The beautiful finish of your table top starts fading away and thus, you are looking for the Best Polyurethane For Table Top? Follow our lead to find the answer.
The damage on your table is getting worse and you are still looking for a product that keeps your wood surface gloss and beautiful as new?
Such is the polyurethane case, yet picking the Best Polyurethane For Table Top is never that easy because there are far more features, usage, and models walking around your head.
No worries because this article will set out to examine some of the potential models and you will be able to recover the beauty of your beloved table finish!
Check it out now!
In short, below is the list of top 9 Best Polyurethane For Table Top:
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#1. Minwax 233334444 Polycrylic Water Based Protective Finishes – Best Water-based Polyurethane
All the Minwax 233334444 Polycrylic Water Based Protective Finishes’ features make this product the best water based polyurethane for table top.
What’s great about it:
The first trait that distinguishes this water-based polyurethane from the oil-based one is its ultra drying times.
While the oil-based products require 24 drying hours to be recoated, this water-based item dry much quicker and up to 4 coats can be applied in just a day.
Plus, this polyurethane also enables us to walk on with socks or barefoot in just about 4-6 hours after the last coat has been implemented, whereas the oil-based one needs at least a day to be stepped in.
How to use
Not every surface can be applied oil-based poly as it will make a white stained, gray stained or a white-washed hardwood platform look yellow.
And that’s why the Minwax 233334444 Polycrylic Water-Based Protective Finishes will definitely be suitable for light woods like maple, ash, and birch.
According to the manufacturer’s suggested usage, we should follow 3 steps to possess a beautiful finish:
- Preparing the wood: A smooth, clean wood surface will decide the result of the coating, so make sure you’ve sanded your wood with at least 220-grit sandpaper
- Applying one by one coat after at least 2 hours. It is ideal to coat 3 layers for a table top
- Fixing the nasties: 12 hours after the last coating has been applied, you might see a gnat or dust speck that settled on the surface. Then you should cut any drips away with a razor blade remember not to cut entirely through the finish
Results
With the optimal drying time, the Minwax 233334444 deserves to be the best water based polyurethane, ideal for hardwoods with a very yellowish tone naturally, namely Ash, Pine, or Fir.
Reasons to Buy – Pros
- Elegant crystal clear finish
- Ultra drying times
- Low odor, non-yellowing
- Easy clean-up with water and soap
- Available in many colors like gloss, semi-gloss, satin, matte and ultra flat
Reasons to Avoid – Cons
- Not recommended for floor
#2. Minwax 63005444 Fast Drying Polyurethane Clear Finish – Best For Convenience
This Minwax Semi-Gloss 356150000 Polyurethane has grasped many buyers’ appreciation because it is very convenient and time-saving to use.
What’s great about it:
The most outstanding feature of this product is its advanced formulation, which can enable you to complete the project faster than standard 3 times.
This crystal clear offers the level of durability of 3 coats in just a layer, which is both very handy and effort-saving.
If you want to change the coat, it is also effortless to clean as there is only one coat. All you need to do is soak a cloth into soap and lukewarm water to wash away the excessive paint.
How to use
This item is regarded floor-friendly, hence, besides tables top, it is also great to apply this polyurethane to the floor.
Although this is a water-based poly polyurethane like the first product, but their usage is quite different:
- Cleaning the surface: Sand your project with progressively finer grits of sandpaper, then use a vacuum (if available) or a tack cloth to remove sanding dust afterward
- Applying one coat only to the surface as there has been enough protection to your wood
- Removing any drips within one hour after painting as this polyurethane is super fast to dry. Hence, it is nearly impossible to fix anything on the surface once it is scorched
Results
As you can see above, this product is very convenient to use, which will save you a lot of time and effort. This would be an ideal partner for lazy and busy customers.
