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The right finish for a kitchen table not only brings out its natural warmth but also provides long-term protection. However, not all finishes are the same, and different products are suitable for different applications.
Waxes, polyurethanes, urethanes, varnishes, and oils are just some of the options available. We like General Finishes Arm-R-Seal Oil-Based Topcoat, an oil-based topcoat with urethane resins, due to its easy wipe-on or brush-on application and long-lasting durability.
Whether you’re protecting a new piece of furniture or reviving an older one, the following products have you—and your table—covered. For expert input, we consulted with Laura Waterson, the general manager of Koehn Painting Co. in Wichita, Kansas. This guide discusses the different types of products available and their individual characteristics to help DIY enthusiasts and novices find the best finish for kitchen tables.
- BEST OVERALL: General Finishes Arm-R-Seal Oil Based Topcoat
↓ Jump to Review - RUNNER-UP: Varathane 200061H Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Minwax Water Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane
↓ Jump to Review - BEST OIL: HOPE’S 100% Pure Tung Oil, Wood Finish for Furniture
↓ Jump to Review - BEST WAX: Howard Products Wax-It-All Food Safe Wax
↓ Jump to Review - BEST WIPE-ON POLY: Minwax Water-Base Wipe-On Polyurethane 16fl oz
↓ Jump to Review - ALSO CONSIDER: Grizzly Industrial H2372 – Good Stuff Wood Finish
↓ Jump to Review
Finishes for Kitchen Tables Comparison
| Product | Type | Ease of Application | Coverage Area | Curing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Finishes Arm-R-Seal Oil-Based Topcoat | Urethane resin | Easy | 500 square feet | 30 days |
| Varathane 200061H Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane | Polyurethane | Easy | 30 square feet | 3 days |
| Minwax Water-Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane | Polyurethane | Easy | 100 to 125 square feet | 24+ hours |
| HOPE’S 100% Pure Tung Oil, Wood Finish for Furniture | Tung oil | Moderate | Unlisted | Unlisted |
| Howard Products Wax-It-All Food Safe Wax | Wax | Easy | Unlisted | Immediate |
| Minwax Water-Base Wipe-On Polyurethane 16fl oz | Polyurethane | Moderate | 60 square feet | 24 hours |
| Grizzly Industrial H2372 – Good Stuff Wood Finish | Urethane | Easy | Unlisted | Unlisted |
Our Top Picks
Our top picks include a variety of finishes to suit different needs. All the following products are manufactured by well-respected brands.
Best Overall
General Finishes Arm-R-Seal Oil-Based Topcoat
Buy at Amazon Buy at Walmart
What We Like
- Stain-resistant and lasts for several years
- Satin finish that dries with an amber tone
- Easy wipe-on or brush-on application
What We Don’t Like
- Should be applied in a well-ventilated area
- Combustible and toxic before drying
- Takes 30 days to completely cure
Product Specs
- Type: Urethane resin
- Ease of Application: Easy
- Coverage Area: 500 square feet
- Curing Time: 12 hours
General Finishes Arm-R-Seal is a urethane resin that can be wiped on with a cloth or applied with a foam brush to leave a professional finish. We like that it dries very hard to create a durable, stain-resistant barrier, making it a great option for refinishing a dining table. The satin appearance is pleasantly warm without the unnatural shine of some varnishes. In fact, the finish lends a slightly orange glow that may be more obvious on lighter wood surfaces.
Because Arm-R-Seal is oil-based, apply it in a well-ventilated area. Once fully cured, it provides several years of protection.
Get the Arm-R-Seal topcoat at Amazon or Walmart.
Runner-Up
Varathane 200061H Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane
Buy at Amazon Buy at Ace Hardware Buy at The Home Depot
What We Like
- Comes in gloss, semi-gloss, matte, and satin finishes
- Dries to the touch in 30 minutes
- Scratch- and stain-resistant
- Crystal clear; doesn’t alter the wood tone
What We Don’t Like
- May require 3+ coats
Product Specs
- Type: Polyurethane
- Ease of Application: Easy
- Coverage Area: 30 square feet
- Curing Time: 3 days
Varathane’s water-based polyurethane can be touch-dry in as little as 30 minutes and is ready for a second coat after 2 hours, though full curing time is 3 days. The result is a hard, scratch- and stain-resistant finish. Available in gloss, semi-gloss, matte, and satin finishes, it doesn’t suffer the yellowing sometimes associated with oil-based polyurethanes, which means the original color of the wood shows through. Plus, it allows for fuss-free cleanup.
