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. This is another product that aims to combine the qualities of a water-based finish and an oil-based finish. getting an old dining room table ready to paint. 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. There is something oddly satisfying about finding the right furniture that exactly fits our need, good to hear that you found one. Get the Miniwax polyurethane at Walmart, Ace Hardware, and Sears. Im looking forward to you thoughts and directions. Use a wide soft brush Also, I will not be able to take the table outside for ventilation. This is a high-end clear coat that is intended for durability rather than beauty so it would be a good choice for high traffic surface of kitchen table. The oil-based poly will take longer to dry, but itll last twice as long; also, its cheaper than the water-based product. For a kitchen table, this might be ideal. In fact, it is tied for the title of most expensive paint (with the ECOS paint, to be exact). As the name of this product implies, it is meant for the finer projects. Apply 3-4 coats evenly applied. no one mentions that in the DIY articles! WoodImprove.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, as well as to other websites that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. It remains very visible and dries very hard like a water-based poly product. Whatever method you choose, the application of a polyurethane layer should always be the last thing you do to the table. We also wanted a natural looking finish but given we have children Im assuming well need more of a varnish as itll need to be hard wearing. General Finishes Arm-R-Seal Oil Based Topcoat, Varathane 200061H Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane, Minwax Water Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane. It might take a bit of time to get the hang of the application process, but once you do, the end result looks near-professional. This means that they have intense smells. Not far enough reading your article so need to get into this. The high hardness means that the table will look like it has just been varnished for a long time. I just bought a small table that suits my needs exactly as it is, with factory satin finish. Once dry, they can protect against all kinds of spills as well as take a reasonable amount of heat. Get the Miniwax wipe-on polyurethane on Amazon and at Walmart. Thanks. For your application I would recommend this finish by Minwax. The finish is resistant to water, alcohol, and most solvents. If using oil-based products, the brushes must be cleaned with solvents. If you apply it according to the directions, it can last for many years before it needs to be reapplied. What would you recommend? They also add a lot of moisture resistance to a wooden table, since oil and wax are hydrophobic. Many wood finishes are made with strong chemicals. By doing your research and choosing the product thats right for your skill level and project, you can achieve a beautiful finish. I am having the Amish build a Walnut trestle table and chairs for my new beach house. It is not necessary to cover the gray paint with a coating because the base and legs do not have as much load as the countertop. Drying time takes about 12 hours, and several coats may be required to develop a protective sheen. In fact, you need to wait at least 14 hours between coats. 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. Mostly watercolor. I cherish that square! Follow the manufacturers instructions. This means that the GF coating is almost certainly suitable for outdoor use, even if the label does not specify as much. Saving time seems to be one of the main priorities in the design of this coating. How about Butcher block Watco? This is because of the oil in the product. However, this kind of thing isnt a big concern for normal and healthy individuals. I chalk painted this table once already and finished using water based minwax polycrylic protective finish and, after a year, it really didnt hold up well. Wax finishes take time to build up and arent as tough as polyurethane. Oil finishes can take several days to fully cure. How many coats of each? Start with a larger sandpaper at the beginning to remove the old varnish and gradually use a finer one (P150 P220 P320 ..). Something to level the surface and fill in highs and lows, then a hard sealer. For a table, a good top-coating is even more essential because this surface will need to hold up against spills and other accidents. A waxed finish brings a natural beauty and warmth to furniture, has a pleasant feel, and smells good. Some varnishes and paints get a good end result with a brush. Tung oil has been used to preserve wood for several thousand years; however, lower-quality products often contain additives and solvents. The oil penetrates the surface of your wood, creating a water-resistant finish. What do you suggest? 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? Should I wipe it in or use a foam brush and I am looking to apply 4 coats with sanding between coats. For a strong coating that does not turn yellow, you can use water-based varnish for floors like this by Rust-Oleum as well. Most flow well when brushed on and leave few, if any, marks. If so, you might want to go for a finish that wipes on that way, you dont need to worry about making mistakes. I have since painted the remaining squares. For some projects, this isnt a big deal. Any chips or scratches are more obvious than in wood treated with oils and waxes, which soak into the grain. I think it will work for you. My goal is to have a table that can withstand teenagers, pets and absent minded husbands. When you have a smooth solid and flat base you will get a smooth finish without channels. 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. The whole purpose of a wood sealer is to penetrate the wood and provide deep protection. Application is easy: Simply rub it in with a soft cloth, then buff it to an attractive sheen. One of the big benefits of Minwax Wipe-On Poly is its drying time. Thanks! 