Kitchen table top in Cherry - Woodworking Talk

kendub · 03-21-2010, 09:02 AM

Outside of varnish what do people use for a kitchen table top in Cherry... I can't use some of the finishes I normally use for some of my projects because of the use of water.
I hate poly and really do not want to go near it for this project. Are there any suggestions?

cusingeorge · 03-21-2010, 05:55 PM

Here's a thread that talks about two-part epoxy.

Epoxy type "Bar Top" finish

Don't let the stigma of "thick build" scare you. You can apply epoxy in thin coats if you wish.

firehawkmph · 03-21-2010, 08:12 PM

Kendub,
I am not a poly fan either, but I do like General Finishes' wipe on poly. I used it on a cherry table top I was making for a friend and it turned out very nice. It wipes on easy enough and self levels. Steel wool with 0000 in between coats. 3 or 4 coats and it looks great. Pretty foolproof.
Mike Hawkins

Brian_Hinther · 03-21-2010, 10:14 PM

The best tabletop finishes I know of are Waterlox and Behlen RockHard. They are both phenolic resin varnishes that are tough and hard to scratch, plus they stand up to water and other liquids.

kendub · 03-22-2010, 09:37 AM

Thanks, I will check out Waterlox. I have seen the wipe on poly's but do they have any issue with leaving water rings?

jerry · 03-22-2010, 02:26 PM

I agree with Brian both are very good non-polyurethane varnishes.

Regards
Jerry

firehawkmph · 03-22-2010, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kendub

Thanks, I will check out Waterlox. I have seen the wipe on poly's but do they have any issue with leaving water rings?

Ken,
As far as I know the water rings shouldn't be an issue. But you might want to go to their site and check with them. The poly I used is an oil based poly. They do make a water based also. I wouldn't use that. I think the oil would be more durable.
Mike Hawkins

kendub · 03-22-2010, 09:29 PM

Thanks for all the input. Ken