What’s the best finish for a kitchen table? We’ll get into our top 10 finishes below, but first, let’s discuss why you might want to invest in a wood finish to begin with.
When most of the complicated decisions or happy news is shared over the dining table, it is important to make your table look finest and best. The table is centre to everything, from having dinner to dropping down keys, bags, art and crafts. All these activities take a toll on the wood. So it is important to have a finish that is durable.
You can have an amazing finish for your kitchen wood table that takes little time and effort. Read on below to see our pros and cons of the top 10 finishes on the market.
You have thousands of option to select from but each finishes vary from one another. These finishes are made with strong chemicals and have strong smells. Here mentioning down some types of finishes:
- Oil Finishes: add some great and deep colors to the unfinished wood. These finishes protect the wood.
- Water Based Finishes: these finishes give a dry clear and glossy look.
- Varnish: it dries out slowly and not difficult to apply.
- Shellac: It is made from wax and solvents and it is easy to apply.
The 10 Best Finishes for Wood Kitchen Table
We are here to help you to choose the best finishes for kitchen table. Here are the best finishes for wood kitchen table:
| S. No | Top Finishes for Kitchen Table | Product Link |
| 1 | General Finishes SGQT Arm-R Seal Urethane Topcoat | View Price |
| 2 | Minwax Fast Drying Polyurethane Clear Finish | View Price |
| 3 | Rust – Oleum Oil Polyurethane Satin Finish | View Price |
| 4 | General Finishes Enduro –Var | View Price |
| 5 | Waterlox Original Satin Finish | View Price |
| 6 | Rust Oleum Triple Thick Polyurethane | View Price |
| 7 | Old Masters Gel Polyurethane | View Price |
| 8 | Wood Shield Interior Varnish | View Price |
| 9 | Valspar Cabot Interior Oil Based Polyurethane | View Price |
| 10 | Behlen Rockhard Table Top Urethane Varnish Satin: | View Price |
General Finishes SGQT Arm-R Seal Urethane Topcoat
It is both tough and long lasting wood finish. The finish is made with urethane resin that ultimately leads to the extreme durability. It can last for longer period if you do it properly. The best feature is once it gets dry, you can easily wipe out the dirt on the table with cloth or wipes.
Application: you can apply with a cloth or foam brush. It is recommended to apply once it is entirely dry and apply in a well ventilated area.
Drawbacks: It can damage the wax underneath. The product is oil based; it takes longer time to cure. As per the opinion of the manufacturers, the table should not be cleaned for thirty days after you apply the final coat.
PROS
- Easy To Wipe
- Natural Look
- Extremely Durable
CONS
- Long Curing Time
- Yellow Hue
Minwax Fast-Drying Poly Clear Finish
The best thing about this product is it can be applied on both finished and unfinished wood. The second best feature of this product is as long as you apply thin coats; it dries out fast and less chance of any dust or debris to be deposited on the wood.
APPLICATION: it can applied with bristle brush, foam brush or lambswool applicator. You can use sandpaper to scuff and then gently apply the next coat
DRAWBACKS: This requires two or three coats. It might change color slightly because of the presence of oil in the product.
PROS
- Flexible Application Process
- Prevent Food Stains
- Durable
CONS
- Require Multiple Coats
- Require Sanding While Coating
- Cause Yellow Hue Over The Paint
Rust-Oleum Oil Polyurethane Satin Finish
It is specifically designed for heavy use. This finish leaves a strong smell and recommendable if you do it in a well ventilated area. The striking feature is this also dries out fastly. So, you can wipe out any drips immediately.
It adds a golden glow to the wood. This finish is recommended to those tables which has prominent grains over them.
DRAWBACK: Not recommended to over usage of paint as this may have the tendency to yellow upon drying.
PROS
- Easy To Use
- Dries Into A Very Hard Surface
- Goes On Smoothly
CONS
- Can Create Yellowish Look
- Take Many Coats Probably More Than Four
- Some Spots Dry White
General Finishes Enduro-Var
The product is available in flat, gloss, semi gloss and satin. This has great durability. This is a water based finish that functions almost like oil based finish. Because of this it gives the slicker, shinier look and also preserves the grain of wood surfaces by soaking. The best quality about this product is that it does not produce a layer like plastic instead it gives a hard surface and thereby withstands all the calamities. So one can say GF coating is suitable for outdoor use.
