Q:

I’m making a kitchenette table and want protection against watermarks. Is there a finish that comes close to the water resistance of Formica?

John Willoz, Columbus Junction, IA

A:

You have a choice, depending on how proficient you are with spray equipment. A sprayed, two-part, catalyzed conversion varnish such as Duravar Plus will give you water and abrasion resistance approaching that of Formica laminate.

Bulletproof, but at a price. A sprayed, two-part, catalyzed conversion varnish is the best defense against tabletop watermarks. However, it’s expensive (Duravar Plus varnish; $22/gal.; catalyst, $30/gal.; www.mlcampbell.com), and it requires spraying know-how.

This type of finish is no harder to apply than any other spray finish; however, make sure you follow the finishing schedule printed on the can. Usually, two or three coats are needed to achieve maximum protection, and all coats should be applied within an 8- to 12-hour window. Before you start, make sure you have enough time to completely finish the project—and to clean your spray gun after you’re done. Any finish left inside it will turn to stone by morning.

If you’re like many non-professional woodworkers, you probably don’t have spray equipment. In that case, a standard brush-on polyurethane varnish is a good choice.
 

Standard brush-on polyurethane varnish works well as a tabletop finish.

While not as bulletproof as a conversion varnish, it is more than adequate for most conditions. I finished my dining table in that way 30 years ago and, despite daily use, it still looks almost as good as the day I brought it into the house.

More on FineWoodworking.com:

• Brushes for Woodworkers – Choose the right one for the job and get great results
• Caring for Brushes – Use and clean them properly, and they will last for years
• Switch to Spraying Water-Based Finishes – A former lacquer head gives tips on going green

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The size and thickness are what matter here. A consistent performer, this Bahco scraper is found in many shops we visit.

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