Some oil finishes, such as linseed oil, which is often used on wood furniture, can combust spontaneously, so pay close attention to any manufacturer warnings. Keep in mind that when the varnish is applied it really looks smoother and denser but after the solvents evaporate the layer becomes a little thinner and the varnish accepts the unevenness of the wood. I placed a hot dish on my wood kitchen table and now there is a white stain that wont come off. When youre refinishing a wood kitchen table, the finish you choose matters. Start with a larger sandpaper at the beginning to remove the old varnish and gradually use a finer one (P150 P220 P320 ..). General Finishes Arm-R-Seal is a urethane resin that can be wiped on with a cloth or applied with a foam brush to leave a professional finish. Keep reading to find some of the most commonly asked questions about finishes along with their answers. Cleanup is another consideration. Hello- Thank you SO much for taking the time to write this article. There are other water-based topcoats but they cant withstand traffic as good as oil-based ones. Hi thank you for taking my question. Using a paintbrush, transfer the sealer to the cleaned surface with nice, long strokes. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. no one mentions that in the DIY articles! As I already mentioned, this finish is meant to be applied in thick coats. Unlike some finishes, this one doesnt hide the grain of the wood. If using oil-based products, the brushes must be cleaned with solvents. If you want to make things easier, you can just get a can of spray-on polyurethane. Hi.. How about Butcher block Watco? This is completely normal, but its a good idea to work in a well-ventilated area. Synthetic oils were added during manufacturing to accelerate drying, though it still takes around 4 hours between coats. If you like a warmer look to your wood, this could be a great choice for you. Varathanes water-based polyurethane can be touch dry in as little as 30 minutes and is ready for a second coat after 2 hours. HOPES tung oil is an excellent finish for bare hardwoods, but patience is required. Waxes and oils are usually applied with a cloth or brush. Any chips or scratches are more obvious than in wood treated with oils and waxes, which soak into the grain. Spar varnish helps to protect the wood from water and UV radiation which means hot cups shouldnt leave a mark. Any thoughts would be much appreciated!! Antique furniture and other fine-quality wood surfaces are the main areas in which this product will be useful. William At the same time, it does a very good job of resisting scuffs and impact. Both of those options require more skill, so theyre not ideal for beginners. Wax finishes build up a rich patina but can trap dirt if not cleaned and reapplied regularlya significant factor for kitchen tables that will be used for food prep. I purchased a quart of General Finishes Oil Based Arm-R-Seal in satin. Multiple wood finishes and quantities are offered for select finishes like satin and semi-gloss, with options that are suitable for untreated and softwood tables and materials. ECOS varnish will dry to the touch within 30-45 minutes and can be sanded or painted in 2 hours. If so, you will want to use a stain of some sort, and you might also choose an oil-based finish to darken the wood while giving it a rich shine. getting an old dining room table ready to paint. If your kitchen table gets a medium level of activity, this could be a good option. I have a largeish (about 20 sq. I applied minwax pre stain and apply minwax stain (2) coats. In my experience, the product falls short in this regard. Some have even reported ruining entire pieces of furniture with this coating. However, this kind of thing isnt a big concern for normal and healthy individuals. In fact, the manufacturer specifically states that you should not use this product for floors. Keep in mind that this Waterlox option cant be used alone youll also need to apply the Waterlox sealer, or a sealer from another brand. If you prefer to spray-finish your wooden table, check the manufacturers instructions; not all wood finishes are compatible with a spray gun. If youre a more advanced woodworker, you can opt for spray-on finishes or brush-on finishes. The previous section provides valuable information to help users understand the key characteristics of the best finish for kitchen tables. If we had to pick one option as the best, I would recommend an oil-based polyurethane product. In general, wood finishes can be classified as eitherclear-coatsorstains. I want the surface to be flat, and durable. Polyurethanes can do that since they create a protecting layer on the surface of the wood. This Varathane is also advertised as being made with a self-leveling formula. While many options require multiple applications, many of these top picks fully cure in 2 to 24 hours and last for years between applications. Do I need to strip off the beeswax layer before applying the new finish? Otherwise, your bottom coats will never fully dry and may remain cloudy. In addition to some form of respiratory protection, wear goggles or safety glasses and painters gloves. Old Masters Gel Polyurethane The Choice For The Finest Surfaces, 8. Do you think this is An issue of the kind of paint she used or lack of proper sanding with top coat? Valspar Cabot Interior Oil-Based Polyurethane An Expensive Wonder, 10. The drawback to this Minwax finish is the number of coats you need. Water-based kitchen table finishes dont pose the same risk, and cleanup requires only dish soap and water. Old Masters does seem to be