Expert: Greg Scholl - 10/31/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hi Greg,

I recently purchased a dining/kitchen table made of white oak from North Carolina and finished with a natural beeswax. I have kids, so my question is related to how to maintain/protect the surface of the dining table since this is the table we'll be using every day. Naturally, I'll use place settings when we eat but there will be glasses put on the table and I'm sure the occasional spill. How can I keep this table looking nice in the long run? Can I gently sand the watermarks and keep applying the beeswax? Sorry for being so uninformed about this...I hope you can help me!

All best, Ulrica.

ANSWER: A wax finish can be problematic with kids, as it does not offer as much protection as other finishes. I would not sand at all, but you could use a ScotchBrite pad (white) to apply the beeswax for maintaining the finish...unfortunately it is a pretty light and non durable finish when compared to a real surface finish....the good news is that it can be refinished if the upkeep is not what you expect, and the finish doesn't stand up, with something like a Acrylic urethane.....did they (or do they) supply a wax product for maintenance? I would use the product they recommend.. The key is to apply it very sparingly, and buff it completely off every time you apply it.....but don't apply it too often...the more wax on the table...the more prone it is to marking and damage...use of placemats and such will help, and being sure to keep it clean and dry with a clean dish towel will also prolong its life...best of luck and post back if need be- Greg

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Greg,

Thank you so much for your awesome response! That was very helpful. I'm thinking I'll simply go ahead and have it refinished with a real surface finish because I just know they kids will destroy it. So a few follow-up questions related to that:

1) Could a good general carpenter do this job or do I need to hire a furniture expert?

2) What would the job entail so I know what I'm talking about when I hire someone? Sanding it down and applying an acrylic urethane like you mentioned above? Anything else?

3) And last, will it change the color of the table surface and if so, in what way and will it be a dramatic change? The table is made of white oak so it has light, pretty color right now, almost like a light "weathered wood".

Thank you so much for your help! I really appreciate it.

All best, Ulrica.

Answer
I would not let a Carpenter do this, unless he can demonstrate proficiency in this area...a Cabinet finisher/furniture Restorer, is a better choice, someone familiar with these finishes and their application.It will need to be stripped...NOT sanded down,then sanded and an afterwash and sealer will also need to be employed to make sure that the wax is gone and won't interfere with the adhesion of the new finish, followed by 2-3 coats of the topcoat in the desired gloss level. An Acrylic Urethane will offer the least color change, and likely be the closest to a light wax in color, if that was what was on the table. Make sure that a catalyzed or other high performance product is chosen,designed for kitchen cabinets, or table top use...(M.L. Campbell, Mohawk, Sherwin Williams,Zar Ultramax, etc) NOT a consumer grade product, if you hope for it to be durable.Hope that helps- post back if need be- regards- Greg