Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Veneer Table Top

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Expert: - 1/16/2009


Question
We recently bought a second hand oak veneer table. It has some minor damage - we think from candle holders - that the previous owners seem to have repaired with the stain crayons. Since owning it the finish seems to be wearing more and more.  We have three children and need to use the table every day all day long.  What could I put on it to finish it and make it more damage proof.  I did some research and some places say lacquer others a coat of poly. Does it matter what is currently on the table, could you put poly over lacquer or vice versa? How can I know what the table is currently finished with?

Answer
Hi Christine, regardless of what's on it now, the best course of action is to refinish it properly, and that means stripping it off with stripper. This will also allow you to repair and/or fill any dents knicks, or other damage, and, more importantly, allow you to get the best results from your work. You can't use poly over lacquer, or vice versa, as a general rule. There are ways to test the finish, but I wouldn't bother. I would suggest a polyurethane, and at least 3 coats. The Gel urethanes are the easiest and most "goof proof" to apply. Find the General Gel Satin Urethane top coat at Rockler or Woodcraft. There are many polyurethanes you can use, but the Gels excel at ease of application, no runs, drips, or lap marks to worry about, and no sanding between coats.(as long as you've prepared the surface right)The Gels also build up slower than the typical poly, because you apply them and then wipe them off leaving a very thin layer so approx. 5 coats will equal 3 of the typical poly. Urethanes are tougher than conventional lacquer, and lacquers really need to be sprayed on, on a surface like a tabletop, while oil based urethanes can be worked a bit before drying,and applied many different ways... and because they dry slower, they level out better.Hope that helps a little- post back if need be- regards- Greg

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=11243

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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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