13 Best Finishes For Wood Kitchen Tables – Top Picks Of 2024
Retain your furniture's charm and restore its beauty with these easy-to-use products.
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We spend a lot of time in our kitchens. Therefore, investing in the best finish for wood kitchen tables makes sense. The tables are used for multiple purposes such as chopping, eating, doing homework, and practicing arts and crafts. In addition, the kitchen table is regularly exposed to water, grime, and whatnot! Hence, your kitchen table should be durable enough and well-protected to withstand all these things.
To help your wooden kitchen table retain its beauty, you need the best wooden finish. Whether you’re restoring an antique kitchen table or making a new one, the best finish will make the table long-lasting and won’t cause any damage. We have curated a list of the best finishes for a wood kitchen table in this article. Check them out!
In This Article
Top 13 Best Finish For Wood Kitchen Table Reviews And Buying guide 2024
1. Best Overall:Minwax Fast Drying Polyurethane Clear Satin
The Minwax Fast Drying Polyurethane Clear Satin is an ideal finish as it provides strong adhesion to wooden surfaces, such as a piece of furniture, doors, floors, and cabinets. This is a durable coating that offers a perfect finish for wood surfaces that are indoors and provides them with long-lasting protection and beauty. Great for refinishing dining room tables, this oil-based finish makes sure that you can use your wooden kitchen table freely and wipe it with a cloth, sponge and any cleaning material without being too cautious. Reviewers love this product because the final finish is of weathered and cured wood that can withstand regular use and overuse.
Pros
- Can be used on wood furniture as well as finished and unfinished wooden surfaces
- Polyurethane finish
- The finish dries up quickly, giving you fast results.
- Can be applied using a flat brush.
Cons
- The smell from the finish may last a few weeks after application.
"This polyurethane gives a glossy finish that enhances the wood's natural beauty. It is durable enough to protect the surfaces and give it a posh appearance. I like how it covers the entire wood surface and does not leave behind any cracks or crevices. A great purchase overall!"
Quick Tip2. Best Biodegradable:Walrus Oil Furniture Finish
The Walrus Oil Furniture Finish is composed of polymerized safflower oil, hemp seed oil, and tung oil. It smells fresh like lime. On drying, it leaves a gorgeous anti-shine matte varnish finish and brings out the natural color of your furniture. It is made from 100% plant-based material and contains no toxic additives. This biodegradable furniture finish can completely transform the look of your kitchen! Reviews indicate that it can even be used on dressers, photo frames, and wooden chairs.
Pros
- Matte finish
- Lightly scented
- FDA-approved food-safe ingredients
- Biodegradable
Cons
- May require multiple coats for total coverage
"This wood finish applies smoothly, revitalizes weathered wood without the need for sanding, and is food-safe. It dries quickly and is ideal for use during the cold weather. I like how it nourishes the wood and gives it a subtle sheen. It changes the look of my kitchen and makes it appear vibrant."
3. Best Non-Toxic Formula:Odie’s Oil
In comparison to generic finishes, the Odie’s Oil gives 20 times more coverage! The non-toxic formula leaves a lustrous, smooth finish on wooden items in a single coat. This finish’s multifunctionality means that it can be used to waterproof wooden surfaces as well as hard-to-paint items like concrete, plastic, leather, vinyl, and metal, all while bringing out the natural grain design of the wood. This finish is one of the hardest and most durable polyurethane top coats in the consumer market. With its non-toxic chemicals and food-safe finish, it’s perfect for kitchen tables. Plus, it’s easy to apply and does not require frequent touch-ups. The finish has a distinct, honey-like consistency and leaves behind a pleasant smell after drying. With this product, you can protect your wooden table from lemon juice, crayon stains, wine spills, and so many other unaccounted-for accidents with ease!
