Wood round tables: Finishing

[Skier76]

Last year, we had a really big poplar tree taken down. The crew was nice enough to saw us two rounds so we could use them as outdoor tables. It's been a year, they're nice and dry...so it's time to finish them. My wife stained one side of both rounds...but doesn't like the color. So we'd like to use the unfinished side as the tops of the tables.

What's a good finish to put on the tables? I'd like something clear, that'll create a durable shell.

 

[gpcollen1]

Well, you could poly it and put many coats on but nothing holds up as well as a clear epoxy resin coating like they use for bar tops.

 

[curber]

I've used this stuff called (I think decapodge) I'll do some research to find it. Its very thick clear coating. Like 1/4 inch or more. Pat


http://www.uscomposites.com/kk121.html
found this for you to look at. says its used on bar counters.

 

[lukem]

Last year, we had a really big poplar tree taken down. The crew was nice enough to saw us two rounds so we could use them as outdoor tables. It's been a year, they're nice and dry...so it's time to finish them. My wife stained one side of both rounds...but doesn't like the color. So we'd like to use the unfinished side as the tops of the tables.

What's a good finish to put on the tables? I'd like something clear, that'll create a durable shell.

Marine varnish if it is going to be outdoors.

 

[Skier76]

Thanks guys! Is most of that stuff available at the big box stores?

 

[smokinj]

Those are some expensive finises mention. Very good products too. I am thinking if these tables are big rounds and out door tables, this could be a time to lay back off the expensive stuff. I would beewax it. Its clear will darken a little.

 

[lukem]

Those are some expensive finises mention. Very good products too. I am thinking if these tables are big rounds and out door tables, this could be a time to lay back off the expensive stuff. I would beewax it. Its clear will darken a little.

That wouldn't be a bad idea, but since the table tops are cross-cuts they are going to be very porous. I'd like to use several coats of marine varnish to fill up all the nooks and crannies and give a smooth surface. Marine varnish isn't a wallet killer like epoxy or resin *could* be.

 

[smokinj]

Those are some expensive finises mention. Very good products too. I am thinking if these tables are big rounds and out door tables, this could be a time to lay back off the expensive stuff. I would beewax it. Its clear will darken a little.

That wouldn't be a bad idea, but since the table tops are cross-cuts they are going to be very porous. I'd like to use several coats of marine varnish to fill up all the nooks and crannies and give a smooth surface. Marine varnish isn't a wallet killer like epoxy or resin *could* be.

Beewax works great sheds water like a duck! But would never be afraid to throw 20.00 at a top. (Never price Marine grade) Never had outside furniture I would even want to POP! lol

 

[lukem]

You can pick up Marine Varnish for $15 buck a quart at an Ace Hardware or something similar. Unless these are some monster rounds, or he's going for a finish as deep as the ocean, one quart would probably do it, but def not more that 2.

 

[smokinj]

You can pick up Marine Varnish for $15 buck a quart at an Ace Hardware or something similar. Unless these are some monster rounds, or he's going for a finish as deep as the ocean, one quart would probably do it, but def not more that 2.

Qt. would do it....I am still struggling with out side furniture with a clear coat POP......Now you need really nice chairs. lol

 

[Bocefus78]

Marine spar varnish is the way to go if you are looking to build up layers and make it last.

 

[Skier76]

Thanks guys!

I picked up some Minwax Helmsman @ the Depot at lunch. $15 for the quart. I went with a semi gloss. It recomends three coats; sanding with 220 grit between coats. I'll be sure to report back.

 

[Bocefus78]

Thanks guys!

I picked up some Minwax Helmsman @ the Depot at lunch. $15 for the quart. I went with a semi gloss. It recomends three coats; sanding with 220 grit between coats. I'll be sure to report back.

FYI:

Dont shake that stuff...Use a stir stick
Shaking it will add millions of air bubbles and flaw the finished product. You wont notice it until its too late.

 

[Skier76]

Excellent advice! I'll certainly use the stir stick.