very effective for its admittedly niche purpose. In other words, the self-leveling feature probably doesnt work as well as advertised. This product gets very good reviews overall. Im in the process of making an Ash topped kitchen table using virgin wood so no previous coatings or treatments. The warm tone of the finish shows off the intricacies of each piece of wood in your table. While its relatively low odor, adequate ventilation is still important. Hi William, Sorry for my late reply. I want a high shine/gloss and excellent durability. Most tasks for which a table is used can be done better with a perfectly smooth surface. For maximum protection, three coats are required. Havent met such a problem with polyurethanes (most products on the list are polyurethanes). Hello! My Mom was diagnosed with Alzheimers 2 years ago. It gives a rich, dark, and shiny finish, it provides maximum durability and doesnt hide the grain of the wood. What do you suggest? You have done 90% of the dirty work and now you have a little more work left to get the result you want For your application I would recommend this finish by Minwax. Whats more, since the table comes into contact with food especially if you have little ones it needs to be safe for a kitchen when it cures. Not only that, but there are obvious advantages when it comes to the beauty of the wood. Minwax recommends two or three coats. I know that direct sunlight overtime on polyurethane will break down and weaken its protection. Shelley . To avoid a milky discoloration, a varnish must be applied correctly. And, thanks again for sharing your talent and knowledge with us! Its one of the most trusted brands on the market of wood finishes. In fact, it is tied for the title of most expensive paint (with the ECOS paint, to be exact). Even using something like linseed oil will do the trick. I think that if you sand the old coating evenly and then apply 4 coats you will get an excellent finish. They are certified as being totally safe for the environment. Usually, the legs of the table are not so affected and can only be scratched with P240 sandpaper and then varnished with one or two coats. Ive been using a beeswax polish on my table which hasnt been standing up to the daily wear and tear. Thank you, William, for this very helpful and detailed explanation of each product! While searching for the best finishes for wood tables, the most popular types among users were the urethane, polyurethane, wax, and wipe-on options with their easy to moderate application and quick drying times. While its odor is not as strong as some other products, it should be applied in a well-ventilated area. Hardwood floors are beautiful to look at and walk on, but they are prone to scratching. do i sand down some and then seal and topcoat? i like the idea of the satin finish but i still need it to withstand food, hot casseroles from the oven (on a trivet of course) and toddlers, what do you think the best options are? I was thinking i should seal and stain what is the process since Ive muddied it up with all the oil and wax? HI, I just finished weeks of using chemical strippers, sanding, scraping, crying, etc. can you advise me how best to do this. For high traffic surfaces such as a dining table I would recommend using polyurethane. I would recommend any varnish to help protect your table from heat such as spar varnish. Hi- I have refinished our kitchen table once already, about 5-6 years ago. That paint should work on the oak dining room table. To apply it, simply pour it onto a cloth and wipe it onto the wood kitchen table. Thanks in advance! Apply the finish with a synthetic brush, foam pad, or lambswool applicator. thank you for your great article! Vacuum and clean the area with a painters tack cloth to be sure all dust is removed. Tung oil has been used to preserve wood for several thousand years; however, lower-quality products often contain additives and solvents. It would allow a person who suffers from asthma (for instance) to complete their project without having to risk their life by using something that gives off harsh fumes. In general, water-based finishes tend to be less potent; they might be the right choice when you have limited air circulation. Howards Food-Grade Wax is safe in all food contact areas, including butcher block surfaces. I had to wonder how they achieved this effect, but now I can tell one thing right away: this quality comes at a high price. Since I have no experience, Im hoping you can recommend the best sealer for me. This Minwax product has the toughness associated with a traditional oil-based product, but its more eco-friendly and easier to clean up. However, this product does have its practical side as well. Im painting it white, and so I know that limits me with the yellowing oil based products out there, but Id love it to be really durable and smooth too. If you go this route, I would recommend a soft foam brush, as it is less likely to leave streaks and other unsightly marks. I can say that this hybrid actually achieves its purpose. What brand would you recommend? It is possible to give a slightly yellowish tint and a few days after varnishing to have an unpleasant odor, but you will have a strong coating suitable for the kitchen table. Some background about this table and why its so important for me to finish it correctly. Its easy to apply, but its not durable enough for a heavy-use kitchen table. This means that the GF coating is almost certainly suitable for outdoor use, even if the label does not specify as much. For the best protection for your kitchen table, I would suggest using a spar varnish or