How do you finish a wooden table top?

Finishing a wooden table top is an important final step to protect the wood and give it a beautiful, smooth surface. There are several things to consider when choosing a finish, including durability, appearance, and ease of application. The most common options for finishing a wooden table top are oil finishes like tung oil, varnish, lacquer, shellac, and polyurethane. Each has its own advantages and best uses.

What are the benefits of finishing a wooden table top?

There are several key benefits to properly finishing a wooden table top:

• Protection – A finish protects the wood from moisture, spills, heat damage, and scratches.
• Enhances natural grain – Finishes enhance the natural color and grain of the wood.
• Easier to clean – Finished wood can simply be wiped clean.
• Durable surface – Finishes seal and harden the surface for better durability.
• Aesthetically pleasing – Finishes give wood a rich, warm, smooth look.

Finishing is about more than just appearance. It gives wood long-lasting protection. Bare unfinished wood will show scratches, stains, and other marks much more easily than finished wood. The right finish transforms the look and feel of the wood’s surface.

What type of finish should you use?

There are many options when it comes to choosing a finish for a wooden table top. Consider these factors when deciding on a finish:

• Durability – How much protection and wear do you need? Table tops need to stand up to daily use.
• Desired look – Do you want an ultra smooth surface or to accentuate the natural wood grain?
• Use – Will the table be used for food and drinks where spills may occur?
• Application – Brush on, wipe on, or spray?
• Drying time – Oil finishes take longer to cure than varnishes.
• Odor – Some finishes like polyurethane have strong odors.

Here is an overview of common options for finishing a wooden table top:

Tung Oil

Tung oil is a popular choice for finishing wooden table tops. It is made from the seeds of the tung tree. Tung oil penetrates deep into the wood grain to provide protection. It results in a smooth, natural look that enhances the wood grain. Multiple thin coats are applied. Advantages of tung oil include:

• Deep, natural matte finish
• Minimal odor
• Easy application by wiping on thin coats
• Dries fairly quickly

The disadvantages are that it requires frequent reapplication and takes weeks to fully cure. It is not as protective as other finishes.

Danish Oil

Danish oil is a unique blend of oil and varnish that provides the protection of varnish with the appearance of an oil finish. It leaves a smooth, hard, durable surface. Danish oil is very easy to apply as a wipe-on finish. Advantages include:

• Deep penetration into wood pores
• Protective blend of oil and varnish
• Easy wipe-on application
• Fast drying – recoat in 24 hours

Danish oil will require reapplication over time but provides good durability for a table top. It may darken some wood species more than a pure oil finish.

Varnish

Varnish provides one of the most durable protective finishes for wooden table tops. Traditional varnish is formulated using resins suspended in oil, typically polyurethane or phenolic resins. Varnish forms a hard, impervious shell over the wood surface. Advantages of varnish are:

• Very durable protective finish
• Excellent moisture resistance
• Abrasion and scratch resistant
• High gloss surface

The disadvantages of varnish are that brush marks may show on application, and it can turn yellowish over time. Multiple coats are required for best durability.

Lacquer

Lacquer is traditionally a clear nitrocellulose-based finish. In recent years, acrylic and water-based lacquers have also been developed. Lacquer dries very fast, by solvent evaporation. It results in a very hard, durable finish. Advantages of lacquer include:

• Very fast drying
• Highly durable and protective
• Excellent clarity in the finish
• Easy to apply by spraying

Disadvantages are that lacquer application requires proper safety equipment due to fumes. It may also yellow over time. Lacquer is best applied by spraying.

Shellac

Shellac is an old and natural wood finish made of resin secreted by the lac beetle. While not as durable as varnish or lacquer, it has unique properties. Advantages of shellac include:

• Classic, natural look
• Easy to apply – dries fast
• Provides good scratch resistance
• Easily repairable

Disadvantages are that shellac is not as moisture resistant as other finishes, and it will wear down over time requiring reapplication. Shellac is often used as a sealer prior to applying other finishes.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane is a modern finish that provides maximum durability. It is formulated by reacting polyols and diisocyanates to create a polymer. Polyurethane varnish comes in water-based and oil-based options. Advantages include:

• Most protective and durable finish
• Excellent moisture and abrasion resistance
• Oil-based has warm amber tones
• Water-based is low odor and dries fast

Disadvantages of polyurethane are that it can slowly yellow over time and is susceptible to heat damage. Proper application is important to avoid drips, bubbles, or an uneven finish.

