Replies

1. 
   oldusty | Oct 17, 2006 07:55am | #1

   Hi Eric ,

                You can never go wrong with using the same product on both sides .

           If the table top floats or if it is fastened to a frame can be a determining factor in this question also . A floating top would be more critical to use equal coats of the same product as opposed to a top that is secured to an apron or frame imo .

                good   luck              dusty

2. 
   ring | Oct 17, 2006 11:28am | #2

   Eric,
   I'd suggest that a better way to save time is to do the underside, then immediately turn it over and finish the topside without waiting for the underside to dry. A few blemish points underneath where it was supported while wet are inconsequential. If you're really in that much of a hurry, better to be sure you don't need to redo the whole thing.

   DR

3. 
   SteveSchoene | Oct 17, 2006 01:13pm | #3

   Equal is best, of course.  But shellac is a better barrier to watervapor than Waterlox so you can probably get away with using a few shellac coats on the bottom.  It depends a lot on the way the table is constructed.  For a trestle table or other form where the top has a lot of unsupported area its more important to keep balanced.  But for a "standard" top where the table is attached to rails all around the perimeter (with fasteners that allow for changes in width of course) then it's not so critical.  Tables from the 18th c. very seldom had any finish on the underside, which may also set the pattern for reproductions. 

1. 
   Cirept | Oct 17, 2006 03:37pm | #4

   Thanks for the input. I will be securing it to the aprons.

   The problem I have is flipping a 6 ft top over to finish both sides at the same time.  Very small space in my basement, you know.

   Eric

1. 
   oldusty | Oct 17, 2006 04:52pm | #5

   Eric ,

                Imo you should not stress on both sides being finished at exactly the same time , let the bottom tack up or dry then flip it . No warpage will occur in the short time of drying .

                    dusty

1. 
   fugowee | Oct 18, 2006 04:24am | #6

   A trick I've used in finishing both sides at once:

   Drive four finish nails in the bottom - try to leave the same length sticking up (ie., don't drive the nails all the way through).

   Finish the underside, flip the top over resting on the nails and finish the other side.  A couple nail holds on the bottom are hardly noticeable, especially if you strategically place the nails where the apron will hide the holes.

   The trick is flipping a large top in a small shop...been there.

   good luck