what is the best finish for restaurant tables

by Imani Bosco DDS Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

How to set the perfect dining table?

choose a color or colors that work with the color palette of your dining room
patterns should work together and work with the patterns in your dining room without getting too matchy matchy!
you want fabric that can hold up to spills
slipcovers are a good option for chairs that get lots and lots of hard use
choose wood tones on chairs that work together

More items...

How to finish your dining table professionally?

Working time 2 days
Start to finish 4 days
Difficulty Hard
Involves Drilling, Power Tools, Sanding, Sawing, Staining/sealing

What is the best way to finish a table?

The 10 Best Finishes for Wood Kitchen Table

General Finishes SGQT Arm-R Seal Urethane Topcoat. ...
Minwax Fast-Drying Poly Clear Finish. ...
Rust-Oleum Oil Polyurethane Satin Finish. ...
General Finishes Enduro-Var. ...
Waterlox Satin Finish. ...
Rust-Oleum Triple Thick Polyurethane. ...
Old Masters Gel Poly. ...
Wood Shield Varnish. ...
Valspar Cabot Oil Based Polyurethane. ...
Behlen Rockhard Urethane Varnish Satin. ...

Which type of wood is best for a dining table?

Workbench top

maple or oak. ...
Hardwood ply: Yet another feasible option is hardwood ply. ...
Plywood: If you choose to have a table top that will be flushed with the frame, plywood is a good option. ...
Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF): If your bench goes beyond the frame of your workbench to accommodate a few clamps, go with MDF, as like plywood, it does not warp or ...

What is the best finish for a dining table top?

The best finish for dining tables is lacquer. This finish will both bring out the beauty elements of dining tables and provide needed protective properties. Lacquer is applied in thin coats which allows a natural accent of the wood itself. This finish is durable and water-resistant.

What are restaurant tables coated with?

Lacquer is a popular commercial finish that comes in a variety of transparent sheens on many restaurant table tops. Lacquer uses resin-based liquid solutions that quickly dry into a hard film when exposed to oxygen by way of a catalytic agent.

How do you finish a restaurant table?

For a brushed-on finish, oil-based polyurethane is best. It is significantly more durable than water-based polyurethane for bar tops and restaurant tables because alcohol spills and the chemicals used for cleaning will soften water-based polyurethane over time.

What is the best clear coat to use on a kitchen table?

Best Finishes for Wood Kitchen Table in June, 2022FinishRecoat dry (hours)1General Finishes Topcoat Editor's Choice12-242Minwax Fast Drying Poly4-63Varathane Oil Poly8-104General Finishes Enduro-Var47 more rows•Oct 23, 2021

What is better lacquer or polyurethane?

Despite being available in variances, polyurethane is more durable. It is thick and leaves a strong coating. Lacquer is thin and penetrates the wood surface. It is also durable but susceptible to scratches and discoloration after some time.

What kind of polyurethane do you use on a kitchen table?

Minwax is one of the sought-after polyurethane for wooden dining table surfaces and can be used on both unfinished wood and finished wood. This is an ideal choice if you're skeptical about applying a primer. What's more, it's easy to apply with either a bristle brush, foam brush, or a lambswool applicator.

Should I use polyurethane or Polycrylic?

The formula has an acrylic base; polyurethane is added for better adhesion and durability. Polycrylic is not as durable as polyurethane and is meant to be used only on interior surfaces such as cabinets, furniture, and trim.

What is the most durable finish for wood?

In fact, oil-based varnish is the most durable finish that can be easily applied by the average woodworker. Varnish surpasses most other finishes in its resistance to water, heat, solvents and other chemicals.

What brand of polyurethane is best?

The Best Polyurethane for Treating Artworks, Furniture, and MoreVarathane Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane. ... Minwax Water Based Protective Finish. ... Rust-Oleum Triple Thick Polyurethane. ... TotalBoat Gleam Marine Spar Varnish. ... Deft Interior Exterior Water-Based Polyurethane.

Is polyurethane good for a tabletop?

Because it's usually the most durable, oil-based polyurethane is likely the best choice for your tabletop refinishing project.

Is polyurethane good for a table top?

Clear polyurethane creates a beautiful, super-tough, armor-like finish that shields table tops and other wood furniture from scratches, stains, scrapes, solvents, moisture, UV, and weather damage. Polyurethane coatings are much easier to apply and are more durable for daily use than traditional marine spar varnishes.

Is polyurethane safe for dining table?

According to finishing expert Bob Flexner, all finishes are food-safe once they have cured. Polyurethane varnish does not present any known hazard.

