Asked on Dec 05, 2017
Can I apply something to wood dining table top to make it waterproof?
by Janice
+6
I want to play cards and games on it and not use coasters or tablecloth.
Suggested Project Book
If you put on a couple coats of clear Poly it should protect it very well.
Agreed any type of clear poly would work. Poly acrylic is the water based form, it isn't quite as durable but it is much less toxic and it takes a lot less time to dry. Poly urethane is the oil based type that you could also use but, like I mentioned, it does take longer to dry and is real stinky to use...
Hello! A plexiglass or acrylic sheet is ideal for protecting your wood table. You can see right through it so your wood finish shows through beautifully. No need for coasters or tablecloths either. I have one on my beautiful wood kitchen table. It was a lot less expensive than glass. You can get one at your local Home store or order one online!
non-yellowing polycrylic
My suggestion would be to 'paint' it with a clear polyurethane. It's pretty tough stuff and stood the test of time on dressing tables for my girls. The one thing that left it's mark was when one of them spilled nail polish remover! Took the poly right off. But on the plus side, for years they sat glasses of whatever they were drinking (coke/milk/tea) and all it took was a damp rag to make the shine come through again.
I agree with all the votes for the clear polyurethane. My father refinished his mothers claw foot table in the early eighties and put a number of coats on it. I now have the table and it still looks like he just refinished it. Poly is very durable, I would say to still take care to put something under if you are putting something hot on it.
I used Polycrylic on my family room table and I pretty much do anything on it, from serving food to working on projects.
Sure! Use a brush on waterproof sealer, or an epoxy. Some waxes say they are waterproof, but a hot coffee or tea cup can harm the wax surface. So to be safe get a waterproof and heatproof sealer—which leads us to a boat/marine sealer, about the strongest sealer you can get, except for baked on enamel or auto paints. You could buy an old kitchen enameled table and use that for games. 😇