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AR15.COM
6/9/2025 1:58:22 PM EDT
I got a free coffee table. It is solid wood but was trashed with paint all over it. Just for funni sanded it all down and sanded it smooth. Put on a coat of cheap stain and it looks acceptable as a free beater coffee table for craft work. But now i need some type of final coating.


I am not asking what gives the best results, but what is the easiest to avoid screwing up. What product would you recommend for a first time beginner to apply over stain? I dont want to do a spray finish becouse i dont want over spray in my work area.
6/9/2025 2:12:50 PM EDT
[#1]
Tung oil.
byte-me
6/9/2025 2:30:03 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote History
Originally Posted By thejokker:
Tung oil.
View Quote

This.
I refinished an antique dresser 25 years ago, and the finish is STILL like new! It seals well, dries hard, resists water stains. Holds up better than any new-fangled polyurethane stuff!
6/9/2025 3:14:35 PM EDT
[#3]
Agreed.  The absolute easiest is gonna be tung oil.

If you're not a complete retard, minwax wipe on poly is very easy and gets better results.  Its easy enough for a beginner to do it.  No special tools required.  No wet sanding or anything.

6/9/2025 5:38:37 PM EDT
[Last Edit: AeroE][Edited] [#4]
The easiest is an aerosol lacquer.

Spray outside.  Wait 30 minutes to an hour, give it a good rubdown with a rag, then spray again.

Done that afternoon.

Keep your powder dry, and watch your back trail.

I'm watching my back trail.
6/9/2025 5:38:52 PM EDT
[Last Edit: AeroE][Edited] [#5]
...
Keep your powder dry, and watch your back trail.

I'm watching my back trail.
8/23/2025 3:11:44 PM EDT
[#6]
A penetrating oil is what you want - fast to apply, easy to repair.  Consider adding wax overcoat to better seal the oiled surfaces.

Real tung oil takes days to dry, maybe a week.  Real Milk Paint sells a great tung oil product.

Boiled linseed oil dries much faster, hours to possibly overnight at the longest.  Any of many producers are good.

One product I like is WATCO oil.  It comes in clear but also comes with stain in the finish.  WATCO also sells a liquid wax that's very nice (way better than bee's wax).
10/21/2025 6:24:04 PM EDT
[#7]
For a coffee table I would use spar urethane.  Super durable.  I do love tung oil on wood gun stocks though.
10/21/2025 6:38:12 PM EDT
[#8]
I like Briwax and a heat gun. Brush on. Heat to create an even coat. Let harden. Rub with a clean cotton towel to polish.
It is always a silly thing to give advice, but to give good advice is absolutely fatal. - Oscar Wilde

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