Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
Table Finish recommendations
Richard Long
My Wife wants me to refinish our old dinning room table. It currently has a lacquer finish which is not hard enough for the type of use the table gets (with grandkids). So I am looking for a finish that would be hard and water resistant for the table top. Any suggestions?
Re: Table Finish recommendations
Mark Mandell - Gone Round In New Jersey
Two depending on your experience:
Easier: General Finish Enduro Clear Poly Gloss. Best applied by HVLP spray but can be hand-applied by brush, this 1-part waterborne is my go-to top coat.
Tougher Yet: General's Enduro Conversion Varnish. This is a post-cat finish (you must mix in the catalyst and use within 6 hours). Stuff was formulated for restaurant tables, counters, and architectural work. PS - Very expensive at $125+ per gallon
Re: Table Finish recommendations
Bill Tindall, E.Tn.
If you can spray use conversion varnish. The finish is hard and resistant to most household threats.
If you can't spray use polyurethane. If you thin it it will brush and level well. Our table of now over 40 years was finished with polyurethane and it still looks good and the finish is bright.
Try Valspar
Bill Tindall, E.Tn.
I just priced some Valspar post cat conversion varnish at $57/gallon. Sherwin Williams also sell it (Called Kemvar M) and I saw Mohawk at Klingspor store but don't remember price.
Re: Table Finish recommendations
Thomas Skaggs, Foothills of Mount Level
I used conversion varnish for some restaurant tables 4 years ago. I was there last night and they are holding up very well.
T.
Caveat
Mark Mandell - Gone Round In New Jersey
There is no finish yet invented that small children can't destroy! 
Re: Try Valspar
Steve jenkins
I've been using Valspar conversion varnish for years and love it. Self sealing and sands like a dream. They have sheens from flat to gloss. I don't care for shiny so use their Matte (10 sheen) mostly and mix it with gloss for people that want glossier. It's ready to blanket wrap the next day.
Re: Table Finish recommendations
Don Stephan
Before attacking the finish on your tabletop, you might want to experiment with whichever finish you choose on a similarly sized piece of shop plywood. Go through your entire planned finish schedule, including any dyes, stains, glazes, et cetera. Much easier to turn over the plywood sample and try another schedule than start over on the tabletop.
Re: Table Finish recommendations
Dave Bair
Minwax oil-based poly is as good as anything I've ever used. It can be sprayed, brushed or wiped on, is available at any hardware or home store and it doesn't cost nearly as much as the high-priced spread.
Re: Table Finish recommendations
AZ in Colorado Springs
I built a dining table for a family with ten people in the home (in three generations) about five years ago. Coated with minwax polyurethane, brushed on, probably four or five coats, and it's holding up fine. Lots of use by the young ones. Good luck!
Re: Table Finish recommendations
RP
Waterlox