How to prepare the wood surface

Proper preparation is crucial prior to applying any finish to a wooden table top. Follow these steps:

1. Sand the wood smooth with 120-220 grit sandpaper. Sand with the grain.
2. Wipe away all sanding dust from the surface and grain pores.
3. Fill any holes, gouges or cracks with wood filler and allow to fully cure.
4. Sand the surface again lightly with 220-320 grit sandpaper.
5. Thoroughly clean the surface with a tack cloth to remove any remaining dust.
6. Apply a sealing primer coat if desired.

This will prepare a smooth, clean surface for the final finish coats. Always check for any remaining rough spots or dust specks and sand again if needed. Proper sanding and surface prep leads to a flawless finish.

How to apply common finishes

Here are some general guidelines on how to apply common finishes to a tabletop:

Oil Finishes

• Wipe on thin coats using a clean, lint-free rag or applicator.
• Let oil fully soak in for 10-15 minutes, then thoroughly wipe off excess.
• Allow 24 hours drying time and cure for each coat.
• Typically 4-6 thin coats are applied for best results.
• Lightly sand with 320 or 400 grit sandpaper between coats.
• Soak any end grain twice as long as the surface.

Oil finishes are easy to apply but require patience as multiple coats are built up. Pay close attention so that the oil does not puddle or pool on the surface.

Varnish and Polyurethane

• Stir finish thoroughly before using and check for any sediment.
• Use a good quality natural bristle brush made for varnish.
• Apply along the wood grain using even, smooth brush strokes.
• Lightly sand the surface with 320 or 400 grit sandpaper between coats when fully dry.
• Typically 3-5 coats are applied for best durability.

Avoid applying varnish or poly too thick or bubbles and drips can occur. Thin applications that dry fully between coats provide the best results.

Water-based Finishes

• Check manufacturer instructions for proper application methods.
• Can be brushed, wiped, or sprayed on depending on type.
• Maintain a wet edge and avoid excessive overlapping.
• Sand lightly between coats once dry.
• Shake or stir thoroughly before each use.

Water-based finishes like acrylics and some polyurethanes dry very quickly so working efficiently is important. Avoid drips or heavy application.

Lacquer

• Spray application using a paint spray gun works best for lacquer.
• Multiple thin coats are better than heavy coats.
• Move spray gun at a constant speed and pattern overlap by 50%.
• Allow 5-10 minutes between coats.
• A dust-free workspace and respirator are essential when spraying.

Lacquer dries extremely fast so a systematic approach is vital to achieving an even finish. Never apply lacquer over other finishes.

Shellac

• Purchase pre-mixed shellac or prepare your own mixing shellac flakes and denatured alcohol.
• For tabletop use a 1-1.5 lb cut of shellac.
• Apply using a new natural bristle brush and maintain a wet edge.
• Multiple thin coats work best allowing minimum 2 hours drying time between coats.
• Lightly sand with 400 grit sandpaper between coats.

Shellac dries remarkably fast so be prepared to work efficiently. The finish develops quickly.

Top tips for flawless results

Here are some additional tips to help you achieve professional results finishing a wooden tabletop:

• Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Test finishes on scrap wood first to check compatibility.
• Maintain clean brushes and applicators.
• Work in a dust-free environment with adequate ventilation.
• Lightly sand between coats for maximum adhesion.
• Apply thin, even coats and allow proper drying time between coats.
• Work quickly with fast-drying products like shellac or lacquer.
• Check for drips, runs or debris between coats.
• Be patient! Rushing the process can ruin the final results.

Applying finishes well takes practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempts require a little sanding and refinishing. Eventually with care and patience you will be able to achieve stunning results.

Ongoing maintenance

All finishes require some maintenance over time, especially tabletops that see heavy use. Here are some tips:

• Use coasters, trivets and placemats to protect the finish.
• Wipe up spills immediately to avoid stains.
• Clean with a soft cloth and mild soap and water.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads.
• Apply paste wax or polish periodically.
• Oil finishes may need reapplication every few years.
• Refinish worn areas as needed.

With regular care you can keep your tabletop finish looking beautiful for years to come. Refinishing or adding a protective wax coating periodically will rejuvenate the look and protect the surface longer.

Conclusion

Choosing the right finish and applying it properly makes all the difference in showcasing the natural beauty of a wood tabletop. The right finish both protects the wood and enhances its visual warmth and depth. With some practice and patience, you can achieve professional quality results. Remember that surface preparation is crucial. And no matter which finish you choose, read the manufacturer’s directions and test on scrap wood first. Your beautiful tabletop is worth the time and care to finish it like an expert woodworker. The end result will be a durable, smooth surface that displays the wood grain and color beautifully.