Reasons to Buy – Pros
- Help complete the project 3X faster
- Durable coat
- Dry in just 2 hours
- No sediment found
- Quite affordable
Reasons to Avoid – Cons
- Overpowering smell
#3. Minwax 63205444 Helmsman Spar Urethane – Best For Color Preservation
The Minwax 63205444 Helmsman Spar Urethane is well-known for its high-quality protection from discoloration.
What’s great about it
This polyurethane has special oils that will expand the finish and create a protective coat, which is very useful once the weather and moisture change.
Next up, the UV blockers are also added to decrease the sun’s harmful effect on the wood surface.
This mechanism will form a protecting shield against weather damage and exterior deterioration like precipitation and mist.
How to use
This item is very versatile as it can be applied to many surfaces such as kitchen countertops, windows, bathroom cabinets and especially table top.
To use this product properly, follow these steps:
- Removing dust and sand with a rag moistened with mineral spirits to have a glossier finish. This product generates many fumes and light air-bound microparticles, so make sure to apply in a well-ventilated space.
- Apply a thick poly cost on the surface and let it dry for at least 2 hours before recoating
- Polishing the surface: after applying the last coat, you can polish the wood surface to own a glossy and shiny table
Results
All in all, this item has a significant function of color protection and chemical resistance, which allow your furniture to last longer without rundown.
Reasons to Buy – Pros
- Special oils that will contract with the weather change
- UV blockers
- Versatile, can be used in kitchen countertops, windows, bathroom cabinets and table top.
- High-quality urethane resin
- Dry quickly
Reasons to Avoid – Cons
- Yellow hue
#4. Varathane 200261H Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane – Best For Durability
Buyers often resort to Varathane 200261H Water Based Wood as the last way to protect their old table and items because this polyurethane is super durable and long-lasting.
What’s great about it:
This product comes with a permanent formula, which is assessed to be 33% more durable than the regular poly in the market.
It will provide outstanding stain and scratch resistance for your vulnerable wood with excellent clarity.
More clearly, this item delivers a crystal clear finish that will never yellow and deteriorate. The finish is proved to resist scratch and stain effectively, which will ensure the furniture’s lifetime.
How to use
Almost everything from furniture, trim to windows and cabinets can be used with this Rust-Oleum polyurethane.
This product’s usage is quite similar to the first one, which requires 3 steps: preparing the wood, applying one by one coat after at least 2 hours, and instead of fixing the nasties, you can polish the surface for a glossier finish.
Results
With the ultra scratch and stain blocking, this Varathane product will keep interior wood projects looking great longer with the highest clarity level.
Reasons to Buy – Pros
- Permanent formula
- Outstanding stain and scratch resistance
- Highest clarity level
- Low odor
- Non-yellow crystal clear finish
Reasons to Avoid – Cons
- Too thick, which is hard to apply
#5. OLD MASTERS CLEAR SATIN Finish 1 Quart
This OLD MASTERS CLEAR SATIN Finish 1 Quart deserves to be the best oil-based polyurethane for table top, for DIYers, or inexperienced homeowners. Because their features and usage are remarkably easy to understand and follow.
What’s great about it:
Novice users won’t have to wait for a day to apply another coat anymore as this polyurethane starts showing results just after two coats.
Coming with thick, gelled bright finish, which will provide a soft, hand-rubbed sheen.
This item is also super durable by the time being so, once you’ve finished painting the wood surface, you won’t have to paint any other time.
How to use
It is not advisable to utilize this liquid on floors, yet there is still a vast variety of surfaces you can use.
As its name suggests, this OLD MASTERS CLEAR SATIN is suitable to be implemented on antique furniture and other fine-quality wood surfaces.
There are still 3 steps that you have to follow: cleaning the wood surfaces, applying the polyurethane and eliminating all excess drips and stains.
However, there is one thing you should notice, that it is very critical to even the liquid on the surface frequently or else you will have to suffer from color cloth or stain.
Results
Beginners on polyurethane can relax now as this OLD MASTERS CLEAR SATIN is extremely easy to use and shows the results very soon after the paint application.