Get the Varathane polyurethane at Amazon, Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best Bang For The Buck
Minwax Water Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane
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What We Like
- Low-odor formula
- Provides a clear finish
- Gloss, semi-gloss, and satin finishes
What We Don’t Like
- Needs to be applied in a well-ventilated area
- Requires 3+ coats
Product Specs
- Type: Polyurethane
- Ease of Application: Easy
- Coverage Area: 100 to 125 square feet
- Curing Time: 24+ hours
This Minwax clear coat for wood tables has the toughness associated with a traditional oil-based product, but it’s more eco-friendly and easier to clean up. Its odor isn’t as strong as oil-based polyurethanes, although good ventilation is still necessary. Apply the finish with a synthetic brush, foam pad, or lambswool applicator. It can be recoated in 2 hours, but must dry for at least 24 hours before light use of the table. For maximum protection, three coats are required.
Minwax oil-modified polyurethane finish is available as gloss, semi-gloss, or satin. Purchase it in a variety of sizes, from 1 quart to 1 gallon.
Get the Miniwax polyurethane at Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, or Walmart.
Best Oil
HOPE’S 100% Pure Tung Oil, Wood Finish for Furniture
Buy at Amazon
What We Like
- 100 percent natural formula
- Resists water, alcohol, and food acids
- Can be thinned if required
- Food-safe kitchen table finish
What We Don’t Like
- Takes some time to dry between coats
- Should not be used on softwoods
Product Specs
- Type: Tung oil
- Ease of Application: Moderate
- Coverage Area: Unlisted
- Curing Time: Unlisted
Tung oil has been used to preserve wood for several thousand years; however, lower-quality products often contain additives and solvents. HOPE’S tung oil is a 100 percent pure, natural product.
HOPE’S tung oil is an excellent finish for bare hardwoods, but patience is required. Apply it with a cloth, wiping in a little at a time, a method that allows the oil to penetrate and enhance the grain. Drying time takes several hours, and several coats may be required to develop a protective sheen. Finished surfaces are protected from water, alcohol, and vegetable and fruit acids. This product is not recommended for use on softwoods unless they are first sealed to prevent excessive absorption.
Get the HOPE’S tung oil on Amazon.
Best Wax
Howard Products Wax-It-All Food Safe Wax
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What We Like
- Natural carnuba, beeswax, and natural mineral oils
- Protects against day-to-day spills
- Suitable for use on many materials
- Safe for use near food
What We Don’t Like
- Provides less protection than similar products
Product Specs
- Type: Wax
- Ease of Application: Easy
- Coverage Area: Unlisted
- Curing Time: Immediate
A waxed finish brings a natural beauty and warmth to furniture, has a pleasant feel, and smells good. Howard’s Food-Grade Wax combines carnauba for hardness with beeswax and natural mineral oils for nourishment and a pleasant aroma. Application is easy: Simply rub it in with a soft cloth, then buff it to an attractive sheen.
Wax finishes take time to build up and aren’t as tough as polyurethane. While they can protect against day-to-day spills, hot beverages or pans will leave white rings. As a result, wax finishes are perhaps best for wood kitchen tables that aren’t subjected to heavy use.
We like that Howard’s Food-Grade Wax is safe in all food contact areas, including butcher block surfaces. It can also be used to spruce up brass, copper, marble, and a variety of other materials.
Get the Howard Products wax on Amazon or Walmart.
Best Wipe-on Poly
Minwax Water-Base Wipe-On Polyurethane 16fl oz
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What We Like
- Comes in multiple colors and sizes
- Clear formula doesn’t alter the color of wood
- Provides a hand-rubbed finish
What We Don’t Like
- Should be applied in a well-ventilated area
- May require ample care for smooth finish
- Requires 2 to 3 hours between coats
Product Specs
- Type: Polyurethane
- Ease of Application: Moderate
- Coverage Area: 60 square feet
- Curing Time: 24 hours
Minwax Wipe-On Polyurethane delivers the appearance of a hand-rubbed finish—usually associated with waxes or oils—but with the toughness of polyurethane. It’s water-based, allowing for easy cleanup. While its odor is not as strong as some other products, it should be applied in a well-ventilated area.
