shape around corners.
- Trim. Cut away the extra film with a sharp blade, keeping the edge neat.
- Seal. Press all the edges down firmly so nothing lifts.
Care and tips
- Heat. The film resists heat to about 167°F, so use a coaster or trivet for hot mugs and dishes.
- Water. The surface is water-resistant, so spills wipe away. Dry any standing water near the edges.
- Cleaning. Wipe with a damp cloth. Non-porous film does not soak up stains.
- Scratches. Use a placemat or board under anything sharp.
- Changing your mind. Applied correctly, the film lifts away with little or no residue, so you can update the look again later.
Common questions
Can I use interior film on any table?
Do I need to sand the table first?
Can I put hot items on a film table?
How long does it take?
Can I remove it later?
Ready to give your table a new look?
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