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Looking for a durable finish for a bar top.

SenorDorado's picture

Looking for a durable finish for a bar top. (post #169470)

SenorDorado on Sat, 12/17/2011 - 08:48
in

Hi

  I'm in the planning stages of making a bar out of 5/4" knotty pine. I'm in search of ideas as to how to finish the arm rest and top of the project in an effort to render both a durable and moisture proof surface. Does anyone know what exactly the finish is on the bars in restuarants and how it is applied?

 

Thank you for your time

  Senor Dorado

-A +A
SteveSchoene's picture

While many bars do use an (post #169470, reply #1 of 2)

by SteveSchoene in reply to SenorDorado [original] on Sat, 12/17/2011 - 12:02

While many bars do use an epoxy, I would be very much opposed to that.  Epoxy scratches, can separate from the wood--a particular problem with pine I suspect, and gets hazy in a few years.  Fixing it would be well neigh impossible. 

A much more durable finish would be had using a good oil based varnish.  Waterlox Gloss would be one good choice as would Behlen Rockhard.  These are best applied by brushing them on in a number of thin coats.  Over knotty pine I would first start with a couple of coats of dewaxed shellac to seal in the resin from knots.

I do suggest that you think about an alternative hardwood  to knotty pine for the bar top and arm rest.  Pine will get banged up pretty easily, and no finish, however hard and durable, will do much to prevent that.  The knots also make the finishing process more difficult. 

Test your finish on scrap, FIRST, or risk having to scrap your finish.

SenorDorado's picture

Bar top finish (post #169470, reply #2 of 2)

by SenorDorado in reply to SteveSchoene [original] on Sat, 12/17/2011 - 15:48

Thanks Steve for the advice. I'll check out the varnish idea and look at options for the arm rest. This bar is going into a family room that has tongue and groove knotty pine interior wall paneling.