table top finishing recommendations

[dan lemkin]

I am making a walnut dining room table and was looking for finishing recommendations. I am using a lot of minwax wiping poly which got good reviews in fine woodworking. It is easy to apply and does well in the dusty environment I am limited by... Will this finish be adequate in terms of durability, water resistance from rings, etc for a dining room table top? I am looking for a satin, type finish. I like the oil finish look, ie no significant build up like epoxy top. Any other recommendations? thanks.

[Todd Burch]

It will do fine. Poly is a very durable coat. You'll need several coats. Not sure how many are recommended on the can, but I would do more than that.

You'll want to fill the pores of the walnut - they are pretty good sized, either with your poly or something else. If with the poly, that means a bunch of coats and sanding back down.

And do both sides, but you don't have to be so particular on the bottom.

Todd

[Joe Scharle]

I like Behlem Rockhard for tops. I also would rather wipe 6 coats than brush on 2. Just thin it to wiping viscosity, usually 50/50.