spar urethane. Hi William Though its important to follow the manufacturers instructions carefully, properly finishing a kitchen table generally requires two to four coats of varnish. In the same way surface preparation is key to getting a great paint job, sanding is the task that, when completed properly, transforms your woodworking project into something truly special. Also I am going to paint the base and legs in a light grey, do I need to put a top coat on this? The next step is to get out your sealer. Always consider safety when applying any finish. You can just hang the item from a wire and give the whole thing a nice, even spray. Id like to put a more durable finish on the table but am not sure how to proceed. It also can be used to spruce up brass, copper, marble, and a variety of other materials. However Id like to add a clear smooth coat of something that will protect it from scratching a bit more than the factory finish. I am sure that you will make the table beautiful and it will make you happy for a long time. This ultra-tackiness also seems to negate the self-leveling feature that is advertised, as brush strokes can easily be left on its surface. I want to now add more myselfcan you recommend d which one would be best in your opinion? Ventilation is especially important if youre using a spray-on finish. The all-natural formula also means that you can easily clean up any spills with soap and water. Taught me more then the rest of the internet, no lie! It can be applied with a natural bristle brush, a lambswool applicator, or a foam brush. They also protect the wood, making them ideal for kitchen use. The main difference is that a clear-coat does not alter the color of the wood while a stain does. Only one out of ten reviewers seem to be unhappy. Some common types are: Oil finishes add a bit of depth and color to unfinished wood. What do you suggest? This means that it produces a slicker, shinier look, and also preserves the grain of wood surfaces by soaking in (to a certain extent). I bought an espresso colored table from a retailer. Three coats are recommended for maximum protection. Behlen Rockhard Table Top Urethane Varnish Satin Great for Busy Kitchens. It can be recoated in 4 to 6 hours. The application of polyurethane to wood is quite easy, and there are multiple methods. What would you recommend? Yes, you can. I would also urge you to make sure that you wait for the recommended amount of time between coats. Hi Robert. Yes, oil-based polyurethane is the way to go if your table is used daily. I dislike the tacky feeling as this finish has aged, and we are ready to refinish again, so looking for advice. This product is extremely forgiving, so its easy to achieve a beautiful end result. All of these activities take a toll on the finish so, to get the most bang for your buck, its a good idea to pick the most durable finish. After youre finished applying this finish, it needs at least 48 hours to dry completely, assuming the temperature in your workshop is at least 72 degrees. Although this product is billed as clear, it actually adds a golden glow to the wood. It usually takes time and energy but the result is really good. Now what do we put over the art work? Im ok with some color changing over time. Its not recommended for use over paint because of the tendency to yellow upon drying. Butcher block Watco is an oil finish which is better to use on cutting surfaces. Thanks! Any recommendation are greatly appreciated! My goal is to have a table that can withstand teenagers, pets and absent minded husbands. I tried going with the mineral oil and beeswax and it still picks up stains (though liquids do tend to clean up easily). This way you will be sure that the color is correct. HOPES tung oil is a 100 percent pure, natural product. Get the Varathane polyurethane at Amazon, The Home Depot, and Walmart. They require more physical effort, though modern formulations are easier to work with than traditional products. Go for General Finishes Urethane Topcoat, its easy to use and very durable. If I got this right, durability is your main concern. When you choose the right option for your skills and lifestyle, you can get the job done right on the first try. They say that it will amber slightly, so at least they are honest about this flaw. For a reliable wood finish that covers ample surface area and lasts for years on your wooden table, we recommend the General Finishes topcoat. Not recommended for coating over white paint and light colors because it turns yellow. Urethane- and polyurethane-based products are the toughest finishes for a kitchen table. It is 9 ft. For the tabletop, after reaching the wood and finishing with P240 sandpaper, apply one coat of varnish, then remove the unevenness with fine sandpaper P320 and then apply one or two coats of varnish. Its odor isnt as strong as oil-based polyurethanes, although good ventilation is still necessary. She thoroughly enjoyed it and was quite gifted with a brush. If so, this Behlen Rockhard product could be the right choice. You might also drop your keys and bags on the table, use it to prepare food, or use it as an arts and crafts section. In fact, you need to wait at least 14 hours between coats. Available in both gloss or satin finishes, it doesnt suffer the yellowing sometimes associated with oil-based polyurethanes, which means the original color of the wood shows through. This varnish will do a great job, has excellent durability and has a glossy finish. You do need to strip off the beeswax before applying polyurethane. Hello Veejay, you can use this product by Rust-Oleum. Then sand between the layers with sandpaper P 320 400 or a sanding sponge like this one. The oil penetrates the surface of your wood, creating a water-resistant finish. I love this table. Just curious which one would withstand the daily table traffic: Warm plates, dinner pots on trivets, condensation, etc. The color change is small but visible. thank you so much for your advice and sharing with us. Being a kitchen table it needs to withstand spillages, and preferably be resilient to the bottom of a hot cup without leaving a ring. For a kitchen table, this might be ideal. I would recommend using this clear satin spar urethane finish by Minwax on Amazon. Given that the stain is so light, I am a bit afraid to use the oil base finishes that you recommend here because the the yelllowing factor. