8 Best Finish for Kitchen Table | Reviews + Guide
Applying a finish on your kitchen table can make it shine as a centerpiece while extending its lifespan. But with the range of finishes available, what is a good finish to use, especially for a surface in regular contact with food? Well, each finish differs from the next in its features, strengths, as well as […]
Best Finish For Kitchen Table
Here’s the list of the 8 best finishes for a kitchen table, along with a helpful guide to assist you in selecting the perfect option for your table’s needs.1. General Finishes Arm-R-Seal – Best for Durability
Arm-R-Seal is a heavy-duty oil and urethane formula to protect raw wood or sealed surfaces. The urethane-based solution allows for an incredibly durable topcoat to keep the treated surface looking brand new. When applied in layers, the coating brings out the underlying details of the surface to preserve the beautiful wood grain on raw wood.- Arm-R-Seal topcoats are made with only the highest quality...
- These topcoats are extremely durable and long lasting
- Durable
- Long lifespan
- “Natural” look
- Low odor
- Bubbles easily formed on the surface
2. Varathane Ultimate Polyurethane 200061H – Best for Easy Application
Coming in a small half-pint container, this water-based polyurethane topcoat packs a punch in a tiny package. Applying this formula to any wooden surface adds an almost “glass-like” finish that increases the durability of the treated area. A fast drying time and easy application method only add to its ease of use.- Protects indoor wood surfaces such as furniture, windows,...
- Water based formula dries fast and cleans up with soap and...
- Dries to the touch within 30 minutes
- Stain and scratch-resistant
- Minimal application required
- Easy clean-up
- Difficult to access container
3. Hope’s Pure Tung Oil – Best for Natural Protection
Hope provides a clean, pure tung oil formula for treating surfaces for those looking for an all-natural option. It is versatile in working with multiple material types and surfaces. It is easy to use, rubbing in like oil, yet providing the same protection as a varnish. This durable oil can easily withstand any daily wear and tear.- Easy to Use - Tung oil is a natural oil recognized by...
- Permeates - Unlike other finishes that form a film on the...
- No VOC
- Versatile application on different surface types
- Non-toxic formula safe for food contact
- Resistant to moisture, oil, alcohol, and wear
- Long drying time
4. Howard Products Restor-A-Finish RF4016
With 40 years in the business, Howard’s Restor-A-Finish is a perfect product when working with antiques or preserving an already existing wood finish. By simply wiping it on the surface, it will work its way into the wood and restore the patina. Additionally, it can blend blemishes out for further restoration.- Restor-A-Finish is a unique finish-penetrating formula that...
- Available in nine colors to match almost any wood finish...
- Nine colors to match the wood finish
- Blends out damage in wood
- Maintains natural “patina” of wood
- Easy application
- It slightly darkens the wood
5. Howard Products Wax-It-All WAX009
Another product from the Howard brand is their food-safe Wax-It-All. Used to enhance the look of the material, this wax can add a layer of protection with a smooth finish. Incredibly straightforward to use, this wax works well on both indoor and outdoor surfaces. What’s more, it is compatible with metal surfaces as well.- Enhances beauty and protects surfaces to make them look...
- Easy to Use - simply rub the wax on, let it absorb and buff...
- Easy to use
- Food-contact safe
- Restore and protect surfaces
- Prevents water damage
- The potential oily residue left behind
6. Minwax Wipe-On Polyurethane
Minwax’s water-based polyurethane wax makes for an easy-to-apply, clear finisher for furniture, railings, and trimming. The unique formula is water-based and contains polyurethane, which allows the wax to have an easy cleanup and application while maintaining its durable nature—an excellent choice for protecting finished and unfinished surfaces alike.- Excellent Durability
- Ultra Fast-Drying
- Strong durability
- Low odor
- Easy soap and water clean-up
- Fast drying time
- It can yellow if not applied correctly
7. Waterlox TB 6044
A penetrating formula, this finish from Waterlox has been hand-made from tung oil to provide a beautiful satin finish to the wood. The resin portion of this finish is composed of 90% natural resources that allow it to be applied to surfaces that come in contact with food.- Penetrates and waterproofs when used as a finishing system...
- Forms a protective yet elastic finish against common...
- Waterproofs with a sealer/finish
- Food-safe formula
- Easy application; no sanding between coats
- Penetrates material to bring out the color
- Heavy odor
8. Minwax Oil-Modified Polyurethane
With a unique finish made of a water-based formula and modified polyurethane, Winmax provides another quality finish with an exceptional drying time. It has a lighter odor than traditional solvent-based polyurethanes, making it ideal for interior wood surfaces. By combining useful features in both water and poly finishes, this finish can give the best of both worlds.- PROTECT WOOD SURFACES – Minwax Oil-Modified Polyurethane...
- OIL-BASED DURABLE FINISH – Clear finish provides...
