Bob Beecham | Updated 8:55 AM, June 11, 2021

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The correct wood surface treatment can not only bring natural warmth, but also provide long-term protection. However, not all finishes are the same, and different products are suitable for different applications. If you are looking for the best finishes for your dining table, please consider some specific factors, especially food safety.

This guide discusses the different types of products available and their respective characteristics to help DIY enthusiasts and novices find the best finishes for kitchen tables. Whether you want to protect new furniture or refurbish old furniture, the following products can escort you and your dining table.

Table restoration is a very popular project, so manufacturers have launched many different products. Each product provides different application methods and types of finishes, so choosing the right product is confusing. Important considerations include the type of finish, durability, ease of use, odor, and curing time.

First, understand the basic types of wood finishes.

When choosing a finish, please consider the type of wood and the effect of the finish on its color. The texture of softwoods (such as pine) is much larger than that of hardwoods such as oak. If the finish is permeable (usually oils and waxes), it can be soaked before achieving the desired effect. Most oil-based varnishes will turn slightly yellow over time, but water-based varnishes usually do not. Wax finishes will form a rich patina, but if they are not cleaned and reapplied regularly, they will leave dirt-this is an important factor in the kitchen table used for food preparation.

All the finishes mentioned here have reasonable durability, although wax and oil require time and effort to accumulate. Most experts usually recommend that users reapply the oil and wax every year.

Urethane and polyurethane-based products are the strongest finishes on the dining table. After drying, they can prevent all kinds of spills and withstand reasonable heat. The polyurethane finish can be used for many years without notice.

The varnish forms a skin on the surface of the wood. Since the high-gloss version looks a bit like plastic, satin is a popular alternative. Any chips or scratches are more obvious than wood treated with oil and wax, which can seep into the grain. In order to avoid "milky white" discoloration, the varnish must be applied correctly. Before use, try to test the patch in an inconspicuous area (such as the underside of the desktop).

Polyurethane varnish is the quickest and easiest way to complete the kitchen table. Most flowed well when brushed, leaving almost no marks. Although it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully, two to four coats of varnish are usually required to properly organize the dining table.

Wax and oil are usually applied with a cloth or brush. They require more physical labor, but modern formulas are easier to use than traditional products.

Cleanup is another consideration. If oily products are used, the brushes must be cleaned with solvents. Be careful when throwing away used cloths, as they may cause a fire. Some oily finishes, such as linseed oil often used in wooden furniture, can ignite spontaneously, so please pay close attention to the manufacturer's warnings. Water-based kitchen table finishes do not bring the same risks, and only detergent and water are required for cleaning.

When applying any finish, always consider safety. Especially oily varnishes may emit a strong, unpleasant smell and may cause dizziness or difficulty breathing. Work in a well-ventilated area. In addition to some form of respiratory protection, wear goggles or safety glasses and painter's gloves.

The curing time varies greatly. The drying speed of polyurethane is relatively fast, but it may still take several hours. Some can be reapplied within a few hours, while others recommend 24 hours before applying the second coat. If there is dust or dirt in the air during this period, it will sink into the wet surface and destroy the surface treatment. Try to work in dusty and vacuum area, then it can be turned off.

Waxes and oils must usually be dried overnight before applying an additional coating to allow them to penetrate the wood and provide maximum protection. The oil finish may take several days to fully cure.

The previous section provided valuable information to help users understand the key characteristics of the best finishes for the kitchen table. All of the products below are made by well-respected brands.

General facing Arm-R-Seal is a polyurethane resin, which can be wiped with a cloth or smeared with a foam brush to leave a professional facing. It is difficult to dry to form a durable, stain-resistant barrier. The satin has a warm and pleasant appearance without the unnatural luster of some varnishes. In fact, the finish will emit a slight orange glow, which may be more pronounced on lighter woods.

Because Arm-R-Seal is oil-based, apply it in a well-ventilated area. It is also flammable and toxic when it is liquid, but it is food safe when it is dry. Once dry, it can usually provide several years of protection.

Varathane's waterborne polyurethane dries to the touch in as little as 30 minutes and is ready for a second coat after 2 hours. The result is a hard, scratch-resistant and stain-resistant finish. Available in two finishes, glossy or satin, it will not suffer from the yellowing sometimes associated with oil-based polyurethane, which means that the original color of the wood will show through.

As in the case of water-based finishing products, it is more expensive than oil-based competitors. However, it allows easy cleanup.

This Minwax product has the toughness associated with traditional oil-based products, but is more environmentally friendly and easier to clean.

Although good ventilation is still required, its smell is not as strong as oil-based polyurethane. Use a synthetic brush, foam pad, or lamb hair applicator to apply the top coat. Can be repainted within 2 hours. For maximum protection, a three-layer coating is required.

Minwax oil-modified polyurethane finishes are available in gloss, semi-gloss or satin. Buy products in various sizes, from ½ pint to 1 gallon.

Tung oil has been used to preserve wood for thousands of years; however, low-quality products often contain additives and solvents. HOPE'S Tung Oil is a 100% natural product.

HOPE'S tung oil is very suitable for bare hardwoods, but it requires patience. Smear with a cloth and wipe one point at a time. This method allows the oil to penetrate and enhance the texture. The drying time is about 12 hours, and it may take several coats to form a protective gloss. The surface of the finished product is waterproof, alcohol, vegetable acid and fruit acid. This product is not recommended for cork unless they are sealed first to prevent excessive absorption.

The waxed finish brings natural warmth to the furniture, giving it a pleasant feeling and smells very good. Howard's Food-Grade Wax combines firm carnauba wax, beeswax and natural mineral oil to provide nutrition and a pleasant aroma. The application is simple: just wipe it with a soft cloth and then polish it to a charming luster.

Wax finishes take time to accumulate and are not as tough as polyurethane. Although they can prevent daily spills, hot drinks or pans will leave white circles. Therefore, wax finishes may be best for kitchen tables that are not used frequently.

Howard's food grade waxes are safe in all food contact areas, including the surface of meat pieces. It can also be used to modify brass, copper, marble and various other materials.

Minwax Wipe-On polyurethane has the appearance of a hand-wiped finish—usually associated with wax or oil—but it has the toughness of polyurethane. It is water-based and easy to clean. Although its smell is not as strong as some other products, it should be used in a well-ventilated place.

To use it, just pour it on a cloth and wipe it on the kitchen table. However, care is required to produce an even finish, so using it is not as fast as brushing the product. Although Minwax claims that this wiping polyethylene is "ultra-fast drying", it requires a coating interval of 2 to 3 hours and 24 hours to fully cure.

Grizzly Industrial's oil-based polyurethane gel is designed to provide a high level of protection for previously unfinished kitchen tables (especially maple). Apply it in the same simple way as wiping the polyethylene, although it is a bit thick. Although its odor is relatively low, adequate ventilation is still important.

Synthetic oil is added during the manufacturing process to speed up drying, although it still takes about 4 hours between coats. It is recommended to apply three coats for maximum protection. The permeability is very small, and when you finish the application, its appearance is very similar to the appearance of brushed polyurethane. The finish is resistant to water, alcohol and most solvents.

The question of choosing the best finish for your kitchen table can linger. Read on to find some of the most common questions about finishes and their answers.

The seal depends on the product. Some are rubbed, some are brushed. Rollers are generally not recommended because they leave air bubbles on the surface. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Yes. Polyurethane can be used on almost any painted surface that has been properly treated. Generally, painted surfaces must be cleaned and sanded.

Yes. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), once fully cured, polyurethane is safe around food.

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