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. Hello Aline. Thank you for your time, When youre refinishing a wood kitchen table, the finish you choose matters. If dust or dirt is in the air during this time, it can settle into the damp surface and ruin the finish. Its hard to say. Antique furniture and other fine-quality wood surfaces are the main areas in which this product will be useful. However, care is required to produce an even finish, so using it is not as fast as brush-on products. Finished surfaces are protected from water, alcohol, and vegetable and fruit acids. After drying, you can sand with fine sandpaper if there are irregularities. This feature is very important for a coating that is meant to be applied three times thicker than most other coatings of this type. I would also urge you to make sure that you wait for the recommended amount of time between coats. I would greatly appreciate your suggestion! Also, I can say that this is a fast-drying product, which also saves time. To get rid of highs and lows thoroughly sand the surface of the table with sandpaper or sander. Curing time varies widely. It cures in just 2 hours with multiple application types and finishes for your wooden table. However, since your kitchen table is a heavy-use piece of furniture, youll probably actually need four or five coats for durability. Generally, the painted surface must be cleaned and abraded. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Can I use a water based top coat/sealer over an oil based stain? If you decide to use a topcoat, I would recommend this polycrylic topcoat by Minwax on Amazon. I have stripped and sanded the table and now ready to complete with a protective coating of ?! I bought an espresso colored table from a retailer. Thank you, William, for this very helpful and detailed explanation of each product! It can be recoated in 4 to 6 hours. While many options require multiple applications, many of these top picks fully cure in 2 to 24 hours and last for years between applications. The builder uses linseed oil and Im concerned about him using it. ft.) butcher block countertop i turned into a table. Its one of the most trusted brands on the market of wood finishes. Like all oil-based finishes, this coating produces a soft surface that is relatively easy to dent or chip. Sand between the layers with grid P 320-400. I would love it to have kind of a factory finish or as smooth as I could get it. Only one out of ten reviewers seem to be unhappy. 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 purchased the table in the late 1970s. I tried going with the mineral oil and beeswax and it still picks up stains (though liquids do tend to clean up easily). I was just planning on opening doors and windows and use fans to ventilate. By Bob Beacham | Updated May 13, 2022 11:37 AM. Unfortunately, I cant say definitely if some of the finishes listed will solve the problem since every furniture made using different technologies, finishes, wood, etc. I was thinking of sanding and then applying stain then polyurethane. Thanks!! Its for a mildly high traffic dining table (no kids, sit down dinners a few times a week, occasional sewing table), but I still want it to be pretty resilient. In general, wood finishes can be classified as eitherclear-coatsorstains. Because high-gloss versions can look a little like plastic, satin is a popular alternative. Synthetic oils were added during manufacturing to accelerate drying, though it still takes around 4 hours between coats. I have an old oak table that I have put a weathered wood stain/white wash on it. Hi Phil, first it is good to apply a detergent to remove old coatings like this one by Dumond. From there, you just have to wait until the sealer dries. Arm-R-Seal Oil Based Topcoat is a tough, long-lasting wood finish that comes in a can with a pry-off lid. As long as you apply thin coats, the finish dries quickly. There are many reasons to do this, but most of it comes down to durability. Sealers do not usually require a second coat, but you can go ahead and do one if you want to be extra thorough. General Finishes SGQT Arm-R-Seal Urethane Topcoat Great Finish for Kitchen Table Top, 2. Then apply another coat of paint. After choosing the color of the stain, first, apply to a small area on the underside of the countertop or elsewhere where it is not too visible. However, the cost goes down significantly if you buy this paint by the gallon instead of the quart. Choose an option that will be more convenient for you or you have more experience. I want the surface to be flat, and durable. There are other water-based topcoats but they cant withstand traffic as good as oil-based ones. This product is extremely forgiving, so its easy to achieve a beautiful end result. This guide discusses the different types of products available and their individual characteristics to help DIY enthusiasts and novices find the best finish for a wood kitchen table. After reading all your advice on the subject, I dont know if I made the best choice. In general, water-based finishes tend to be less potent; they might be the right choice when you have limited air circulation. Minwax oil-modified polyurethane finish is available as gloss, semi-gloss, or satin. I Used Minwax fast dry polyurethane to finish it, and did four coats. It is 9 ft. The formula dries hard, so it can help resist scratches and nicks. I have sanded, primered and painted. If not, your wood sealer and/or polyurethane top-coat should bring out the grain very nicely without changing the natural appearance in any major way. Now, I need to seal it before putting it to use. Important considerations include the type of finish, its durability, ease of application, odor, and curing time. Its relatively easy to remove the drips, though you need to do it right away to prevent drying. I've started this blog to assist other wood enthusiasts with their projects, gather recommended products and answer direct questions. Howards Food-Grade Wax is safe in all food contact areas, including butcher block surfaces. Since youre refinishing a kitchen table that