To apply this wood table protector, simply pour it onto a cloth and wipe it onto the wood kitchen table. However, care is required to produce an even finish, so using it is not as fast as brush-on products. Although Minwax claims this wipe-on poly is “ultra-fast drying,” it requires 2 to 3 hours between coats and 24 hours to cure completely.
Get the Miniwax wipe-on polyurethane on Amazon, Lowe’s, or Walmart.
Also Consider
Grizzly Industrial H2372 – Good Stuff Wood Finish
Buy at Amazon
What We Like
- Low-odor formula
- Suitable for unfinished wood materials
- Water-, alcohol-, and solvent-resistant
- Food-safe urethane gel
What We Don’t Like
- Pricey compared to similar options
- Thicker than most finishes
- 3+ coats recommended
Product Specs
- Type: Urethane
- Ease of Application: Easy
- Coverage Area: Unlisted
- Curing Time: Unlisted
Grizzly Industrial’s oil-based urethane gel is designed to offer a high level of protection to previously unfinished kitchen tables, particularly maple. Apply it in the same easy manner as wipe-on poly, though it’s somewhat thicker. While it’s relatively low odor, adequate ventilation is still important.
Synthetic oils were added during manufacturing to accelerate drying, though this wood table protection coating still takes around 4 hours between coats. Three coats are recommended for maximum protection. Penetration is minimal, and when you’ve finished applying it, the appearance is much like that of brush-on polyurethane. The finish is resistant to water, alcohol, and most solvents.
Get the Wood Welded wood finish on Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose the Best Finishes for Kitchen Tables
We researched the most sought-after wood finishes for kitchen tables in their respective categories and discovered that the best options are determined by their type, ease of application, curing time, compatibility with multiple surfaces, and other special features included by top brands.
While searching for the best finishes for wood tables, the most popular types among users were the urethane, polyurethane, wax, and wipe-on options with their easy-to-moderate application and quick drying times. While many options require multiple applications, many of these top picks fully cure in 24 hours and last for years between applications, providing a somewhat waterproof finish for dining tables. Multiple wood finishes and quantities are offered for select finishes like satin and semi-gloss, with options that are suitable for untreated and softwood tables and materials.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Finish for Your Kitchen Table
Kitchen and dining room table restoration is quite a popular project, so manufacturers have responded with many different products. Whether you’re after a high-gloss dining table or a matte-look wooden kitchen table, there’s a finish to fit the bill. There are even outdoor wood sealers to suit your outdoor wooden dining table. The application method and the type of finish each product provides differ, making choosing the right product confusing. Important considerations include the type of finish, its durability, ease of application, odor, and curing time.
Type of Finish
First, learn about the basic types of wood finish.
- Wax has been used as a furniture finish for centuries. Probably the most popular form, carnauba wax is usually sold as a paste that can be brushed or rubbed into the wood grain. Sometimes referred to as “Brazil wax,” carnauba wax is a natural product made from tree fronds. Often mixed with beeswax, it may have natural oils added.
- Penetrative tung oil, another natural product, is made from the nut of the tung tree. Always choose pure tung oil rather than derivatives.
- Shellac is a resin deposited on trees by a small Asian beetle. Traditionally sold as flakes dissolved in alcohol, this protective coating for wood tables provides modest durability, so it’s usually blended with other products.
- Varnish, a popular finish that comes in a water- or oil-based format, may be flammable in liquid form. Ingredients vary widely. Oil-based varnishes, which contain solvents, are still widely available, but they’re generally considered to be harmful to the environment.
- Urethanes or polyurethanes, synthetic rubber polymers that offer a degree of flexibility while also being very durable, are often used in varnish. They can be oil-based or water-based.
- Wipe-on products combine the warmth of rubbed finishes like wax with the toughness of urethanes. They are available in solvent- or water-based liquids or gels.
When choosing between wax, oil, varnish, or polyurethane, consider the wood surfaces you intend to use it on and the impact the finish will have on their color. Softwoods, such as pine, have a much more open grain than a hardwood like oak. If the finish is penetrative (usually oils and waxes), it can soak in before the required effect is achieved.