Reasons to Buy – Pros
- Shows results just after two coats
- Thick, gelled clear finish
- Beautiful satin to semi-gloss look
- Super durable
- Easy-peasy to use
Reasons to Avoid – Cons
- Hefty price
#6. General Finishes High Performance Topcoat – Best Overall
This General Finishes High Performance Topcoat has always been the General Finishes’ pride as all its features are exceptional, which makes it one of the best polyurethane overall.
What’s great about it:
The first characteristic that must be mentioned is this product’s durability over decades.
The UV stabilizer in the liquid protects the coating from deteriorating quickly and hence, even if the surface is in direct contact with the sunlight, the finish will remain perfectly, hardly fading at all.
Plus, the optimal liquid enables the thick finish to prevent all the exterior damage and chemical substance, which extends the furniture’s endurance.
Another fantastic trait of this polyurethane is the ultra drying times. 1 to 2 hours is the time you have to wait to reapply the coat.
How to use
This clear topcoat is not ideal for some of the surfaces like floors or bright white paint, as it may result in a reaction to the substrate and yellowing can occur.
This kind of polyurethane is quite thin, hence in the painting process, try to cover as much and even as you can because you will undoubtedly have to wait to apply many more coats.
Results
All the features like UV blockers, optimal formula, and ultra drying times have made this poly one of the business’s greatest products.
Reasons to Buy – Pros
- UV stabilizer
- Optimal liquid
- Ultra drying times
- Easy to be washed away with water and soap
- Provides a natural look
Reasons to Avoid – Cons
- Long curing time
#7. Rust-Oleum 260165 Ultimate Polyurethane – Best Value
This Rust-Oleum 260165 Ultimate Polyurethane is indeed budget-friendly, while still offering buyers with unusual peculiarities and functions.
What’s great about it:
This item is super quick to dry as the water-based acrylic formula is uniquely mixed to create suitable drying conditions.
Another noticeable trait of this poly is its long-lasting protective coating, which resists unpleasant occurrences like fingerprints or smudges.
This has satisfied the purchasers a lot as they often accidentally touch the coat just after the painting process and left fingerprints as well as blemishes.
How to use
This item will be handy when applying to doors, outdoor furniture and bathroom cabinets.
Although this poly liquid dries in just an hour, you should always ensure that the next coat is applied in at least 2 more hours.
Results
With all of these preeminent features and a surprisingly affordable price, this product deserves to be one of the most purchase-worthy poly.
Reasons to Buy – Pros
- Super quick to dry
- Long-lasting protective coating
- Resists unpleasant occurrences
- Extremely reasonable
- Leaves a smooth, soft finish over wood surfaces
Reasons to Avoid – Cons
- Produces yellowing over time.
#8. Minwax 63010444 Fast Drying Polyurethane – Best For Versatility
It is not an exaggeration when saying that this Minwax 63010444 Fast Drying Polyurethane is the most versatile product in the market.
What’s great about it:
This item can be applied to many different surfaces yet still holds its original traits and color.
It can be used in both finished and unfinished wood, which makes it a convenient option when you’re not sure if you’ll apply a primary finish.
Every interior wood surface can apply this poly to take long-lasting beauty and protection.
How to use
As mentioned above, you can utilize this poly in both finished and unfinished surfaces, ranging from furniture, doors to floors.
Although this product is fast-drying, just in 1 hour after the first spray. You should apply about 4 to 5 coats continuously right after the formal coat has dried.
Results
This polyurethane has offered buyers with many convenient options on the wood finish, and that’s why it deserves to be the most versatile product now.
Reasons to Buy – Pros
- Can be applied to many different surfaces
- Fast-drying
- Prevents food stains
- Notably reasonable
- Durable and long-lasting
Reasons to Avoid – Cons
- Need up to 4-5 coats to work
#9. Rust-Oleum 284473 Triple Thick Polyurethane – Best For Thickness
As you can see from the label this Rust-Oleum 284473 Triple Thick Polyurethane has a remarkable painting thickness compared to the others.
