Hi all. I’m just finishing a repro coffee table and would like some opinions. It was pre finished with 3 wiped on coats of dewaxed blond shellac, and I’m wondering about using polyurethane for the last couple coats, for durability. I hate to do it for traditional reasons, and we really dont intend to put drinks on it, but we do have a couple of sometimes overly rambunctious golden retrievers. Was also thinking of maybe a glass top. Any thoughts on durability,repairability,authenticity,etc?
mikeh
Replies
The most durable and protective solution is the glass top.
Next would be an indoor polyurethane varnish but this would certainly would not be authentic.
Shellac is not very protective. It will quickly fall prey to water spill, adult beverage spills and it is easily damaged by cleaning chemicals.
If I really wanted a piece that was true to the period, I would use the period finish and then get a glass top. But, remember, coffee tables are a recent (1930's) type of furniture.
Edited 4/7/2002 2:35:56 PM ET by Howie
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