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Thread: Walnut Coffee Table - Finish Ideas

  1. #1

    Walnut Coffee Table - Finish Ideas

    I've just completed my first coffee table. Last night I applied BLO so in about a week it should be ready to finish. What would be the best finish for a coffee table, polyeurethane, shellac, or lacquer? Based on what I've read shellac seems to be a very popular finish but is it durable enough for a table top?

    This is only my 2nd project so my finishing skills are extremely limited. My first project was walnut with BLO and polyeurethane.

    Any help would be appreciated.

    Thanks,

    Keith

  2. #2
    Join Date
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    I'd avoid shellac, unless you are very consistent using coasters. If you are shellac will make the handsomest finish. Lacquer is best applied by spraying even though there are brush on lacquers, and the advance in protection is modest compared to shellac. More practically, a good varnish makes a good finish over walnut. In particular I would recommend Behlen Rockhard. It is moderately dark--an amber that works very well on walnut. I prefer to brush it on, thinned about 10% or so, but if you want you can thin it more heavily and use it as a wipe on finish.

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