The Best Finishes for Your Kitchen Table of 2023

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The right finish on wood not only brings out its natural warmth, but it also provides long-term protection. However, not all finishes are the same, and different products are suitable for different applications. If you’re looking for the best finish for kitchen table use, consider some specific factors, particularly food safety.

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This guide discusses the different types of products available and their individual characteristics to help DIY enthusiasts and novices find the best finish for a wood kitchen table. Whether you’re protecting a new piece of furniture or reviving an older one, the following products have you—and your table—covered.

1. BEST OVERALL: General Finishes Arm-R-Seal Oil Based Topcoat
2. RUNNER-UP: Varathane 200061H Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Minwax Water Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane
4. BEST OIL: HOPE’S 100% Pure Tung Oil, Wood Finish for Furniture
5. BEST WAX: Howard Products Wax-It-All Food Safe Wax
6. BEST WIPE-ON POLY: Minwax Water-Base Wipe-On Polyurethane 16fl oz
7. ALSO CONSIDER: Grizzly Industrial H2372 – Good Stuff Wood Finish

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Finish for Your Kitchen Table

Kitchen and dining room table restoration is quite a popular project, so manufacturers have responded with many different products. The application method and the type of finish each product provides differ, making choosing the right product confusing. Important considerations include the type of finish, its durability, ease of application, odor, and curing time.

Type of Finish

First, learn about the basic types of wood finish.

• Wax has been used as a furniture finish for centuries. Probably the most popular form, carnauba wax is usually sold as a paste that can be brushed or rubbed into the wood grain. Sometimes referred to as “Brazil wax,” carnauba wax is a natural product made from tree fronds. Often mixed with beeswax, it may have natural oils added.
• Penetrative tung oil, another natural product, is made from the nut of the tung tree. Always choose pure tung oil rather than derivatives.
• Shellac is a resin deposited on trees by a small Asian beetle. Traditionally sold as flakes dissolved in alcohol, shellac provides modest durability, so it’s usually blended with other products.
• Varnish, a popular finish that comes in a water- or oil-based format, may be flammable in liquid form. Ingredients vary widely. Oil-based varnishes, which contain solvents, are still widely available, but they’re generally considered to be harmful to the environment.
• Urethanes or polyurethanes, synthetic rubber polymers that offer a degree of flexibility while also being very durable, are often used in varnish. They can be oil based or water based.
• Wipe-on products combine the warmth of rubbed finishes like wax with the toughness of urethanes. They are available in solvent- or water-based liquids or gels.

When choosing a finish, consider the wood surfaces you intend to use it on and the impact the finish will have on their color. Softwoods, such as pine, have a much more open grain than a hardwood like oak. If the finish is penetrative (usually oils and waxes), it can soak in before the required effect is achieved.

Most oil-based varnishes for wood application will yellow slightly with age, but water-based versions usually don’t. Wax finishes build up a rich patina but can trap dirt if not cleaned and reapplied regularly—a significant factor for kitchen tables that will be used for food prep.

Durability

All the finishes mentioned here have reasonable durability, though waxes and oils take time and effort to build up. Most experts generally recommend that users reapply oils and waxes annually.

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Urethane- and polyurethane-based products are the toughest finishes for a kitchen table. Once dry, they can protect against all kinds of spills as well as take a reasonable amount of heat. Polyurethane finishes can last many years without attention.

Varnishes form a skin on the surface of the wood. Because high-gloss versions can look a little like plastic, satin is a popular alternative. Any chips or scratches are more obvious than in wood treated with oils and waxes, which soak into the grain. To avoid a “milky” discoloration, a varnish must be applied correctly. Try a test patch in an unobtrusive area, such as on the underside of the tabletop, before application.

Ease of Application

Polyurethane varnish is the quickest and easiest way to finish a kitchen table. Most flow well when brushed on and leave few, if any, marks. Though it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, properly finishing a kitchen table generally requires two to four coats of varnish.

Waxes and oils are usually applied with a cloth or brush. They require more physical effort, though modern formulations are easier to work with than traditional products.

Cleanup is another consideration. If using oil-based products, the brushes must be cleaned with solvents. Take care when throwing away used cloths, as they may pose a fire risk. Some oil finishes, such as linseed oil, which is often used on wood furniture, can combust spontaneously, so pay close attention to any manufacturer warnings. Water-based kitchen table finishes don’t pose the same risk, and cleanup requires only dish soap and water.

Odor and Curing Time

Always consider safety when applying any finish. Oil-based varnishes, in particular, may have a strong, unpleasant odor and can cause dizziness or respiratory difficulties. Carry out the work in a well-ventilated area. In addition to some form of respiratory protection, wear goggles or safety glasses and painter’s gloves.

Curing time varies widely. Polyurethanes dry comparatively quickly, but it still can take several hours. Some can be recoated in a couple of hours, while others recommend 24 hours before applying a second coat. If dust or dirt is in the air during this time, it can settle into the damp surface and ruin the finish. Try to work in a dusted and vacuumed area that can be closed off afterward.

Waxes and oils typically must dry overnight before the application of additional coats to allow them to penetrate wood surfaces and provide maximum protection. Oil finishes can take several days to fully cure.

Our Top Picks

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The previous section provides valuable information to help users understand the key characteristics of the best finish for kitchen tables. All the following products are manufactured by well-respected brands.

Our Verdict

For a reliable wood finish that covers ample surface area and lasts for years on your wooden table, we recommend the General Finishes topcoat. This wood finish is stain-resistant and fast-acting, with a satin finish that is safe for use around eating areas and food. Alternatively, the Minwax polyurethane finish is a budget-friendly option that comes with ample quantity for multiple applications or large surface areas. It cures in just 2 hours with multiple application types and finishes for your wooden table.

How We Chose the Best Finishes for Kitchen Tables

We researched the most sought-after wood finishes for kitchen tables in their respective categories and discovered that the best options are determined by their type, ease of application, curing time, compatibility with multiple surfaces, and other special features included by top brands.

While searching for the best finishes for wood tables, the most popular types among users were the urethane, polyurethane, wax, and wipe-on options with their easy to moderate application and quick drying times. While many options require multiple applications, many of these top picks fully cure in 2 to 24 hours and last for years between applications. Multiple wood finishes and quantities are offered for select finishes like satin and semi-gloss, with options that are suitable for untreated and softwood tables and materials.

FAQs

Questions may linger about choosing the best finish for your wooden table. Keep reading to find some of the most commonly asked questions about finishes along with their answers.

Q: How do I seal my wood table?

Sealing depends on the product. Some are rubbed on after applying wood stain, while others are brushed. Rollers are not usually recommended because they leave bubbles in the surface. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Q: Can I apply a polyurethane coat over a painted surface?

Yes. Polyurethanes can be used over almost any paint surface that’s been properly prepared. Generally, the painted surface must be cleaned and abraded.

Q: Is it safe to use polyurethane on a kitchen table?

Yes. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), once they are fully cured, polyurethanes are safe around food.

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Kitchens