Should I Topcoat with Poly?

[LeftyTom]

I cannot make up my mind, so I did some reading, which still finds me at the same impasse.

I am bout to put the 4th coat of Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish on the first kitchen cart. The two shelves are white oak, with a edge-grain butcher block top also in white oak. The butcher block is not a food prep surface, just mobile counter space.

Is a topcoat of poly on the butcher bock and shelves a good idea?

 

[Canuck]

I think that if I were in your shoes Tom (not sure of your shoe size), I would just let it go as Waterlox as the finish coat(s).

This way, if you need to refinish as it wears; just light sanding and a couple more coats of Waterlox as a topcoat and you back in business.

(I did a cherry shaker style table in Waterlox about five years ago and the finish is still going strong!)


Wayne

 

[Bas]

+1. Waterlox is a very durable varnish, poly won't add anything.

 

[Howard Acheson]

Stay with the Waterlox Original. It's a better looking, more durable and more water resistant finish than any poly varnish.

 

[mlzettl]

I am going to agree 100% with everyone else - stay with the Waterlox. I have been using it for over 25 years, and have not been disappointed. My brother has a walnut bar top in his kitchen finished with Waterlox, and it still looks great after 10 years of everyday use. Canuck also makes a great point that if you ever get the urge to refinish, it is much easier with Waterlox than with poly.

Matt

 

[LeftyTom]

Thanks for steering me toward the right decision. And that's no bull. :rotflm:
Of course, what do I find on a shelf this afternoon: a small cat hair ensconced in the finish.

Oh, but it gets better: the edge grain on one shelf has captured a couple of drips. Oh well, sand that edge down and try again. :BangHead:

 

[Gofor]

A sharp chisel or razor blade will usually slice off a drip more easily than sanding. Best done within 24 - 36 hours of application. Works for cat hairs, gnats, flies, etc, too.

Not saying you won't have to do some touch-up, but it minimizes the damage you have to repair.

Go