Pros
- Excellent coverage
- Durable finish
- Toxic-free
- Waterproof
- Safe for humans and pets
Cons
- None
"This wood finish enhances my wood's natural beauty with a soft satin sheen. It gives my kitchen top a matte finish. It spreads easily and makes the top appear naturally bright. The best part is that it does not leave behind any greasiness."
| Minwax Fast Drying Polyurethane Clear Satin | Walrus Oil Furniture Finish | Odie's Oil | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compatible Material | Wood | - | - |
| Material | Oil based | - | - |
| Color | Satin | - | - |
| Dimensions | 4.25 x 4.25 x 4.89 inches | - | 6.3 x 4.6 x 4.3 inches |
| Weight | 2.05 pounds | 8.4 ounces. | - |
| Weight | - | - | 8 Ounces. |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 8,809 | - | - |
| Price | $13.97 | $15.99 | $44.73 |
4. Best Water-Based Finish:Rust-Oleum Varathane Ultimate Polyurethane Water Based Clear Wood Varnish – Gloss Clear
The Rust-Oleum Varathane Ultimate Polyurethane Water Based Clear Wood Varnish in clear gloss is a water-based finish and a great option for refinishing table tops. This dining table finish is formulated in a way that it can be easily used on painted or bare wooden surfaces, protecting it from scratches and damage. According to reviews, this water-based finish is absolutely clear, free of any odor, and can be easily cleaned even using water. So if the table gets a little too soiled after a meal you can freely wash it down or wipe it down, and it will go back to how it was before. Moreover, polyurethane is waterborne and flows out very well despite the fact that it has a semi-gel consistency, making it easy to spread the coat.
Pros
- Suitable for finishing doors, furniture, trims, and cabinets
- If dried at 70° to 80° F, drying time is about 30 minutes for touching, 2 hours for a recoat and 24 hours for beginning light use.
- Protects furniture against scratches, stain and abrasion
- Water-based poly is odorless
Cons
- The product may not work well on fiber-made doors that look like wood.
"I like this wood finish's water-based consistency that spreads easily. It has a minimal odor, which is ideal for me because I don't like overpowering scents. It is great for challenging surfaces like old kitchen tops and staircases."
5. Best Uv Protection:STAR BRITE Premium Golden Teak Oil
The STAR BRITE Premium Golden Teak Oil is ideal for fine teak or wood furniture. It is easy to use and fast-drying and penetrates deep into the surface to give ultimate UV protection. The long-lasting formula leaves an incredible, warm golden hue that looks natural, sweet, and relaxing like a warm hug. The ultra-refined formula is not just suitable for painting wooden furniture but also boats, pools, etc.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Fast drying
- Long-lasting
- Natural finish
- Safe for use
Cons
- Might require multiple coats
"This Golden Teak Oil has helped my kitchen top look as good as new. It is easy to apply and does not spill or create any messes. It has a strong smell but that does not overwhelm me. I reapply it every few months for long-lasting results."
Quick Tip6. Best Easy To Apply:Furniture Clinic Wood Stain
The fast-drying formula, Furniture Clinic Wood Stain, is great for homeowners who want to refurbish their kitchen table. It gives superb coverage and adds a natural, anti-shine matte varnish finish to old pieces of furniture. This non-toxic paint can be used both on indoor and outdoor wood surfaces. It’s not just easy to apply but easy to clean too! Plus, this tabletop finish has a low odor and comes in 9 trendy light and dark shades. It is available in 12 colors as follows: Dark oak, white ash, walnut, rosewood, teak, natural oak, mahogany, ebony black, antique pine, slate, warm graphite, and gray. It is water-based and offers even color penetration, so it’s the perfect choice for a finish for a kitchen table.
Pros
- Fast drying
- Even color penetration
- Non-toxic
- Good coverage
- Easy to clean
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- The colors may not be true to the shade in the pictures
"This wood stain dries quickly and gives my wooden table a bright finish. It has a thin consistency that spreads easily without creating any messes. I use it sparingly, as a little product goes a long way. It is the best finish for beginners."
7. Best For Interiors:Rust-Oleum Ultimate Polyurethane – Matte
The Rust-Oleum Ultimate Polyurethane offers a matte finish on your kitchen wooden table. Ideal for interior use, this poly finish protects wooden surfaces like doors, trims, cabinets, and furniture. The formula is water-based acrylic and can be touched within 1 hour of drying, which makes it consumer-friendly. However, if you need to recoat it, you must wait at least 2 hours. It is best to apply this finish to the kitchen table in a well-ventilated area. The result after application is a kitchen table that is ready to be used roughly for years to come.
