Work In Progress - Coffee Table Makeover

At the garage sale I almost bought out single-handedly, I scored this coffee table for $4. The table top is pretty ravaged -- lots of wax drippings from red and white candles, scratches, embedded glitter...

But it's a solid wood, vintage piece with some nice detailing. It has so much potential. My plan is to sand down the top and stain it a nice dark wood shade (the water-based stain I got is "American Walnut).

The weather is GORGEOUS right now. I think it's close to 90 degrees and I have several windows open. If this spectacular sunshine lasts through the weekend, I won't be going near the coffee table, but if typical Seattle weather rears its gray head, I'll be sanding and staining away.