I am making a 48″ round kitchen table using red elm for bent lamination legs and a solid top. What finish would you suggest given that the table will be heavily used. I need the most durable finish which is less prone to scratches and will handle dripping water glasses, and repeated wiping. A easily reparable finish would be best. I was thinking of a wipe-on polyurathane finish but wonder if this is the best or you can suggest something better.What brand of whatever finish you suggest is best? I usually wax my furniture but thought I would not wax this piece because of the problem with water–is this correct?
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Replies
AF,
A wipe on poly urethane, although easy to apply, is a very thin coating and overall would not be my first choice.
There are a number of hard varnishes you can consider. One would be Behlens Rock Hard varnish. This varnish brushes and flows out nicely. Another to consider is McCloskey Gym Seal. This is another tough, durable finish. It has a fairly strong yellowish cast to it as opposed to the amber cast of others. This may or may not be a deterrent with you overall plan. Both are easily repaired.
Personally I would skip the wax on this top. If it's going to get lots of wear it would disappear quickly anyways.
Peter
Many thanks for your good ideas. The shape of the legs will make brushing difficult; can the Behlens Rock Hard varnish be thinned and wiped on for the legs?Adam
Adam,
Yes you can thin it very easily.
I don't know if you are aware of the company Schreoder. They make Fine Paints of Europe and Dutch Lac.
If you have a dealer in the area consider buying some of their mineral spirits. It is expensive at around $12 a litre but it is by far superior to any of the gallons you can get at the big boxes. A little goes a long way with it's excellent thinning ability.
Just remember by turning it into a wiping varnish you lessen the resin content. You just might need to add another coat or two to get the build you want.
Have fun finishing it.
Peter
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