I am going to be making a small table for my wife's parents to put into the house we are building for them on my property. The wood hasn't been decided yet but I will hopefully get that ironed out this weekend. Most likely oak, pecan, maple, walnut, cherry or some kind of combination of those but no stains. My question is finish, it needs to be lasting and durable while possible to patch/repair as needed. This is a project I will be taking great care on as my in-laws don't have a table, they are planning on using an outdoor set when they get here. They don't know I am doing this so it will be a surprise with their new home which they should move into this May.
You guys here in the forum are more knowledgeable than me in this so please advise on what could work "best" for this project. While I value your input and knowledge, try to put everything in simple laymen terms so I can follow all that you are advising. Here are finishes/questions I would appreciate input on but this is not a complete list so if you know of a one please advise:
Waterlox (which one, satin?)
Polyurhethane (so many kinds.....)
General Finishes Arm-R-Seal or something like it?
A shelac based one?
Varnish?
Lacquer?
Water vs oil (other than dry time)?
How does a sealer play into this?
UPDATE: This is a coating for an indoor kitchen table to clarify.
You guys here in the forum are more knowledgeable than me in this so please advise on what could work "best" for this project. While I value your input and knowledge, try to put everything in simple laymen terms so I can follow all that you are advising. Here are finishes/questions I would appreciate input on but this is not a complete list so if you know of a one please advise:
Waterlox (which one, satin?)
Polyurhethane (so many kinds.....)
General Finishes Arm-R-Seal or something like it?
A shelac based one?
Varnish?
Lacquer?
Water vs oil (other than dry time)?
How does a sealer play into this?
UPDATE: This is a coating for an indoor kitchen table to clarify.
Last edited: