I'm in the process of building a farm house table out of walnut with breadboard ends. This table will be used for a kitchen table, so it will see some abuse. I have never been satisfied with the finishing that I've done really on any of the projects I've ever done, so I'm really looking to see what everyone is recommending. This is the biggest project (surface area wise) so I'm wanting this to turn out great as it will be very visible. I've been reading threads on various forums for weeks and if I had a $1 for everyone's various methods, I could retire. It's overwhelming.
I plan on using transtint to darken the walnut as it's a bit lighter than the housse COO would like.
I typically finish things with wipe on or brush on poly, but that process takes forever, and I frequently end up with a less than stellar finish.
Because it's going to have breadboard ends, I'm thinking this means I can't do a film finish due to the expansion at the seam. I've read rave reviews about people using waterlox for a finish, but this builds a film, so I'm not sure how this would survive with a breadboard.
I'm really taking into account maintenance down the road and am preferring finishes that I can just recoat, as opposed to sanding and having to go through a whole stripping/refinishing process.
Lastly, I have a spray setup so I can go that route as well, or wipe on or brushed.