We just got a 'farm house' kitchen table set...everything is white but the chair tops, bench top & table top are a very light oak (table top looks like butcher block. This farm house table set is very popular and sold in many places, we bought it on line)

The table top looks like it had a light spray of some kind of finish during manufacturing...
I already see a small light scratch on the table top, so, although we'll be careful now, I want to know if there is something I can apply to it that might help prevent future scratches?
What would you guys suggest? Polymere, varnish?

Thanks

glass top and/or tablecloths come immediately to mind.

I hate table cloths and really don't want glass...guess I'll do some research on the best product to use.

Thanks

Might try a paste wax for furniture for a natural look? It can often fill in fine scratches and make them less noticeable. Apply a coat and then buff with a soft cloth. Not a shine/glossy finish, but more matte. It is easy to try and can be fairly easy to remove if it does not suit you.

They often use a spray lacquer finish on mass produced furniture.

Each finish has it's own issues. A water base polycrylic is easy (dries in an hour) but takes many coats, and is a bit prone more to scratches than a polyurethane. The latter takes a full day or longer to cure between coats.

Thank you, Conrad...good suggestions and I will try that paste wax for furniture...I will also look into the poly...I really think a coating of something like the poly would give us some protection...the finish that is on the table (from the factory) is so slight it won't protect the top at all...if I use the poly, I'll get a matte finish, I don't really want a shine, just protection....and I assume if I decide on poly, I shouldn't use the paste wax first.

Thank you very much.

Like your avatar...plains & mountains...just like where we live

This message has been edited. Last edited by: jmd47,

If you are planning on the poly, don't start with the paste wax, you are correct.

One thing to be aware of, is NOT placing hot/steamy items directly on the poly finish. It will often result in a white haze/bloom to form under the poly. The steam from a hot dish or hot pizza box can cause it. (It is removable, either by over time or using a warm hair dryer blown close to the surface or even a low NON steam iron over a t-shirt)

So make sure to use hot pads under dishes on the table to avoid it?

Thanks again...yep, would always use hot pads...I use them for placing hot things on my counter tops too...although they won't get hurt with something hot, I don't take chances...

have a great day, Conrad...

PS...my next project IS the kitchen...hope to get it started soon, just finished up the living room & so called 'great room', which in our case is just a room seperating the kitchen from the living room...all open...looks pretty good