DRAWBACK: Gets yellow with time and provides amber slightly and expensive finish.
PROS
- Combination of Water & Oil Based Finish
- Water Resisting Coating
CONS
- Expensive
- Will Turn Yellowish.
Waterlox Satin Finish
This is made from Tung oil. This oil penetrates into the wood makes the wood water resistant. That means anything like water, milk gets spilled, you can easily wipe out. In short, it is easy to maintain. If you want to have that gentle gloss then this is best option as the finish is gentle, glossy that will eventually highlight all your carvings.
DRAWBACKS: It cannot be used alone. You have to use Waterlox sealer or any other sealer with this finish.
PROS
- Water Resistant
- Partially Made From Renewable Resources
- Glossy
CONS
- Strong Smell
- Requires Separate Sealer
Rust-Oleum Triple Thick Polyurethane
It gives the clear coat that is must be applied thickly and it is fast drying. Therefore this leads in time saving.
DRAWBACK: self leveling only good for smaller projects
PROS
- Inexpensive
- Applied Thickly Thereby Saves Times
- Self Leveling
- The Leveling Problem Can Be Dealt By Using A Thinner Coat
- Do Not Have To Worry About Sanding
- Super Coverage
- Forms Hard Layer Just Like Water Based Finishes
CONS
- Making It Hard To Apply
- Produces Yellow Hue Over Time
Old Masters Gel Poly
It gives a soft surface that is relatively easy. This product can be proved best if you use on antique furniture and other fine quality wood surfaces.
DRAWBACK: should not be used on floors.
APPLICATION: Can be applied with a cloth or with paper towel because of its gel like consistency.
PROS
Oil based formula that will give superior shine that provides gel like consistency with soft finish at affordable rates.
CONS
Do not wipe with your hands because of the presence of toxic odors..
Wood Shield Varnish
It is a semi gloss varnish with water based coating. It has no volatile organic compound that means it will not give any harmful odors. One can say it is meant for the environmental purist.
The best feature is that it is great for those with sensitive lungs that mean it is handy for people who are suffering from breathing problems like asthma. The second feature is eco friendly. The ECOS coating are said to be environmentally friendly. They are declared as complete safe for environment. No poisonous substance, pesticides or anti microbial substances are not added.
It dries out quickly and it can be sanded after two hours of paint. Another feature is you can easily clean any sought of spill.
PROS
- No Harsh Toxics or Odor
- No Yellow Hues
- Eco Friendly
- Dries Out Easily
CONS
- Expensive
Valspar Cabot Oil Based Polyurethane
It combines the qualities of both water based finish and oil based finish. It gives hard and durable finish. It is completely free from plasticize appearance. It dries fast for oil based whereas it does not dry quickly for water based finish.
PROS
- Fast Drying
- Durable Finish
- Gives High Shine As Compared To Water Based Finish.
CONS
- Expensive
Behlen Rockhard Urethane Varnish Satin
The best thing about this product is its durability. It dries hard and helps resist scratches, water and detergents.
APPLICATION: Once you finished with applying it takes 48 hours to dry completely. If you are in cold area then it might take much more time. You can achieve a long lasting finish ,all you need is to have patience towards the drying time.
DRAWBACK: longer dry time leads to an issue while applying multiple coats.
PROS
- Hard Finish
- Resist Water and Chemicals
- Prevent Scratches
CONS
- Strong Smell
- Long Dry Time
- Complicated Application.
Best Finish For Kitchen Table Conclusion
That’s a wrap on our best finishes for a kitchen table! I hope this article has helped you choose the right product so that you can achieve a beautiful and glossy finish for your wooden kitchen table.
READ ALSO: Best Outdoor Wood Sealers
About The Author: Hi There! I’m Dave. I’m a certified millworker and carpenter, and have been working in the industry for over 10 years. I created this website to pass on my knowledge so that other enthusiasts, no matter what their skill level, can enjoy the craft as much as I do. I hope you enjoy!