gets heavy daily use, durability matters. Hi Rachel, Im glad I was useful to you. I was thinking of going with a white lacquer spray from Rustoleum, (Im using spray paint primer and rustoleum 2x paint + primer too to avoid brush/roll marks) but Id say durability and scratch resistance would be the most important, without yellowing. Howards Food-Grade Wax combines carnuba for hardness with beeswax and natural mineral oils for nourishment and a pleasant aroma. Arm-R-Seal Urethane Topcoat is a long-lasting durable finish that will keep the beauty of your table for years. As youre using this, be prepared it has an extremely strong smell. Its odor isnt as strong as oil-based polyurethanes, although good ventilation is still necessary. I would recommend any varnish to help protect your table from heat such as spar varnish. Any thoughts would be much appreciated!! I was thinking i should seal and stain what is the process since Ive muddied it up with all the oil and wax? The ECOS semi-gloss varnish is another water-based coating, and this one is meant for the environmental purist. This product gets very good reviews overall. This way you will remove the old varnish with relatively little effort without having to throw away a bunch of sandpaper. Judge according to your own preferences. Get the Varathane polyurethane at Amazon, The Home Depot, and Walmart. You can use both a wipe and a foam brush. There are plenty of goodoilandwax-based products on the market, and you can certainly use these products to finish a wooden table. Ive sanded down the top, removed dust with mineral spirits and am considering doing just a clear coat to finish it. The table is divided into 15 separate squares and each square is painted differently. While its relatively low odor, adequate ventilation is still important. She said she put on a few coats of polyurethane (not sure which kind) but after a month of standard use and wiping with a damp cloth, its clear the top coat failed because paint started coming off. It is also combustible and toxic while liquid, though food-safe when dry. There are all kinds of wood sealer products on the market, but they all do more or less the same thing. Im looking to refinish my wooden dining table. Most tasks for which a table is used can be done better with a perfectly smooth surface. Ive been using a beeswax polish on my table which hasnt been standing up to the daily wear and tear. Shelley . If the table has any traces of a previous finish, those will also have to go. They say that it will amber slightly, so at least they are honest about this flaw. At the same time, it does a very good job of resisting scuffs and impact. Instead, it produces a hardened surface that can withstand most conditions for a long period. Do I need to strip off the beeswax layer before applying the new finish? Though its important to follow the manufacturers instructions carefully, properly finishing a kitchen table generally requires two to four coats of varnish. Then you can cover with top oil-based varnish as number one in the list. Minwax Fast Drying Polyurethane Clear Finish Worthy Versatile Finish, 3. Copyright 2022 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. For high traffic surfaces such as a dining table I would recommend using polyurethane. Mike. In other words, the self-leveling feature probably doesnt work as well as advertised. Cleanup is another consideration. Varnish and oil-based poly finishes are the most durable. Otherwise, your bottom coats will never fully dry and may remain cloudy. Its not recommended for use over paint because of the tendency to yellow upon drying. The previous section provides valuable information to help users understand the key characteristics of the best finish for kitchen tables. Thanks for the article. After all, you probably use the table every day, which means that the finish needs to be durable. They are certified as being totally safe for the environment. Go for General Finishes Urethane Topcoat, its easy to use and very durable. Although there are many good reviews for this product, the negative reviews are pretty consistent. It doesnt produce a soft layer that feels like plastic. I dislike the tacky feeling as this finish has aged, and we are ready to refinish again, so looking for advice. HOPES tung oil is a 100 percent pure, natural product. I can say that this hybrid actually achieves its purpose. I am refinishing a kitchen table. Behlen Rockhard Table Top Urethane Varnish Satin Great for Busy Kitchens. You can choose from a wide range of finish options, each one with different advantages and disadvantages. We just did Dutch pour painting on our heavily used kitchen table. Usually, theyre best when paired with another finish, such as dye. Regarding both varnishes, both are good choices and will do an excellent job. Try to work in a dusted and vacuumed area that can be closed off afterward. This will provide the desired level of smoothness while also giving the most long-lasting finish. Yes, oil-based polyurethane is the way to go if your table is used daily. I plan to have the finish dipped as to remove all old ain and varnish, sand w. 400 grit and finish. Advice: Thank you. It also can be used to spruce up brass, copper, marble, and a variety of other materials. You may use polyurethane as a topcoat. This maybe asking the impossible but any advice would be really appreciated. The oil content also means that the finish takes a long time to cure. Dry time is at least two hours, so plan on taking a little bit longer with this one. If I got this right, durability is your main concern. The application method and the type of finish each product provides differ, making choosing the right product confusing. Top Pick The Best Finish for Your Kitchen Table. Choosing the best finish for your wooden kitchen table is an important decision. Softwoods, such as pine, have a much more open grain than a hardwood like oak. I have walnut in my kitchen so would like the table top to reflect this, any recommendations on stain and top coat? Then do two more coats at 75% polyurethane and 25% mineral