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Its better not to use polyurethane on top of the wax. Its water based, allowing for easy cleanup. But oils cant protect your wood from scratches and traffic. We researched the most sought-after wood finishes for kitchen tables in their respective categories and discovered that the best options are determined by their type, ease of application, curing time, compatibility with multiple surfaces, and other special features included by top brands. As youre using this, be prepared it has an extremely strong smell. Lightly sand between each coat when dry, using 220-grit sandpaper. It has a clear coat on it but it is beginning to wear off in places. Of course, you do have to make sure that you spray evenly to avoid leaving unsightly globs and drips of excess plastic. How Do You Apply Polyurethane To A Wood Table? Wondering if Sherman Williams Emerald Urethane Enamel Trim paint is durable enough to redo an oak dining room table and would it need a final topcoat? The makers have also refrained from adding any pesticides or antimicrobial substances to the paint, just to make sure that none of these poisonous chemicals are leached into the soil. Sadly, her disease has progressed so rapidly that she can no longer paint (even with my help)and was only able to finish one square. Thanks for the article. It cures in just 2 hours with multiple application types and finishes for your wooden table. What finish have you got on your table currently? Since this is a water-based coating that does not use polyurethane, that claim is not particularly hard to believe. The leveling problems can probably be dealt with by using a slightly thinner coat. Once dry, it normally provides several years of protection. You can get this varnish online or at any hardware store, but if you are to use polyurethane, I would use an oil-based polyurethane because it is more durable. If you decide to use a topcoat, I would recommend this polycrylic topcoat by Minwax on Amazon. I have sanded, primered and painted. This will add a protective layer above the finish of your table and will not alter the aesthetics of the table. Depending on the condition of the surface, light sanding might also be in order. Apply 2 to 3 coats for the best results. Like an oil finish, this product gives a rich and dark shine that instantly makes a piece of wood look classy. If necessary, you can fill some gaps with filler and sand the filler; this article may be useful to you. In case you seek recommended polyurethane for the job, you can use this product by ZAR; It is Smooth, self-leveling, Tough abrasion-resistant finish. Yes, oils and varnishes tend to darken the wood, I dont really think you can do something about it. Get the Arm-R-Seal topcoat at Walmart and Sears. This is an advantage if youre working in a dusty workshop or an outdoor area the faster your finish dries, the less likely it is that dirt, dust, or debris will get trapped in it. Make sure the paint and topcoat are compatible. Then, you can use sandpaper to scuff it gently and apply the next coat. Im looking forward to you thoughts and directions. We recommend it for more advanced woodworkers. Curing time varies widely. I feel sorry for your mom. When you usually wipe, the layer is thinner and dries faster, but you may need to apply more coats. Get the Miniwax wipe-on polyurethane on Amazon and at Walmart. If the finish is penetrative (usually oils and waxes), it can soak in before the required effect is achieved. Then apply another coat of paint. Apply a thick amount This stain by Minwax will do a good job, has a wide variety of colors, and will make a beautiful finish. Your garage should be very clean and you should not do anything until the table dries. Tung oil and linseed oil are relatively durable. The table is divided into 15 separate squares and each square is painted differently. When the label on the can tells you to apply a coating three times thicker than you normally would, it is easy for people to go too far. This is definitely not the choice for a big project unless you have very deep pockets and are willing to shell out some serious bucks. Softwoods, such as pine, have a much more open grain than a hardwood like oak. If you want a darker shade, apply another layer of the stain and when you achieve the desired result, apply a transparent varnish to protect the tabletop. Is it possible to put a new coat over what is on there now? Caroline. The color change appears due to chemical reactions. This is another product that aims to combine the qualities of a water-based finish and an oil-based finish. There should be so much varnish that almost drips on the edge of the table (but not to flow) This is not a case in which one choice will be perfect for everyone. However, if you have the patience, you can achieve a long-lasting finish.