- Fast drying time
- Low odor
- Easy cleanup with warm water
- Ideal for interior wood surfaces
- Thin viscosity may require multiple coats
Best Kitchen Table Finish Comparison Table
Product | Materials | Formula Base | Dimensions | Weight | Durable |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
General Finishes Arm-R-Seal | Urethane resin | Urethane, oil | 10.4 x 6.7 x 4.5 inches | 1.98 pounds | Yes |
Varathane Ultimate Polyurethane 200061H | Liquid | Water-based polyurethane | 3 x 3 x 3 inches | 1.22 pounds | Yes |
Hope’s Pure Tung Oil | Liquid | Pure tung oil | 7.7 x 5.2 x 2.5 inches | 2 pounds | Yes |
Howard Products Restor-A-Finish RF4016 | Solvents, oils | N/A | 1.8 x 3.9 x 6.5 inches | 1 pound | No |
Howard Products Wax-It-All WAX009 | Mineral oil, beeswax, carnauba wax | Wax | 3.63 x 3.63 x 2.75 inches | 0.56 pound | No |
Minwax Wipe-On Polyurethane | Liquid | Water-based polyurethane | 3.75 x 1.88 x 6.06 inches | 1.17 pounds | Yes |
Waterlox TB 6044 | Oil based | Tung Oil | 4.15 x 4.15 x 4.9 inches | 1.94 pounds | Yes |
Minwax Oil-Modified Polyurethane | Polyurethane | Water-based polyurethane | 7.13 x 6.63 x 7.63 inches | 1 pound | Yes |
Buying Guide For The Best Kitchen Table Finish
Before deciding on a finish to use, there are a few points that should be kept in mind to have the best possible result. Applying a finish can be a long process, so making sure all the potential kinks are ironed out beforehand can save time and money during the actual application. When looking through options to make the most informed decision on a suitable finish for you, keep these points in mind.Application And Experience
Every finish comes with its own set of instructions for how it should be applied and any extra steps that need to be taken for the best result. Noting these instructions before applying can prevent mistakes and give you an idea of what is required. Additionally, the difficulty or ease of the application process is another factor to consider. For those with little to no experience working with finishes, a more straightforward process is more suitable. For example, a wipe-on finish can get the job done just as well without any prior expertise or tools needed. On the other hand, professionals can make use of more complicated finishes that have specific benefits. Matching the ease of use and application to your experience level can make all the difference in applying the finish.Durability
Kitchen tables are exposed to heavy wear and tear as they are one of the most commonly used surfaces. Exposure to spills, cutting with knives, and just general bumps and scratches are a regular occurrence. As such, making sure the finish is able to withstand all this exposure is imperative. A kitchen table is only as durable as the finishing layer that protects it. The best option in terms of durability is a polyurethane finish or varnish. Besides these, tung and linseed oils are other options that hold up well.Types Of Finishes
Wood finishes are available in a few variants with their unique strengths and weaknesses. These are oil-based, water-based, varnish, and shellac. Oil-based finishes are thicker than water-based but provide more durability and can add a touch of color to the wood. On the other hand, water-based finishes are thinner and, as a result, dry faster than an oil-based option. Additionally, they have less of an odor as well. Varnish is more suitable for outdoor usage as it performs well in providing protection from UV rays. One caveat to using this finish is the long drying times involved. Shellac is another option that is not widely used due to its weaker durability. Made up of solvents and wax, this finish does have an easy application process.Odor
Applying a finish on an indoor piece can be unpleasant, especially if the finish has a more pungent odor. Some finishes can even be harmful if inhaled in excess. While odor does not change the result of the finish, it can impact the application process. What’s more, a strong-smelling finish can make it unpleasant to work with for longer times. Not to mention having to wait for the smell to dissipate while it sets and dries. Of course, the strong odor can be dealt with through proper ventilation, but finding a low odor finish right off the bat can make working with the finish much more manageable.Kitchen Table Finish FAQs
For beginners or those with little experience, a wipe-on finish is a more suitable option. It is easier to apply and doesn’t require prior expertise or specialized tools.
Kitchen tables require finishes that can withstand heavy wear and tear. The most durable options are polyurethane finishes and varnishes. Tung oil and linseed oil are also good choices for durability.
Some finishes can have a strong odor, which can make the application process unpleasant. It is important to consider the odor when choosing a finish. Proper ventilation can help, but selecting a low odor finish from the beginning can make working with the finish more manageable.
Yes, water-based finishes dry faster compared to oil-based finishes. This can be advantageous when time is a factor, as it allows for quicker completion of the finishing process.
Some finishes can be harmful if inhaled in excess, especially those with strong odors. It is important to take proper precautions such as working in a well-ventilated area or wearing a mask to minimize the risk of inhaling harmful fumes.