spirits. Rust-Oleum Oil Polyurethane Satin Finish Ideal for Highlighting Wood Grain, 4. Im really struggling and hope that you can help. Hi William, On the negative side, this is a very expensive finish. Although this product is billed as clear, it actually adds a golden glow to the wood. The leveling problems can probably be dealt with by using a slightly thinner coat. Any recommendation are greatly appreciated! It may be a bad polyurethane sample (I used 3x extra think and there wasnt such a problem), not following instructions and improper sanding too (in my opinion sanding is a must even if a manufacturer says that it may be omitted). Its only about 1.25 to 1.5 thick not sure how much i can afford to take off. Hi- I recently purchased an old shabby chic oak table from a local woman who redoes furniture and paints them a grey-washed color. Sorry for my late reply. It looks far better than a water-based finish, being completely free from the dull and plasticized appearance that polyurethane can sometimes have (especially when it gets old). Purchase it in a variety of sizes, from pint to 1 gallon. I recommend this Rust-Oleum finish, particularly if youre finishing a table with a prominent grain. Since this varnish is clear the wood should still look natural with no gloss. Lightly sand between each coat when dry, using 220-grit sandpaper. For those with breathing problems and similar health conditions, finish like this would be very handy. I want to apply a high gloss clear coat Oil base polyurethane on It. If necessary, you can fill some gaps with filler and sand the filler; this article may be useful to you. Alternatively, the Minwax polyurethane finish is a budget-friendly option that comes with ample quantity for multiple applications or large surface areas. You can just hang the item from a wire and give the whole thing a nice, even spray. If you want to make things easier, you can just get a can of spray-on polyurethane. Polyurethanes dry comparatively quickly, but it still can take several hours. What Is The Best Finish For A Wood Table? Polyurethanes can do that since they create a protecting layer on the surface of the wood. This is actually the most expensive type of finish on our list for those who are buying in bulk. Polyurethane varnish is the quickest and easiest way to finish a kitchen table. Oil-based varnish will adhere better to the old varnish (it is the table legs) than water-based varnish. 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. Welcome! 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. Minwax Fast Drying Finish can be used on both finished and unfinished wood, making it a convenient option when youre not sure if youll apply a primary finish. Hi thank you for taking my question. They also protect the wood, making them ideal for kitchen use. My name is William Stewart, I'm the proud founder and editor of WoodImprove.com. This means that it produces a slicker, shinier look, and also preserves the grain of wood surfaces by soaking in (to a certain extent). Without water, none of these things can occur, and most finishes will block it very well. Its another oil-based Rust-Oleum polyurethane. Kind of farm house style. Some have even reported ruining entire pieces of furniture with this coating. 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. If you have the patience, however, this Minwax product creates a beautiful finished result. ), and I want to use it in my kitchen. When it arrives, I plan to put a clear coat on it before we use it. Uncoated wood wont last as long as wood that has been treated with a good surface finish. After all that work, I want it to last forever. This means fewer coats per project, and thus less time spent. My thought is to stain with a oil based stain then apply either Cabot Oil based poly satin or Behlen Rockhard urethane satin as a top coat. Id like to put a more durable finish on the table but am not sure how to proceed. Hello Urethane- and polyurethane-based products are the toughest finishes for a kitchen table. You need to try harder but in the end, you will have a wonderful result. This polyurethane top-coat provides the first line of defense against damage, so you dont have much choice there. Yes. The most common method isto brush it on with a paintbrush. Hi William Dont tell me you dont know of General Finishes. A few things you need to know about a great finish: If youre looking to finish a kitchen table that gets regular use, this Rust-Oleum product can be a great choice. Each product has advantages and disadvantages and we choose them according to what advantages we want and what disadvantages we can accept. Can I Use Oil Or Wax To Finish A Wood Table? Hello- Thank you SO much for taking the time to write this article. I feel sorry for your mom. If youre looking for the best finish for kitchen table use, consider some specific factors, particularly food safety. Minwax Wipe-On Polyurethane delivers the appearance of a hand-rubbed finishusually associated with waxes or oilsbut with the toughness of polyurethane. I must note that you have gathered a lot of useful information and you have orientated yourself well. It usually takes time and energy but the result is really good. Get the Wood Welded wood finish on Amazon. A good finish, whether a clear-coat or a stain, gives you a chance to lock out moisture and remove the risk of rot, mold, or mildew. The removal of the old coating can be done with a sandpaper machine with sandpaper P120 P150 P240 in this order. This is a kitchen table I hope wont show water marks from glasses or food spills. However Id like to add a clear smooth coat of something that will protect it from scratching a bit more than the factory finish. It can be applied with a natural bristle brush, a lambswool applicator, or a foam brush. This tends to be a little more expensive, but its an ideal choice for small tasks. Sealing depends on the product. In fact, some people have complained that this product is too hard to remove, but I think that is a good thing. As a first step, decide if you want to alter the natural look of the wood.