Woodworking

7195 readers

16 users here now

A handmade home for woodworkers and admirers of woodworkers. Our community icon is submitted by @[email protected] whose father was inspired to start woodworking by Norm and the New Yankee Workshop.

founded 2 years ago

MODERATORS

[email protected]

Minwax poly advice for maximum durability? (lemmynsfw.com)

submitted 1 month ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

10 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I recently received an oak coffee table top that has been finished with 4 coats of Minwax Polycrylic (not MAX). My 3- and 5-year-olds still managed to ding and scratch it with toys/play within about 3 hours.

I'm considering trying a coat or two of Ultimate Floor Finish to toughen up the surface a bit more, but I realize it might be a lost cause when going up against preschool-aged boys. I'm also not 100% sure that using a different poly top coat on top of what's there is the right move.

Anyone care to speak to:

Is using a different water-based poly finish on top of an existing one OK?
Will using a "floor finish" product on furniture offer any noticeable improvement in durability/protection?

Y'all are great; thank you for your advice!

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 month ago (1 children)

I've found almost any poly finish is basically bullet proof. 4 coats? Are you hoping to be able to clean wipe paint from this thing?

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 month ago

😆

I hear you. My dad made it; he's got some woodworking eccentricities, to be sure. I'm sure he had a thoroughly thought-out reason for going gangbusters w/ 4 coats. Maybe that's why he seemed so frustrated when I told him his grandkids scratched it with practically zero effort.