What is the most durable table top finish?

Polyurethane finish is one of the most durable restaurant table top finishes because of its similar characteristics to plastic. Polyurethane finish takes on many of the positives of varnish and less of its drawbacks. This finish can be oil or acrylic based, depending on the blend, making it chemical resistant and waterproof.

What is lacquer finish?

How long does it take for lacquer to dry?

To apply, lacquer is typically sprayed on with its quick dry time of 5 to 10 minutes making it time efficient for manufacturers. A lacquer finish can easily be repaired with a trip to the hardware store by the end user since the table top normally does not need stripped down.

How long does varnish take to dry?

Too many brushstrokes can be visible on the finished product. The varnish also has a slower drying time (ideally 10-15 hours between coats) than that of lacquer, running the risk of dust settling and corrupting the finishing process. Therefore, it has become a common practice to thin the varnish before use.

Can lacquer be repaired?

Lacquer-finished tops are easy to repair should something happen to them. If you’re putting quite a bit of money down on specialty tables and want to increase their resistance to water, chemicals, and body oils, a polyurethane finish would be your best option.

Is varnish good for bar counters?

After dry time, varnish is an extremely durable finish for highly used furniture pieces such as bar counters and restaurant table tops. But this lengthy wait time is a drawback for mass production, leading varnish to mostly be used by DIY-er’s and custom residential projects.

Why is it important to finish a table?

In conclusion, finishing your dinner table is essential. It protects your table from water, liquids, and possible food stains, which may damage the table. Apart from protection, a finish adds to your dining room’s mood by giving your table a right look.

What is the first impression of a dining table?

Appearance is the first impression of your dinner table which is why you should ensure that it is as beautiful as you can imagine. When choosing your finish for the dining table, you should be in a position to visualize how you want the finished product to look like.

What is Epifanes wood?

Epifanes wood is a high build finish matte that does not require sanding between coats. This formula provides a soft matte beauty with excellent UV protection for teak and other hardwoods. The application of this finish gives you a rubbed effect. It’s so impressive that it qualifies as the best finish for dining table top, especially if you are working with a hardwood structure.

Can you use Minwax 22761444 on wood?

The product penetrates deep into wood fibers to highlight the grain. You can use it on any bare or stripped wooden surface. One coat is applied, but if you want a deeper color to apply a second one. The finish creates a protective sealant on the wood surface, making it an all in one finish and sealant.

Is it safe to finish food at a dinner table?

A dinner table frequently gets in contact with the food. Therefore, it presents the best choice to finish as it is safe for humans. You wouldn’t want to use a finish that has potential effects on your health. These finishes’ curing time is a factor to know the safest time to use your table after finishing.

Does wood finish change color?

The finish will not change your wood’s color in any way but will allow your wood’s natural color to show. It is the only finish that comes with small metal particles inside to keep the paint’s robust catch on wooden surfaces. The finish is also heat and cold resistant. Best when applied in double coats.

Is satin finish good for outdoor dining?

Therefore, it is reliable when you want a sleek satin finish on your table. The product also offers resistance to exterior weather, making it the best finish if you have an outdoor dining table .

What is green finish?

It’s a zero VOC oil sealer which is applied and allowed to penetrate the wood’s fibers then buffed off the surface. It’s a wonderful product for individuals which prefer a earth friendly sealer and don’t mind some yearly maintenance.

What is the finish of Sir Belly?

The standard finish used at Sir Belly is a satin or matte sheen 2K polyurethane. It’s extremely tough without smothering the wood’s natural grain and character like a thick epoxy does. In the name is the word polyurethane but if you’ve done your research you know about polyurethane and know it may not be the ideal product for a commercial table top. Don’t be confused by the name and take my word for that a 2K poly is far superior to a standard one part polyurethane available from a home improvement store.

What is the best product to clean grease off a surface?

There are products out there designed to remove heavy grease build up that can damage the surface so do a test before using. Products like 409 and Simple Green are recommended.

Stains

Choosing a finish can be challenging since there are pros and cons to all of them. Regardless of your choice, it is important to add a stain to your shopping list.

Types of Finish

There are 2 categories of finishes that can be used for your dining room table: Surface finishes and penetrating finishes. The difference between the two is evident in their names.

How to Refinish a Dining Table

Starting a refinishing project can seem daunting. These simple steps will help you complete your project and your desired look for the wood. There are a few materials needed to achieve optimal results: Sandpaper; clean cloth; a new, natural bristle brush or clean rag for application; and your chosen stain and finish ( Source ).

