It’s practically impossible to find renovation work going on in the kitchen without the kitchen table getting renovated as well. Kitchen tables are the first impressions in any kitchen, and if they don’t look right, then the whole place doesn’t look great. Don’t worry because we know what you need, the best finish for wood kitchen table.
In this post, we have reviewed some of the most exceptional items you can find on the market that will give you the best finish for wood kitchen table.
Read on, before you finish, you shall have found the right product for your project. Rest assured.
Table of Contents
1.General Finishes SGQT Arm-R-Seal Urethane Topcoat, Semi-Gloss, 1 Quart
Here is the first product on our list because it has the approval of several customers. This formula can smoothen your butcher block, giving it a fantastic look in the process.
It’s a very durable product with a rating of 5/5, making it the best if you are looking for durability in a finish. Besides, it is waterproof.
We strongly recommend that you don’t apply this product during wet weather because it’s not an ideal time for its application. Instead, apply this finish during dry weather when the air is dry with that, you will be getting the best finish imaginable.
The Summary of Top Features
- This product, Arm-R-Seal topcoat, contains the highest quality urethane resin
- A topcoat that is exceptionally durable and long-lasting
- The formula is applied using a foam brush
Advantages
- It’s highly durable
- The smell is not a problem
- The formula has gorgeous colors
- Available in different sizes
- Waterproof
Disadvantages
- Crates bubbles
- Takes long to cure
2.Grizzly H2372 Good Stuff Wood Finish For Maple Tops
Here’s another product that you should look for if you need the best finish for wood kitchen table. It gives you a fantastic finish, that is 100% waterproof.
Looks matter a lot much as you’d love a durable product. This formula can bring the wooden surface to life. It does not affect the grain and, above all, comes with a minimal gloss.
Good Stuff Wood Finish is super easy as far as usage is concerned, which makes it a perfect fit for the DYI tasks. It is a gel-like liquid; hence you can use a rag to apply it on the wooden surfaces.
The Summary of Top Features
- It is safe for food contact
- The formula dries faster
- It resists both water and alcohol
- It’s available in a volume of quart
Advantages
- Has a great look
- It’s durable
- Easy to apply
- Waterproof
Disadvantages
- A little expensive though worth it
3.Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish for Wood, Brick, Stone, Tile & More – 1 Quart
Waterlox finish belongs to the top of the class of the best finish for wood kitchen table. It has a gentle and attractive gloss that brings out the best of carvings.
This formula is a product of tung oil. This oil finds it easy to penetrates the surface of the wood, hence forming a finish that resists water. This wood finish can stand spilled milk, water, oils, and other liquids. Waterlox is excellent for kitchen tables that experience medium activities as it is easy to maintain.
Note: You cannot use Waterlox on its own— It is essential that you first apply the Waterlox sealer or a sealer from another brand.
We recommend the use of Waterlox for your kitchen table if you are looking for a gentle gloss. It can stand low as well as medium household usage.
The Summary of Top Features
- High penetration and waterproof
- Cures into a protective and elastic finish that stands everyday household spills
- It has 90% of its resin portion from renewable, natural resources
- Produces a satin sheen look (20°-25° gloss level)
Advantages
- Has a great performance
- The formula last years
- It is a waterproof product
- The product is easy to work with
- Water-resistant
- Has renewable natural resources
- Soft gloss
Disadvantages
- It’s a little expensive
- It takes time to dry
4. Minwax 63010444 Fast Drying Polyurethane Clear Finish, quart, Satin
Another one of the best finish for wood kitchen table is Minwax Fast Drying Finish. It works well on both finished and unfinished wood, which makes it convenient when you are unsure of using a primer finish. You can apply this formula using a bristle brush, a foam brush, or the lambswool applicator.
One of the most crucial features of Minwax Wipe-On Poly is the time it takes to dry. Provided that you apply thin layers, it will take a short time to dry.
This finish is bright; however, it will likely change the color of your wooden table abit. The oil present in the formula is responsible for the color change, which is visible though insignificant.
The Summary of Top Features
- It offers lasting beauty and protection to any interior wood surface
- An excellent product for woodworking, doors, cabinets, and floors
- Works well for both finished and Unfinished wooden surfaces
- Its durability makes it perfect for all your wood surfaces
- This formula dries fast and offers lasting beauty on finished and unfinished wood surfaces
Advantages
- Gives you a natural look
- Fast drying time
- All the colors are beautiful
- Lasts long
- Available in different sizes
Disadvantages
- Not suitable for white wood
- Needs multiple layers
5. Rust-Oleum 9141H Varathane Ultimate Polyurethane Oil Based, Quart, Satin
This Rust-Oleum product has a reputation as one of the best finish for wood kitchen table. It specifically for areas that experience heavy usage because of its durability.
