Q: Kitchen table top finish

[David E. Penner]

Question about finishing a maple kitchen table. I would like to keep this as non-yellow as possible. In addition, there are two kids who will also be using this table--which means a tough finish.

Normally, I would use an oil-based varnish, but I want to minimize the yellow cast to the finish. So, I've been thinking about using a water base finish. Since I've never used water base, I would appreciate feedback on how it stands up to abuse (Flexner's book suggests it doesn't do well with heat--hot cups and plates directly on the top are likely with two kids).

Or can someone suggest another finish that is relatively non-yellow and tough. Oh, I DON'T have spray equipment.

Thanks in advance for any help

david

[Mike G]

Doesn't stand up as well to heat is a relative thing. I'm pretty sure you will find a water based varnish stands up pretty well compared t any other finish.. No common finish stands up to really hot water or oil based.

When you get down to the cured chemistry of the whole thing there isn't any really wide gap between cured oil based poly/varnish and water based. Same resins just different carriers.

[Slowhand]

You have a cuppla options. The one I would do is go to your local home center or lumber yard and buy some Deft brand laquer. Comes in a spray type can with an adjustable spray tip. Pretty handy. Since you don't have much to do, I would get a cuppla cans and put on enough coats as you can stand.

The second option is one you mentioned. Water born acrylic urethane (I use minwax brand). This stuff can be brushed on and goes on fairly clear without the yellow that the oil based stuff will present. I have also tried the spray on (minwax) polyacrylic. It might be just me but I hate it. It seems to have a blue tint to it. Anyhoo, good luck and let us know how it turns out. SH

[Andy Dingley]

Use an acid-catalysed urea-formaldehyde. Tough, heat-resistant and clear. Rustin's "bar top" or "plastic coating", or other.

-- Klein bottle for rent. Apply within.