Replies

1. 
   roqqytop | Dec 09, 2008 04:48am | #1

   6-10 coats of varnish should do.
   probably have over 10 on the walnut mission table I finished right before thanksgiving

1. 
   DougGF | Dec 09, 2008 05:15pm | #2

   Thanks for the response. Was this wiped, brushed or sprayed. What brand did you use. Doug

   Edited 12/9/2008 9:15 am ET by DougGF

1. 
   roqqytop | Dec 10, 2008 02:59am | #6

   Brushed & wiped.
   Rock hard brushed.
   Min-wax High Build for the last 5-6 coats, with the first 2 brushed.
   I found that wet sanding with mineral spirits works best for me at leveling.

   Edited 12/9/2008 7:00 pm ET by roqqytop

2. 
   doorboy | Dec 09, 2008 05:36pm | #3

   Check this page for some good information: http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/pages/w00060_sb2.asp

   On my dining table, I went with a wipe-on poly over a true tung oil.
   I think heat resistance is important on a table top because of hot dishes and pans. Also, water resistance, chemical resistance could be important for the occasional spill.
   I have been very pleased with the look of my table top finish.
   Good luck.

   Hook'em Horns!
1. 
   DougGF | Dec 09, 2008 06:05pm | #4

   Thanks. I'll give the article a review.Doug

2. 
   SteveSchoene | Dec 09, 2008 06:21pm | #5

   A non-poly varnish, with either alkyd or phenolic resin will be tough enough.  Use a soya/alkyd for light toned wood, and a tung/phenolic varnish for medium to darker woods.   The table notwithstanding the most important performance difference between retail single part polyurethane varnish and the traditional resin varnishes is abrasion resistance, and unless you wear shoes when you climb on the table that's not much relevant for even a kitchen table. 

   Soya/alkyd--varnishes include McCloskey Heirloom (if still on shelves), Cabot Varnish (8000 series, not the Polyurethane) and Formby's Tung Oil Finish (if you can stomach the marketing, and the high price since it is mostly available in  small quantities.)

   Tung/Phenolic include Waterlox Gloss and Satin, and Behlen Rockhard.