Best way to finish a live edge table

[Wiley36]

I am starting a new project which is a live edge table. I haven't done one yet so I'm am curious about what kind of finishes to use on this project. The top will be walnut and the base will be hard maple. Can anyone suggest the best way to finish the table? I would like to have the top with a very smooth glass like finish. Thanks for any suggestions!
Stu

 

[Zacharytanner]

Hi
I did a maple and walnut live edged table last year.  I stained the maple using analine dye then I used Bush Oil then poly.
Came out great.

Frank

 

[Jamie_MA]

You might check out this series. I have not tried this myself but the results look great.



Jamie

 

[wow]

I happen to be partial to Defthane or another satin poly. I made a 5' tall, live edge clock and finished it that way and have been very happy with it.

 

[Brandon]

I've done a couple live edge tables lately and been very happy with conversion varnish. I've used everything from a dull rubbed sheen to a high gloss and been happy with the results. Also did a small walnut table for my daughter with conversion varnish that I buffed with my rotex using deluxing compound, turned out great.

 

[h.gil]

I am starting a new project which is a live edge table. I haven't done one yet so I'm am curious about what kind of finishes to use on this project. The top will be walnut and the base will be hard maple. Can anyone suggest the best way to finish the table? I would like to have the top with a very smooth glass like finish. Thanks for any suggestions!
Stu

For the finish you want I would recommend looking into epoxy finishes aka bartop. It will help hold the live-edge/bark together.

 

[Sparky]

I have done the epoxy and not a huge fan and I find on live edges it tends to not level out and have almost run lines down the edges. I have had really good results with polycarbonate finishes on live edges

 

[Wiley36]

Thanks for all the input and suggestions. I'll post a pic once I've completed the project!
Stu