What’s great about it:
The unique formula of Rust-Oleum has enabled the product to be applied thickly and thus, will boost the coverage and save users a lot of time and effort.
This thickness is such an outstanding feature in protecting the wood items from weather conditions and exterior damage.
How to use
All exterior wood surfaces are proved to be ideal to apply this water-based such as furniture, doors, trim, and floors.
This item is quite special to use, as you will only have to apply one coat only to the surface. However, the poly is quite thick so you should slow down the process and even the liquid left on the table.
Results
This product has delivered a no-where-to-find thickness to users, which promotes scratch resistance and color protection.
Reasons to Buy – Pros
- Boost the coverage
- Save time and effort
- Avoids weather conditions and exterior damage
- Quick-drying
- Self-leveling formula
Reasons to Avoid – Cons
- Hard to apply smoothly
Things You Should Bear In Mind Before Buying
Here are some factors that you should unquestionably sketch out before buying:
#1. Types of Wood Finishes
There are commonly 4 wood finishes, which we will go through next:
- Water-based: this is the most brilliant finish that many manufacturers focus on producing. Basically, this kind is fast to dry, gives a glossy appearance, and quite expensive.
- Oil-based: this coating is ideal for unfinished wood, whom it will offer more protection against moisture and damage.
- Varnish: This is a less popular finish than the 2 above, and it contains more flaws too. It’s quite hard to apply it correctly on the surface and quite slow to dry.
- Shellac: Because the main ingredient of Shellac is wax and solvents, it won’t last long and regularly requires recoating.
#2. Application Method
A finish that wipes on would be ideal for novices or inexperienced DIYers as it is simple to apply and feature almost zero risks.
On the other hand, spray-on or brush-on finishes would be perfect for experts or skilled people.
#3. Durability
You should consider the lasting time of the polyurethane as a low-quality one that would provide short-time protection and yellowing.
#4. Curing Duration
The water-based poly dries quickly, which just needs from 1 to 2 hours, while the oil-based product might require up to 24 hours to dry.
#5. Water-Based Vs Oil-Based Polyurethane
- Drying Times – as mentioned above, the water-based poly takes less time to dry than the oil-based one
- Appearance – there is no denying that oil-based polyurethane looks far better than the water-based as it provides natural color and shines look for the wood surface
- Smell – Oil-based poly emits a strong chemical odor, very pungent smell, and noxious fumes, which is not safe to inhale.
Is Polyurethane Good For Table Tops?
YES! Polyurethane offers better appearance, better protection, and a better lifetime to your table tops.
Hence, there should be no hesitancy to apply it to tour tabletops.
What Kind Of Polyurethane Do You Use On A Kitchen Table?
The best polyurethane for a kitchen table top will definitely be durable as it comes into contact with food.
And the oil-based poly will meet your need as it dries harder and creates an impervious surface that protects the wood against moisture and food stains.
Is It Safe To Use Polyurethane On The Kitchen Table?
Polyurethane is, according to FDA regulations, considered food safe.
There is only one note that you should wait to use the surface until the finish is completely dried, and clean it before allowing food to contact.
However, shellac is not an appropriate choice for an area that will get wet frequently.
What Is The Best Polyurethane For A Table Top?
As in a kitchen table, oil-based poly will meet the table top’s demand better as it provides ultra protection against dirt and water.
How Many Coats Of Polyurethane Should I Put On A Dining Room Table?
According to the manufacturers’ recommendations, you should apply at least 2 coats of polyurethane to your kitchen table as it is where you get a lot of use.
Just remember to let the surface completely dry before applying a new coat.
The Bottom Line
Today’s polyurethane is excellent, but the General Finishes High-Performance Topcoat has won our heart as it offers exceptional features with easy-peasy sanitation.
Everyone has different tastes and different living conditions and we believe you’ve found your companion already thanks to our Best Polyurethane For Table Top Review.
So, what are you waiting for but not rushing out shopping and let your wisdom manage the rest?