You don’t have to worry about your beautiful wood grain, as this formula will help highlight its natural beauty.
This product produces a strong smell, which is why you should do your project in a properly ventilated room. The finish takes a short time to dry; hence you should wipe out the drips immediately.
This product is clear; however, it dries into a golden glow like finish.
The Summary of Top Features
- Protects interior wood surfaces
- It’s an oil-based formula that provides maximum durability
- It takes 2 hours to dries to the touch
- The product has coverage of up to 150 sq. Ft.
- Its satin finish provides a classic and natural look.
Advantages
- Cures into a beautiful finish
- Last long
- Reasonably fair prices
- Dries fast
Disadvantages
- Can take up to 4 coats
- Has a strong smell
6. OLD MASTERS GEL POLYURETHANE CLEAR SATIN
As its name suggests, this product remains as among the best finish for wood kitchen table that is perfect for finer projects. This product does not work well with the outdoor cabinet. You will notice that the manufacturers warn against using this product for floors.
Like all it’s oil-based counterparts, this product cures into a soft surface that can easily dent or chip.
Universally, this formula has some of the best reviews that you shall see. Such reviews can only mean that it does it work effectively and to the expectation of the users.
The Summary of Top Features
- Cures into a soft finish
- Works just right with the indoors finer projects
Advantages
- It’s efficient
- The price is within the budget
- Long-lasting
- Easy to maintain
- Simple usage
- Has a superior shine
Disadvantages
- Takes relatively longer to dry
7. Wood Shield Interior Varnish
This ECOS semi-gloss varnish is yet another water-based coating and deserves its place among the best finish for wood kitchen table. It is excellent for those who love everything environmentally friendly. This formula contains zero volatile organic compounds meaning that it will not release any harmful odors to the surroundings making it great for the kitchen.
For individuals with premedical conditions such as breathing problems and related health conditions, this finish is all that you need for your projects. People who have asthma (for instance) would find it easy to continue and finish their projects when using this particular formula.
The Summary of Top Features
- It has no odor hence comfortably applicable in homes and other occupied spaces.
- Provides a premium quality
- Contains no added antimicrobials, pesticides, or fungicides making it friendly to the environment
- Posses no health threats to people with breathing complications
- Semi-Gloss is a mid/high sheen that is perfect for interior floors/furniture/cabinets.
Advantages
- It has no harsh toxic odors.
- This finish does not yellow with time.
- It comes with full disclosure of all ingredients, which very reassuring to users.
- Created using environmentally friendly compounds
- Dries to the touch within 30 minutes and can be sanded within 2 hours.
Disadvantages
- It’s amongst the expensive finishes in the market
- It doesn’t make a difference to the healthy people
8. Tried & True Varnish Oil, Quart
A one-word description for this formula would be “gorgeous.” It’s among the best finish for wood kitchen table and guarantees your kitchen table a luxurious finish. It leaves the surface looking so natural.
This formula has a fantastic smell that you would love. The scent makes it perfect for your wood project finish.
This product comes with relatively fair prices, which makes it perfect if you consider the quality that it will give to your kitchen table.
Are you looking for something that will serve you for an extended period? Well, I have to be honest and tell you that this product is not the best when it comes to durability; it does not wear out quickly, but it won’t last long as most of it’s counterparts.
The Summary of Top Features
- This Varnish Oil is an excellent furniture finish
- It contains high resin hence producing a beautiful semi-gloss sheen
- Gets harder with time
Advantages
- It gives your table a beautiful finish
- Good value for money
- Smells nicely
Disadvantages
- Not suitable for wet areas
9. Valspar Cabot Interior Oil-Based Polyurethane
It’s another excellent formula that put together the qualities of water and oil-based finish. Valspar Cabot provides the gloss and beauty associated with the oil-based finish and simultaneously maintaining the durable finish of water-based coatings.
This product has a better appearance than that of a water-based finish. It is free of the plastic-like look that sometimes you can find in a polyurethane. This formula has excellent resistance to scrapes and impact.
It dries to the touch in less than an hour. You can sand and paint it within 2-3 hours of application.
The Summary of Top Features
- Available in 1/2 Pint
- Interior Oil-based
- Gives a semi-gloss finish
- It offers protection to wood surfaces with a hard, durable finish
- It is suitable for most types of wood like oak, pine, birch, fir, birch, cypress, aspen, mahogany and maple
Advantages
- It is a combination of water-based paint and oil-based paint.
- This formula has a fast drying time compared to other products of the same type.
- Cures into a very durable finish.
- It offers a much higher shine compared to a water-based alternative.
