Polyurethane varnish is the quickest and easiest way to finish a kitchen table. Most flow well when brushed on and leave few, if any, marks. Though it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, properly finishing a kitchen table generally requires two to four coats of varnish.

What kind of polyurethane do you use on a kitchen table?

Use Oil-Based Polyurethane That’s why, for the non-pro, I’d recommend an oil-based wipe-on polyurethane. I’ve used it on a number of projects—including tables—that I built for The New Yankee Workshop and for my own use. It offers great protection, has the look of a hand-rubbed oil finish, and is easy to apply.

How many coats of polyurethane should I put on a kitchen table?

The polyurethane coat requires at least three coats to give the table a perfect finish. But you can put more layers to make the table look glossy and shiny. Make sure that you give time to each coat to be dried up properly.