Pros
- Protects furniture from long-lasting marks created by fingerprints as well as smudges.
- Results in smooth and stain-resistant surface.
- Dries within 1 hour of application.
Cons
- It may slightly darken unfinished wood.
"This topcoat gives me a matte finish. It enhances the natural beauty of my kitchen table's wood without any shiny glare. I usually apply it patiently to avoid drips and runs. I also recommend using multiple thin coats for the best durability."
8. Best Fast-Drying:Grizzly Industrial Emmet’s Good Stuff Wood Finish For Maple Tops
The Grizzly Industrial Emmet’s Good Stuff Wood Finish for Maple Tops is a great finish for wood kitchen tables. The finish is safe even if it comes in contact with some food, and does not include any poisonous substance. This finish is fast-drying compared to other wood finishes for tables. The finish is also resistant to alcohol and water, which means even if your clumsy friends come over you do not need to huff and puff. As per reviewers, this table top finish is most ideal for maple furniture and will leave it with a very natural-looking stain.
Pros
- Made using non-toxic urethane
- It offers a low sheen finish so that your furniture doesn’t look like plastic or cheap
- Needs only about 30 minutes between two coats
Cons
- Brush marks may be visible if brushed on too many times.
"This wood finish is easy to use and brings out the natural beauty of wood. I like its paste-like consistency, which spreads easily. It also helps me use the finish sparingly. It gives a sophisticated touch to my kitchen table with no noticeable odor."
9. Best Scratch-Resistant:Tried And True Wood Finish Varnish Oil
The Tried And True Wood Finish Varnish Oil penetrates right into the furniture to provide strength and protection from rough use. The formula of this conversion varnish oil is from the 19th century and is 100% free from solids and solvent. The finish from this varnish is so unique that you can even chop and cut on the surface without worrying about permanent marks. This varnish oil is safe even if food comes in contact with it, letting your family be healthy and hearty. Since it has a durable finish, you will have no worries when your kids are messy with it once it has dried. The linseed oil in this finish is polymerized and fortified with natural resin varnish. The result is a semi-gloss finish which is abrasive and scratch-resistant, making the kitchen table look highly polished.
Pros
- Includes resin in high content and gives a semi-gloss sheen.
- Buildable durability, each coat makes it stronger and glossier
- Becomes more durable and harder with time
Cons
- It may need to be applied by someone who is skilled in hand-rubbed polish.
"I like this wood finish as it dries fast and is made without toxic materials. It is easy to apply and does not stain my wood table unnecessarily. I like how it makes the table top glow. I apply two to three coats to safeguard the wood."
10. Best For Oxidation:Howard Products Restor-A-Finish
Amp up your kitchen indoors with a layer of the Howard Products Restor-A-Finish on your kitchen table to give it a brand new look! It skillfully conceals minor scratches, abrasions, and blemishes. It comes in 9 stunning colors to match any wood finish! This finish helps to remove white heat rings, sun fade, oxidation, and water stains to give your furniture a new lease of life!
Pros
- Several color options
- Adds luster
- Finishing-penetrating formula
- Remove watermarks
- Eliminates scratches and minor surface blemishes
Cons
- It might slightly alter the color or darken unfinished wood
"This wood finish gives me great coverage. I also use it on cracks, crevices, and scratches. It gives my kitchen top a glow and makes it appear stylish."
11. Best Durable:Rust-Oleum Varathane Ultimate Polyurethane Oil Based Satin Finish
The Rust-oleum Varathane Ultimate Polyurethane Oil Based Satin Finish protects wood surfaces like trims, doors, furniture, cabinets, and much more. The formula is oil-based and provides a high level of durability and a very even finish to your refinished table top. You can start recoating the table again after 4 hours by when the first coat dries up giving you a smooth surface to work on again. The satin finish of the oil-based product gives a very natural and classic look to the wood kitchen table and protects it from stains and scratches at the same time.