Most oil-based varnishes for wood application will yellow slightly with age, but water-based versions usually don’t. Wax finishes build up a rich patina but can trap dirt if not cleaned and reapplied regularly—a significant factor for kitchen tables that will be used for food prep.
Durability
Whether you want to protect or waterproof your wood table, all the finishes mentioned here have reasonable durability, though waxes and oils take time and effort to build up. Most experts generally recommend that users reapply oils and waxes to their wooden-finished tables annually.
Urethane- and polyurethane-based products are the toughest finishes for a kitchen table. Once dry, they can protect against all kinds of spills as well as take a reasonable amount of heat. Polyurethane finishes can last many years without attention. “If priority number one is durability , especially for an applied kitchen table, I would suggest modified oil-based polyurethane,” says Waterson. “It’s extremely durable, resistant to scratches, stains, and heat; essentially perfect for the day-to-day use a kitchen table endures.”
Varnishes form a skin on the surface of the wood. Because high-gloss versions can look a little like plastic, satin is a popular alternative. Any chips or scratches are more obvious than in wood treated with oils and waxes, which soak into the grain. To avoid a “milky” discoloration, a varnish must be applied correctly. Try a test patch in an unobtrusive area, such as on the underside of the tabletop, before application.
Ease of Application
Polyurethane varnish is the quickest and easiest way to finish a kitchen table. Most flow well when brushed on and leave few, if any, marks. Though it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, properly finishing a kitchen table generally requires two to four coats of varnish. “In a DIY scenario, I would suggest you start with a water-based polyurethane,” advises Waterson. “ It’s similar to oil-based finishes but is easier to apply in that it dries faster, reduces odor, and doesn’t take as much skill to achieve a smooth finish.”
Waxes and oils are usually applied with a cloth or brush. They require more physical effort, though modern formulations are easier to work with than traditional products. Whichever method you choose, it’s important to clean your wood table before application to prevent dirt and crumbs from getting stuck in the finish.
Cleanup is another consideration. If using oil-based products, the brushes must be cleaned with solvents. Take care when throwing away used cloths, as they may pose a fire risk. Some oil finishes, such as linseed oil, which is often used on wood furniture, can combust spontaneously, so pay close attention to any manufacturer warnings. Water-based kitchen table finishes don’t pose the same risk, and cleanup requires only dish soap and water.
Odor and Curing Time
Always consider safety when refinishing a dining room table. Oil-based varnishes, in particular, may have a strong, unpleasant odor and can cause dizziness or respiratory difficulties. Carry out the work in a well-ventilated area. In addition to some form of respiratory protection, wear goggles or safety glasses and painter’s gloves.
Curing time varies widely. Polyurethanes dry comparatively quickly, but it still can take several hours to days for them to fully cure. Some can be recoated in a couple of hours, while others recommend 24 hours before applying a second coat. If dust or dirt is in the air during this time, it can settle into the damp surface and ruin the finish. Try to work in a dusted and vacuumed area that can be closed off afterward.
Waxes and oils typically must dry overnight before the application of additional coats to allow them to penetrate wood surfaces and provide maximum protection. Oil finishes can take several days to fully cure.
FAQs
Questions may linger about choosing the best finish for your wooden table. Keep reading to find some of the most commonly asked questions about finishes, along with their answers.
Sealing depends on the product. Some are rubbed on after applying wood stain, while others are brushed. Rollers are not usually recommended because they leave bubbles in the surface. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Yes. Polyurethanes can be used over almost any painted surface that’s been properly prepared. Generally, the painted surface must be cleaned and abraded.
Yes. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), once they are fully cured, polyurethanes are safe around food.
Reapply finish to your table when you start to notice cloudiness, watermarks, or cracks in the table’s topcoat. Wax and oil finishes typically need more frequent application compared to polyurethanes, which can last several years.
Urethanes and polyurethanes are among the most durable finishes for refinishing a wood table.
It can take 3 to 4 coats of finish to adequately protect a kitchen table. However, this varies by product, making it essential to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Oil-based polyurethanes generally provide a more durable finish but add a warm amber tone, while water-based polyurethanes dry clear. Oil-based products also have a much stronger odor compared to their water-based counterparts.