Disadvantages
- An expensive product
- Exists only sold in half-pint cans
10. Behlen Rockhard Table Top Urethane Varnish Satin
If you are looking for the best finish for wood kitchen table, especially a kitchen table that sees a lot of activities, then this Behlen Rockhard product is the right choice. It cures hard, making it able to resist scratches and nicks.
This product gives you the much-needed durability. As soon as it cures, it prevents abrasions and resists water and detergents.
In a room temperature of 72 degrees, it takes this formula 48 hours to dry completely. Drying time is longer for people living in colder areas.
The Summary of Top Features
- Has a hard abrasion resistant finish
- It resists water, alcohol, chemicals, and detergents
- Available in gloss and satin
Advantages
- Cures into a tough finish
- Resists water and chemicals
- It withstands scratches
Disadvantages
- Has a strong smell
- Takes long to dry
Best Finish For Wood Kitchen Table Buyer’s Guide
It requires a bit of patience for you to give your wooden kitchen table that fantastic finish. With the right product coupled with skills, you can be sure to get it right with your painting work. In your quest to find the best paint finish for wood kitchen table, we are here to help you hence have compiled a list of factors that you should consider while making a buying decision.
How Easy it is to Apply the Product.
The ease of application is an essential aspect to consider while looking for the right finish for your wood kitchen table. The newbies in wood finishing should go for a finish that wipes because you won’t have to worry about making mistakes.
For experienced woodworkers, the spray and brush on finishes would do.
Types of Wood Finishes
There are different types of finishes you can choose from in the market; they include:
Oil finishes
They offer protection to wood and give color to the unfinished wood- a quality that makes them suitable for kitchen use.
Water-based finishes
They cure into clear finishes hence giving your wood kitchen table a slick and glossy appearance.
Varnish
Varnishes have a slow drying rate and are clear finishes. The work best when combined with other finishes like a dye.
Shellac
Wax and solvents are combined to create this material. Even though it is easy to apply, it doesn’t last long on heavy usage for kitchen tables.
The durability of Wood Finishes
The durability of the product you choose is paramount, especially when you are looking to refinish your wood kitchen table. You must choose products that will sustain the amount of work that your table goes through.
You will find in most cases that those finishes that last longer are a bit expensive. Provided they can serve you for as long as it takes, then it’s always worth the investment.
Varnish and oil-based polyurethane finish usually last longer than the others. Linseed and Tung oils also do a great job when it comes to durability. Try to avoid the finishes made from shellac; they don’t last long.
Your Working Finishing Area
Several wood finishes, even from our list, contains some strong smell. The smells are results of strong chemicals in their compositions. You should, therefore, ensure that your working area has a proper circulation of air to avoid chances of health side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Must I have My Wood Kitchen Table Finished?
Well, this might be a personal quest, but here’s what I’d tell you, YES- you should always try and have a finish for your wood kitchen table. First wood surfaces with no finishes might look “ugly,” who want an ugly looking kitchen table? Not you.
Another thing that makes finishing your wood kitchen table is durability. Wood surfaces without coats won’t last long.
What are the Steps to Sealing a Wood Table?
A wood sealer gives your table the very best protection; it penetrates deep into the wood while on its protective duties. It’s easy to apply a sealer to timber, here are the steps:
Step 1
You must first clean your surface. Dirt hinders adhesion of the formula to the wood surface, which is why you must ensure that there are no dust particles on your table.
Step 2
Ready your sealer for application. Use your paintbrush to apply the sealer on to the surface of your cleaned wood. Do it nicely while making long strokes in the process. Leave no streaks behind while applying to avoid mistakes in the process.
Step 3
Allow your sealer to dry without any form of interruption; if you’d love second layers, you can choose to add; however, sealers do not necessarily need second layers.
Can I Polyurethane Over Paint?
Yes, you can always apply a polyurethane finish over paint. All you need to do is ensuring that you prepare your painted surface properly to receive the poly finish.
Can I Paint Over Varnished Wood?
Yes, it’s okay to paint over a varnished wood! Painting can help revive old wooden surfaces, especially you need the best finish for wood kitchen table.
The varnish is a thick and transparent protective layer that offers protection and adds an extra shine to wood kitchen table surfaces. If you are looking to change the appearance of your table, then this is the way to go.
Conclusion
You need to do your homework thoroughly for you to get the best finish for wood kitchen table for your projects. We care so much about you and have moved to help make your work easier by providing a review of the best products in the market for your kitchen table. With the comprehensive information that we have provided, you will find it easy to compare different types of finishes even as you go about your shopping.
Tyron Otieno
Tyron is an avid woodworker and writer. He founded this website to help other woodworkers, whether hobbyists or professionals by sharing his knowledge and experiencie after a decade of woodworking.