I have just completed the construction of a dining room table. It’s a 6′ mahogany pedestal table with two leaves that extend it to 9′ using a system of sliding wood rails. I have never made large tables before and I was wondering what is considered best practice for finishing the underside of a table. The top will go through several phases: stain, shellac, filler, gel stain and wipe-on poly. Thank you for your help.
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Replies
Clouts,
My opinion only; I would finish the bottom in the same manner as the top. I think that it equalizes the effects of the absorption and release of moisture, resulting in less troublesome wood movement. Remember, mood movement, of solid wood, is inevitable. You do not have to take the same pains achieving a flawless finish on the bottom, but, it would be nice.
Bob, Tupper Lake, NY
Same steps as the top but you can skip the stain and filler.
DR
Thanks DR and Bob
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