Pros
- Can be applied using a simple plain brush.
- Table top polyurethane finish can be achieved
- The polyurethane formula provides 2 times more durability as compared to other traditional finishes for tables.
- The formula is self-leveling and eliminates brush strokes giving a very clean look
Cons
- The finish may take a long time to dry and may have a strong odor.
"This varnish is the best for my kitchen top. I like how it adds a bright finish to my kitchen. It seals in water-based paint without damaging the underlying materials. I can also clean my kitchen top normally after using the varnish."
12. Best Odorless:SamaN Interior Water Based Wood Stain
Add a contemporary look to your kitchen by using the SamaN Interior Water-Based Wood Stain on your kitchen table. It’s odorless and gives a supreme finish in just one coat! It does not leave behind any overlapping marks or require any conditioner. This non-toxic, water-based product is safe for humans and pets and the environment as well. It is an ideal choice if you are looking for a fuss-free kitchen refurb.
Pros
- Non-toxic
- Pet-friendly
- Environment-friendly
- Easy to clean
- Durable stain
Cons
- Might require more coats to cover dark marks
"The stain is great for both quick refresh and full restoration. It is easy to apply and gives smooth coverage. It has a normal consistency that spreads without making any messses."
13. Best Long-Lasting:Old Masters Gel Polyurethane Clear Satin Finish
The Old Masters Gel Polyurethane Clear Satin Finish is just what you need for a quick yet long-lasting effect on a refinished dining table. This gel varnish creates an almost clear, hand-rubbed finish and gives a level of protection that makes it look like it was worked on by a craftsman. This can be used on old family furniture that has been with you for decades and can also be used on newly built pieces, giving them a beautiful finish. The finish from this conversion varnish could range from semi-gloss to satin, depending on the number of coats you apply.
Pros
- Results start showing in 2 coats itself which saves you time as well as money.
- Very easy to apply
- Used by professionals for commercial purpose too
Cons
- The drying time between two coats may be as high as 6 hours.
"This urethane finish is easy to use and gives a professional look. It's thick, doesn't drip, and leaves a smooth, durable satin sheen without brush marks. I patiently apply multiple coats to make sure that the finish stays for a long time."
Here is a guideline that outlines important factors that help to decide the right wood finish for your kitchen table.
Best Finish For Wood Kitchen Table – A Buyer’s Guide
You may still feel a little lost and have questions about how to refinish a wood table or if you can manage to apply the product yourself. Follow this buying guide to know everything about refinishing tables tops.
How Easy It Is To Apply The Product
When working with the right finish, applying finishing products is fairly easy. When choosing the final finish for your kitchen table, if you are not very experienced with DIY projects, it is best to opt for a finish that can simply be wiped on. Also, do a patch test by applying the product in a concealed area of the furniture to see if you like the color and the finish. This way there is no scope for mistakes, and your kids can also join in the fun of application!
However, if you are confident about your skills and have worked with wood before, you can try using finishes that need to be brushed on or sprayed on. These options definitely need extra skill and hence are not recommended for beginners. No matter what finish you finalize to use, read the instructions by the manufacturer so that you are doing exactly what needs to be done to get the right impact. Since a lot of these finishes produce fumes, opt for safety-tested and certified products and follow proper application guidelines to ensure safety.
Types Of Wood Finishes
There is a wide range of options available when it comes to kitchen table finishes, each option with its advantages as well as disadvantages. Here are a few common types of finishes that are easily available:
- Oil finishes: Oil-finishes do a great job of adding depth as well as color to a wooden table that is unfinished, making the table suitable for use in the kitchen.
- Water-based finishes: Water-based finishes are very quick to dry, which makes them a preferred option when you want to complete your project in a rush. The result is a slick and gloss varnish finish. You can also get a product that has a top coat that is self-cross-linked with a water-based poly that is oil-modified. This makes the finish appear similar to oil varnish, but it behaves like a water-based coat.
- Varnish: Varnish as a finish is clear, but takes a long time to dry and requires skilled labor for application. Varnish works best when used along with a dye.
