Expert: Eileen Cronk - 2/20/2007

Question
We have recently had a pine table made and we asked for it to be unfinished as we have used a wax stain on it in the colour that we liked. We need advice please as to what we should put on the table now to protect it, as we we will be using it frequently and already a ring mark has appeared!! We don't want to spoil the look of the wood though with a varnish---any suggestions?

Answer
Hi Kathryn
Nice to hear from you.
This winter I actually made a large pine table for my son.
I was fortunate enough to have a heated shop this winter.
I used a Minwax stain and then 4 coats of Minwax fast drying semi gloss poly.
In my opinion a poly finish is the only suitable finish for new construction pine as its the most durable.
This finish certainly does not spoil the look of the pine but enhances it.
Like yours this table is used a lot.
The only concern I have with your table is the wax stain you say you put on it.
I assume this is a colored wax..right?
If so the wax will have to be removed to apply the poly.
The only way I know of to do this is with varsol.
Then the table will need resanding and restaining.
There is no durable product that can be applied over wax.
Sorry this is not what you want to do I'll bet, but the only way to get a durable finish.
A wax finish is only suitable to look at...not use as you are finding out.
Hope this helps and thanks for a great question.
Regards
Eileen