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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Question about my new pine table

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Expert: - 1/12/2009


Question
I just bought a rustic pine coffee table.  It is stained but not sealed.  I want to put a sealant on it to protect it from food and drinks because we would like to eat on it sometimes - what would you recommend?  The sales lady said something about a Marine product.  Let me know what you think would be best and how to apply it, thanks!

Answer
Hi Beth, Marine products like Spar varnish are pretty tough, but they are also difficult to apply for the novice, and probably not the best choice for a tabletop. I would steer you towards a wipe on polyurethane. I love the General Gel Satin wipe on Urethane...you can buy it at Woodcraft or online. Minwax also makes a wipe on Polyurethane, but once you use the Gels, you'll never go back, and I can recommend this one highly as I use it often myself. They are easy to apply, and durable protection for your table. Follow all directions and precautions on the can, and you'll be able to apply a pro looking finish easily. Plus, I'll be here to help! Hope that helps- post back if need be- Greg

http://www.woodcraft.com/product.aspx?ProductID=826990&FamilyID=5555  

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Greg Scholl

Expertise

Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects, Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings, wood species recognition and usage,tool recommendations, blade types and recommendation,techniques and methods for many Woodworking related issues, etc.

Experience

Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.) Sold, built, serviced, setup Home, Industrial, and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools , provided knowledge, parts replacement, service, and on site service, Trade show Demo, and training as well.

Publications
Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how")

Education/Credentials
Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars from major Tool manufacturers, Skil/Bosch, Delta, Powermatic, Ritter, Porter cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt/B&Decker, Performax.

Past/Present Clients
Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT. (the Antiques capital of CT.), Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Wilton Historical Society.

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