Replies

1. 
   dwolsten | Sep 16, 2006 12:27am | #1

   My understanding about polyurethane is that what makes it a good finish to protect against scratches is the fact that it's softer than other finishes. This is also why it doesn't rub out as well.

   For something to protect against pen marks, it seems like you'd want a very hard finish instead. Perhaps varnish using phenolic resin, or even lacquer.

2. 
   Segil | Sep 16, 2006 12:35am | #2

   There is no finish that will prevent indentations from pens and pencils. You don't tug on Superman's cape, don't spit in the wind, and you don't write on wooden surfaces without a protective pad. If your customer doesn't get this, explain it to them. The PSI of a ball-point pen is amazing-thousands of lbs per square inch!

3. 
   alanplanesaw | Sep 16, 2006 06:16pm | #3

   I have been in quite a few boardrooms for meetings (and always check out the tables) but a few weeks ago I observed a first.  Prior to us sitting down, the assistant put down a writing pad (or desk pad) at each place we would be sitting.

   My first reaction was that this was a bit overdone, but it sounds now like it may have been a good idea to protect the table top.  At some point I'll be back in that boardroom and I'll have to ask if someone is a woodworker.

   Alan - planesaw

    

1. 
   rjones69 | Sep 16, 2006 09:44pm | #4

   Good to know that I am not missing something here:) thanks for all the input it's very much appreciated!!!! 

4. 
   wrudiger | Sep 18, 2006 06:56am | #5

   Here is a recommendation for using the Target EmTech 8000 waterbourne pre-cat conversion varnish in this situation. Granted it's from the manufacturer's site, but I've used this and it seems pretty tough - at least on kitchen cabinets.

   http://www.targetcoatings.com/manual.html

   One of these years I'll build the desk and I'll let you know how it works on a table top.

5. 
   rjones69 | Sep 18, 2006 03:34pm | #6

   Thanks again for all your input it has been great!  Having been out to a local restaurant this weekend there does appear to be a finish that is tough enough to withstand pens and pencils.  In fact, I tried to mar the finish with a butter knife and had very little luck.  It appears I will probably have to sub this one out.

1. 
   9619 | Sep 18, 2006 04:04pm | #7

   rjones,
   You are correct. There is a "finish" for wood tables that withstands pencil and pen marks. It's glass!Alan (Planesaw) told it like it is. The problem with pens and pencils is thier points. You can prove his point easily. Take a piece of balsa wood, and carefully coat it with 15, or 30 or 60 coats of the polyurathane or lacquer or shellac or oil of your choice. Then write on it with a pencil or pen. The wood will collapse. The finish has nothing to do with it. There is another approach. I remember it being used by people selling ships hatch covers. They coated them with a half inch of fiberglass, and embedded rope and other ship stuff in the fiberglass. A pen or pencil will not hurt the wood. it will scratch the fiberglass but you can buff that down every year for about a hundred and fifty years until you hit wood. A light but opaque topping for a wood table would be titanium. Unfortunately it is very expensive, doesn't look all that good, and you cant see through it. But it will prevent pencils from marring the wood. The harder the wood that you use, the less the wood will be damaged. I found the following on the web which lists the hardest woods. It may be of help to you. But you might need 15 people to help you lift the table after making it. The hardest woods are: lignum vitae (Guaicum officinale); quebracho (Schinopsis balansae); pau d'arco (Tabebuia serratifolia); knob-thorn (Acacia pallens); desert ironwood (Olneya tesota); and ebony (Diospyros ebenum).When you discover a thin coating that can be sprayed or brushed on wood which protects the wood from scratches from pencils, you should buy stock in the company. And don't forget to let the rest of us know what it is. Enjoy,
   MelMeasure your output in smiles per board foot. 

1. 
   scooter1 | Sep 19, 2006 10:24pm | #8

   The best finish for conference tables which is absolutely impervious to water, alcohol, pen marks, indentations of any size, pressure not matter what the psi is, and any amount of cold or heat is.......Glass.Regards, Scooter"I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow." WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934