durable finish

[Seamus]

Can any recommend a durable finish that is not too shiny? I tend be lazy when it comes to finishing, so something easy to apply would work well. To date I have only used tung oil, Danish oil and wax which I buff with a rotary car polisher I got for $35 . Looking for something for a large table top and don't want to have to re-finish it everytime my grandson goes anywhere near it!

[thintz]

For finishes in tough situations I like to use oil-based Spar polyurethane. It comes in both gloss and semi gloss but I usually do one or two coats of gloss (lots of solids) and then end with a coat of semi-gloss if I want a satin finish.

[Seamus]

Thanks Tom, is there any particular brand I should look out for? I know the quality and characteristics can vary wildly brand to brand.

[muddy]

I've heard good things about rock hard table top finish and waterlox original.
I've haven't tried either one of these but I will be doing a sample board to try different finishes on when I finish my table and these 2 will be on it.
I've also plan on trying this mixture someday. A mix of 1/3 spar varnish + 1/3 BLO + 1/3 tung oil. Wipe on, wipe off. You can cut it down with naptha if it's too thick. Heard its very easy to maintain and when it gets scratched it won't leave a white line like lacquer.

[Seamus]

Someone else mentioned waterlox on another site, I haven't seen it locally but guess I can get it from the states. I might try a few test pieces with your suggested blend as well, as I have all the ingredients. I really dislike finishing, all the sanding, staining etc.. but I guess it is as an important aspect of woodworking as the previous stages so I had better just get on with it!

[thintz]

I have been using the Minwax brand, Helmsman Spar Urethane. I always used it straight from the can but I know people do cut it and mix in other stuff as in the other post here. I've never been much on formulating my own finishes for fear of messing something up. I know I can do that pretty well!

Thanks Tom, is there any particular brand I should look out for? I know the quality and characteristics can vary wildly brand to brand.