- Shellac: Shellac is made using solvents along with wax. While it is very easy to apply, it is not good enough for heavy duty use on a kitchen table.
The Durability Of Wood Finishes
The kitchen table top is subjected to a lot of heavy duty work, that too, on a daily basis. It is obvious that in order to finish wood table top, the material used should be durable with long lasting effect. The refinished dining room table is where you eat and work every day, which means it will also be cleaned multiple times in a day, and you should not feel the need to think twice before wiping it down with a damp cloth when required. Let’s not forget the spilling down of wine or your little ones dropping milk and water even though they think it is a game.
In order to tackle all of these issues, the finish must be absolutely durable, should be able to tolerate high and low temperatures and not let scratches mark the table permanently. Poly finishes that are oil-based and varnishes turn out to be the best when durability is concerned. Linseed oil and Tung oil are slightly less durable than the above and shellac should never be used. While lacquer is also a good idea when it comes to toughness, it may become yellow over time.
Infographic: How To Finish A Wooden Kitchen Table And Maintain It
The finish of your kitchen table determines its appearance and durability. In addition to investing in the best table, caring for it the right way is also essential. Check out the infographic below and learn how to do it like a pro and maintain the finish for a long time.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Wooden kitchen tables need to have seamless finishes and protective coats because they are used for a variety of purposes. Some people tend to chop vegetables directly on the table, while some kids tend to sit with their homework while their parents are cooking. Hence, the finish needs to be strong enough to handle every kind of work that goes around on the kitchen table. More so, good finishes also determine the durability of the table and keep it protected against harmful toxins and chemicals. The Minwax Fast Drying Polyurethane Clear Satin is a quick-drying option with a durable polyurethane finish. For a natural anti-shine matte varnish made with FDA-approved food-safe ingredients, go for the Walrus Oil Furniture Finish. Further, the Rust-Oleum Varathane Ultimate Polyurethane Water Based Clear Wood Varnish provides excellent protection against stains, abrasions, and scratches, making it perfect for preserving the beauty of your furniture. If cleaning is an issue, you should opt for oil-based finishes that make sure that you can wipe off the impurities from your kitchen table without any hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Must I have my wood kitchen table finished?
Yes you must. Not only will a finish make the table more durable but a unique finish may also add extra beauty and charm to your kitchen table.
What are the steps to sealing a wood table?
Simply apply a very thin coat to the top of your kitchen table with a brush or a spray gun and let it dry. Sand the table surface with 120-grit sandpaper and add one more coat of lacquer. The two coats are good enough to seal the table, but if you wish to have more depth you can add two more coats.
Can I apply polyurethane over paint?
Yes you can. Applying polyurethane over a painted surface is always a good idea as the paint is protected. Oil-based polyurethane lends a very smooth finish, but it takes time to dry.
Can I paint over varnished wood?
Yes you can. The best paint to use is water-based acrylic resin or paint. However if you need to use oil-based paint then you must prep the surface only with oil-based primer first.
What is the best finish for a wood table?
Oil-based poly finishes and varnish are the best finishes for a wood kitchen table. Linseed oil and tung oil too are a good option but are slightly less durable.
Can I use oil or wax to finish a wood table?
Yes you can use oil or wax to finish a table as they penetrate into the wood and make it stronger.
What is the most durable clear coat for wood?
Table top polyurethane finish is the best and most durable clear coat for wooden kitchen tables.
Is it safe to use polyurethane on the kitchen table?
Yes, polyurethane is approved by the FDA as a food safe coating for wood tables.
Which is better oil-based or water-based polyurethane?
Water-based polyurethane is better because the finish remains the same for many years to come without making any changes to how the wood kitchen table looks.
Is tung oil good for the kitchen table?
Tung oil is one of the oldest oils used for finishing wood on kitchen tables. Tung oil can be additionally finished with a resin varnish for additional protection.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shreya Viswanathan, the author of this article, has a great eye for high-quality, durable, and safe products for home use. Her list is backed by well-researched reviews and feedback from several online user forums to help you select the best finish for the wooden kitchen table. The products listed above provide a clean finish, dry up quickly, and are durable and budget-friendly.
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