Supplies

Most local hardware stores will carry the supplies needed to refinish a dining room table. The most commonly used products include a sanding block or sanding paper. Make sure that you are buying an appropriate grain for the furniture.

Costs Associated with Finishing Wood

The largest cost contributor to your project will be the stain and finish. Depending on how large your tabletop is, the more or less stain or finish you will need to use.

What kind of wood is used for a restaurant table?

Solid Wood: There are many types of wood to choose from for your restaurant table. Each type of wood has different aesthetic and functional qualities. Some types of wood also have certain advantages over others. There are some types of wood that are more scratch resistant, stain resistant and heat resistant.

What is a dining table made of?

A dining table is typically the focal point of every restaurant so naturally you would be looking for restaurant tables that are mostly made of hardwood. Hardwood is commonly used in most commercial tops because they are more resistant to wear and tear and last longer.

What is the difference between a butcher block and a plank top?

While the butcher block is made of uniform wood blocks, the plank top is made using long strips of wood in varying widths.

How long does plastic teak last?

UV Fade Resistant: No matter how long it is left out in the sun, Plastic Teak will last for many years without fading. Scratch Resistant: The surface is scratch resistant, idea for commercial use. Easy to Maintain: Plastic Teak has the same durability, beauty and comfort of teak with a fraction of the maintenance.

What is the most durable wood?

Beechwood, which is also a hardwood is one of the most durable woods used to manufacture furniture. Other good hardwood choices include walnut, which is also grown in the United States, is very durable and is highly sought after for fine furniture because of its beauty and can be used for any look.

What is the hardest wood to use?

Maple is one of the hardest woods typically used for making high-use furniture and cabinetry. It is smooth to touch with a tighter grain than oak, has a silky look and is more economically priced but is denser and heavier than most other hardwoods. Works nicely with modern furniture pieces and contemporary décor themes making a bold and elegant statement in dining rooms.

What are the main sections of a table top?

Table top materials can be generally divided into 3 main sections - Solid Wood, Laminate, and Outdoor Table Materials:

What is Howard's food grade wax?

A waxed finish brings natural warmth to furniture, has a pleasant feel, and smells good. Howard’s Food-Grade Wax combines carnauba for hardness with beeswax and natural mineral oils for nourishment and a pleasant aroma. Application is easy: Simply rub it in with a soft cloth, then buff it to an attractive sheen.

How long does polyurethane last?

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.

How long does it take to recoat Minwax?

Apply the finish with a synthetic brush, foam pad, or lambswool applicator. It can be recoated in 2 hours. For maximum protection, three coats are required. Minwax oil-modified polyurethane finish is available as gloss, semi-gloss, or satin. Purchase it in a variety of sizes, from ½ pint to 1 gallon.

How long does it take to recoat a wood floor?

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.

Can oil finish combust?

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.

Is pine wood more open grain?

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 yellow slightly with age, but water-based versions usually don’t.

What is the most durable finish?

All of these activities take a toll on the finish — so, to get the most bang for your buck, it’s a good idea to pick the most durable finish. Varnish and oil-based poly finishes are the most durable. Tung oil and linseed oil are relatively durable. In general, it’s best to stay away from shellac.

How long does urethane last on a kitchen table?

This finish is made with urethane resin, which means that it’s extremely durable. If you apply it according to the directions, it can last for many years before it needs to be reapplied.

What is the best way to protect outdoor tables?

If you want to get the strongest protection for your outdoor table, a wood sealer will need to be applied. The whole purpose of a wood sealer is to penetrate the wood and provide deep protection. This will turn the first inch or so of your wood into a moisture-resistant layer.

What is the difference between clear coat and stain?

The main difference is that a clear-coat does not alter the color of the wood while a stain does. If desired, these two options can be combined for a mix of beauty and durability.

How long does it take for oil based wood to cure?

The oil content also means that the finish takes a long time to cure. In fact, the company recommends that you don’t clean the table for 30 days after you apply the last coat. Overall, this oil-based finish is recommended for more advanced woodworkers.

Why do wood finishes smell?

Many wood finishes are made with strong chemicals. This means that they have intense smells. If you’re working in an area with minimal ventilation, or if the weather won’t allow you to keep doors and windows open, it can affect your choice.

Can Minwax be used on unfinished wood?

Minwax Fast Drying Finish can be used on both finished and unfinished wood, making it a convenient option when you’re not sure if you’ll apply a primary finish. It can be applied with a natural bristle brush, a lambswool applicator, or a foam brush.