skip to main content

Veneer table top - can I polyurethane it?

13 years ago

I've asked this before but am hoping for more answers. I have a solid wood table with teak veneer. I love it, but it's been covered by a tablecloth since we got it as I'm afraid of wrecking the finish. I hate tablecloths. I want to SEE the tabletop. What are my options for protecting the top? I've heard either paste wax or polyurethane. The latter seems like a GREAT idea to me.

My family is just not that careful, so not placing drinks on the table and being super paranoid isn't an option. Neither is getting plastic or glass cut for the top, as it has two removable leaves.

What can I do to be able to USE this table, all the time, without having to worry about ruining it?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

bobismyuncle
13 years ago
Paste wax offers minimal protection. While water beads up on it, that is a manifestation of surface tension. It provides nearly zero resistance to water passing through.

Polyurethane does not stick well to things. I had to refinish a table like this a few years ago. The owner applied a coat of poly to make it shinier. (File this under: "It sounded like a good idea at the time.") Besides looking terrible, about 1/4 of the table top had poly peeling off.

Teak typically has a low-build finish on it. While generally thought to be "oiled" finish, it is usually a low build, very low sheen lacquer. Teak also contains natural oils that inhibit a lot of finishes from curing or curing hard. It needs a little knowledge and extra care in finishing.

As I see it, you have a couple of choices if you can't or won't cover it:
- Discipline to treat it with more gentleness, use placemats, etc. No finish is immune from physical damage. It's all a matter of degree and type of damage. The strength of the wood and its substrates also becomes a limiting factor. I have seen where people scratch and chip even the "indestructible" finishes.

- Take it out and have someone strip and refinish it with a different top coat. What top coat that might be will depend upon the "system" that the place that you go uses, or if you are doing it yourself, what you are able to do based on your skill level, equipment and working environment.

Despite this advice, if you choose to apply poly over the top and it does not work, you still have the strip-and-refinish option, it's just that you might be forced into it. The biggest mistake you can make with poly is to apply it too thick and un-thinned. Thin it down up to 50:50 mineral spirits, so you can wipe on the finish with a rag. Very light coats. While you will need more coats to get the same dry thickness, each coat will go on faster and is more foolproof for a beginner than brushing a good finish.
summersucks
Original Author
13 years ago
wow bobsmyuncle! so helpful! I am going to phone around and see what furniture refinishing places around me would charge. I will likely not attempt anything on my own at this point.
Related Discussions
Can this table be 'saved'? I think it's chipped wood veneer.
Q
Comments (7)
I save tables like yours everyday. Do not remove the veneer, the wood underneath has a 1% chance of being good. It can be repaired three ways. The way I use most often to save people money is to use an epoxy filler that is colored close to the color of the stripped veneer then use colors to finish matching low lights and grains. This takes skill you probably should practice with before doing it. Videos and materials are available from Mohawk finishing group in N.C. The second way is to replace the missing veneer with veneer patches. This technique, I only use on expensive antique restoration projects and is extremely hard for a non professional. The third way is to replace the veneer. Only let a professional do that as it is an expensive process and you don't want to lose that new hundred dollar sheet of veneer.I refinish veneered furniture all the time, yes the veneer is thin and you have to be careful not to sand through, but don't let that stop you. To refinish a table like yours, I charge in the range of $350.00 including the repairs.
...See More
How to fix my Cherry Veneer Table Top?
Q
Comments (7)
The finish has failed and is beyond a simple fix. You'll need to either strip and refinish or have it done. Do not attempt to just "sand it down to bare wood" You'll go through a lot of sandpaper, not effectively remove all the finish and stand a real risk of sanding right through the veneer to the substrate. Use a chemical stripper. Sand out the fuzzies with a light sanding, stain and reapply a finish. A reasonable finish both in terms of ease of application and durability would be a wipe-on varnish. I realize I'm just hitting the peak of the steps here, While it's not a difficult process, it's way more to give detailed directions than there is room here. As to why this happened, it would be helpful to know what the table was exposed to -- direct sunlight, frequent moisture, kids, dogs, harsh (maybe cleaning) chemicals, or maybe it was just a bad job of finishing at the factory.
...See More
solid wood vs veneer table top
Q
Comments (3)
Wood is wood and it is not uncommon for wood furniture to have veneers which use exotic woods for design purposes. If you are using the table every day - especially with children - I would recommend having the table finished with what is called a bar top finish. It is extremely durable and more impervious to water issues than standard finishes. However, it is not a license to abuse the table as you should still use trivets for hot stuff and use placemats, coasters or other items to protect against moisture. Without knowing more I would suspect that a hand crafted solid wood table made by Amish crafts people is better than Ashley although I know nothing specifically about that brand. I am finishing a remodel and had my dining table custom made by a local wood worker to my specifications and design and I am thrilled with the results. It wasn't cheap but was far less expensive than a comparable quality and design would have cost if I could have even found one I like in the stores.
...See More
How should i refinish my veneer table top?
Q
Comments (2)
N O sanding!!! too much chance of messing up the veneer. A mixture of Lacquer thinner (acetone) and shellac thinner( denatured alcohol) should dissolve the finish unless it's one of the new plastic type finishes. A lesson in cheap new poorly made stuff. Next time go to the used furniture place and buy a solid wood table and have at it with the sand paper!
...See More

Related Stories

LIFE The Polite House: How Can I Kindly Get Party Guests to Use Coasters?

Here’s how to handle the age-old entertaining conundrum to protect your furniture — and friendships

REMODELING GUIDES Ask an Architect: How Can I Carve Out a New Room Without Adding On?

When it comes to creating extra room, a mezzanine or loft level can be your best friend

LIFE The Polite House: How Can I Tell a Construction Crew to Pipe Down?

If workers around your home are doing things that bother you, there’s a diplomatic way to approach them

THE POLITE HOUSE The Polite House: Can I Put a Remodel Project on Our Wedding Registry?

Find out how to ask guests for less traditional wedding gifts

FURNITURE 12 Things Side Tables Can Do For You

By Becky Harris

KITCHEN DESIGN The Cure for Houzz Envy: Kitchen Touches Anyone Can Do

By Becky Harris

Take your kitchen up a notch even if it will never reach top-of-the-line, with these cheap and easy decorating ideas

SMALL SPACES How Portability Can Make You Happier at Home

Downsizing your stuff and going for maximum mobility can actually make your home feel bigger and your life feel fuller

CURB APPEAL Know Your House: Anatomy of a Brick Veneer Wall

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Brick's new role as skin versus structure offers plenty of style options for traditional exteriors

POOLS Pool Slides: What's Possible, Who Can Build It and What It Will Cost

By Matt Clawson

These slippery slopes will make a splash and offer an exhilarating ride that's the stuff of childhood dreams

DECORATING GUIDES Can't-Beat Style: Candlestick Clusters

By creative jewish mom.com

Create high decorating drama with the right mix of candleholders on table, sideboard, mantel and more

Sponsored

17 Reviews

The Leading Interior Design Studio in Franklin County

More Discussions

Need help finding cat proof dining chairs

21

tv console / sideboard size dilemma

6

Living room layout dilemma

16

Any ideas for our Cozy Cottage

31

Bedroom Set Manufactures.

3