Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Feb 19, 2008 07:03am | #1

   While I use shellac for lots of things, a table used as you described would probabaly not be the best place for it.  In particular it's cleaners--especially ones with ammonia or other alkali that could be particularly damaging. 

   If you want a table where abuse won't show, get a heavy guage stainless steel.  Otherwise, either eliminate the abuse or expect not to have a pristine table. 

   You can thoroughly clean--both soap and water and naptha.  Sand sufficiently that the old finish is fully dulled with about 320 grit paper and overcoat with a couple of fresh coats of varnish.  If well cleaned and prepared adhesion shouldn't be a problem, even for a polyurethane varnish, though more certain with a traditional resin varnish. 

2. 
   Jim388 | Feb 19, 2008 05:58pm | #2

   Shellac will not hold up to water, and alcohol (for removing magic marker - or booze) will dissolve it.  For my money, you can't beat polyurethane for that job.  A year or so ago, one of the woodworking magazines tested a wide variety of polys and determined that the best (and one of the least expensive!) was Minwax, which is what I've always used anyway so I was glad to hear that.  They make a spar urethane for outdoor use.  It's in a green cam and called Helmsman.  I use it on my 56-yr old wood boat and it holds up beautifully.  I don't know if you can get it in anything but gloss finish. If you don't want gloss, you can either knock the gloss down with automotive rubbing compound, or wet sand it with 600 emery and then wipe on a coat of Minwax semi-gloss or satin wipe-on poly, which comes in a tall, rectangular can.

1. 
   pocketscrew | Feb 19, 2008 06:10pm | #3

   Thanks.  I have used both in different applications.  I think your right.  Can I just then light sand the existing poly finish and put on a couple of new coats.  The poly has protected the wood so I do not need to go through the existing finish.  I just want to take give it a fresh look.

1. 
   Gretchen | Feb 19, 2008 06:26pm | #4

   Steve gave you the exact answer--you will need to scrupulously clean it first, then sand.Gretchen

1. 
   pocketscrew | Feb 19, 2008 06:45pm | #5

   thanks to all.