Top 5 Best Finish for Farmhouse Table (Reviews & Buyer’s Guide 2022)

A good finish helps preserve a farmhouse table from undergoing wear, adds beauty to the table, protects the table from scratches and anything else it might come in contact with, adds beauty to the table and enhances its overall outlook. To achieve a great-looking farmhouse table, you need to be a little patient (A farmhouse table looks better when it has a finish).

You need to make sure you choose the best finish for farmhouse table, and you also require the necessary skills to do a good job.

Deciding on the best finish for a farmhouse table can be quite confusing, which is why it is important to note each product that will be explained in this article for a perfect choice of finish for your farmhouse table.

How to finish a farmhouse tabletop

To finish a farmhouse table top, you need to get the following tools and supplies ready;

• Latex gloves
• Rag
• Googles
• Fine-grit sandpaper (80-grit, 120-grit, and 220-grit)
• Pre-stain wood conditioner (Minwax)
• Orbital sander
• Foam brushes
• Wood finish

Steps to finishing a farmhouse tabletop

Sand the Table
The first step to finishing a farmhouse tabletop is by sanding it. Sanding ensures that the finish to be added sticks to the table well.

Make use of an orbital sander with fine-grit sandpaper to strip off existing paint or finish (You might not need much sanding if you’re working on a new farmhouse table). After sanding, vacuum the table and then use a damp rag to remove any remaining dust.

Apply pre-stain wood conditioner
Using a paintbrush, apply a pre-stain conditioner to help the finish look its best. Apply to the table’s surface and the legs equally in two coats to create an even base for the finish to stick to.

One good thing about this conditioner is that they dry fast, so you don’t have to wait for a long time before applying the finish. Most conditioners dry up in ten minutes. Wash the conditioner off the paintbrush after application.

Apply wood finish
This is the final step to adding beautiful and attractive colors to your table. Using your paintbrush or rag, apply the finish in fast and even coats. Do not over a brush to avoid creating bubbles.

After applying, allow it to dry for at least two hours. Then sand again (lightly) using fine-grit sandpaper and get rid of the sawdust off the table.

After sanding, you may notice some holes and dents on the table’s surface, but don’t be bothered as you can conveniently fill them up. To do that, gather together the sawdust you sanded off the table, add some glue and mix properly. Then fill up the holes and dents with the sawdust and allow to dry completely. Apply another coat of finish afterward evenly.

Sand the table’s surface again and apply another coat of finish if you’re yet to get your desired table finish. When you’re done with another round of coating, allow it to dry overnight before you touch it. You’ll get a fabulous-looking table at the end.

How do I get a farmhouse style finish?

You’ll need the following supplies to get started;

• Wood stain Finish
• Latex paint
• Paintbrush
• Lint-free cloths
• Steel wool
• Sander

Apply wood stain Finish
Start the process by applying the table with your desired wood stain finish (you can use the popular Minwax special walnut).

Rub the stained lint-free rag on the table to give it a hand-rubbed look. Allow the stain to dry, then paint the base of the table with Latex paint. Don’t be too particular about covering every inch of the table since it will remove some of the paint during sanding.

Sand the table
If you want to get a distressed look out of your table, it is best to sand when the paint isn’t fully set to roll off a little easier.

Sanding with steel wool gives a slightly different look than sanding with sandpaper, but if you want to use sandpaper, it won’t ruin the project either way. After sanding the base, flip it over and work on the top.

Apply another wood stain finish
Depending on the kind of color of finish you want, you can decide to use another wood stain or not. Apply a thin coat of stain to the tabletop using a lint-free cloth. Do this quickly and very lightly by putting a small amount on the rag and spreading it thinly.

Add the wear and tear
Once everything is dry, add the wear and tear look using a sander to distress the edges of the top, legs and anywhere else. You’ll get your desired farmhouse style finish.

Choose from our Top 3 Picks

Table could not be displayed.

How to get a rustic look on wood

You can get your wood looking rustic using many techniques. You can choose your favorite depending on the project and the style you like. Here are some techniques you can follow:

Sanding technique
This is the most simple and very straightforward method to getting the perfect rustic look for your wood. This great technique works perfectly on both already painted or unpainted wood.

Randomly sand areas tend to get bumped or scratched naturally, giving it a very organic look. You can repeat the process on the wood with several layers of paint by letting each layer dry then sand in between layers.

Wet paper technique
Using Vaseline, the wet paper technique is another alternative to getting that rustic look out of your wood. Get your paper, tear small pieces of paper (Let the sizes and shapes vary for a natural look), dip each piece in water, and then place it onto the wood.

Before the paper dries completely, paint the wood and carefully lift each piece of paper off the surface of the wood. You can decide to do this while the paint is wet or dried. This is a very easy process with no mess.

Dry brush technique
This is another great technique to getting the just perfect rustic look using a very dry brush. Old paintbrushes with very hard bristles work greatly. Dip the brush into the paint and flimflam as much excess paint as possible.

Paint in a very fast motion, keeping the strokes in different directions and be careful not to cover the entire surface of the wood. Use sandpaper to remove some paints after painting each layer.

Rinsing technique
This technique creates an elegant look perfect for farmhouse style. It is a removal technique that works best on pieces of raw wood.

Start by painting the wood and letting it dry for some minutes. Before the paint dries completely, quickly rinse the wood in water and gently wipe the surface with a rag. The aim is to wash off some paint on the surface.

Woodblock technique
This is one of the methods that help create more of a chippy rustic look. Dip the end of a woodblock in some paint and drag it along the surface of your wood. Paint as many layers as you want. Practice on some scrap wood or less visible spots before working on a big piece, or you can jump right in.

Reviews of the best finish for farmhouse table

1. Minwax 70012444 Wood Finish

This finish is a penetrating oil-based finish that provides very beautiful rich color that enhances the natural wood grain. It is very easy to apply either a foam brush or bristle brush and will produce amazing results.

Also has the benefit of drying extremely fast when using thin layers. No dirt or debris can penetrate the finish, especially when working in a dusty environment.

This can be the best for your farmhouse table if you’re looking for a warm look to the wood. However, you’ll need to apply two to three coats or more to improve durability.

Last update on 2024-11-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

It will take quite some time to complete the surface when you take note of the application, sanding and drying time. Those who have enough patience and are willing to go through the process will be amazed when you get your desired result.

2. Minwax 255554444 Minwax Polycrylic Finish

This protective finish is a crystal clear, ultra fast-drying topcoat for use on wood surfaces. It is in four different types (satin, matte, gloss, and semi-gloss) and sizes.

It resists damage from chipping, abrasion, water, alcohol and other common household chemicals. It provides a professional finish giving the user their satisfaction.

Polycrylic water-based protective finish is far less smelly and toxic, especially when working in a poorly ventilated area, making it easier to work with.

It is generally said to dry clear as long as you’re careful with your application. When you use this finish, you’re sure to get a durable hard finish that will protect your farmhouse table moderately from abuse.

Although Polycrylic dries up quickly to the touch, it might be not easy to achieve a smooth finish over a large surface area.

Last update on 2024-11-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

It can either be brushed or rolled using a high-quality bristle brush which works well. You can easily remove Polycrylic from your hands, paintbrush and other places it might have spilled during the application.

3. Waterlox TB 6044 Original Satin Finish, Quart

This is a Tung-oil-based wood finish that goes on easily with a brush, cloth roller, lambswool or spray. It is an extraordinary finish that can make your farmhouse table look classier than it can ever be. It is durable and easy to use like no other product. It can resist alcohol, hot liquids and any other problem.

Waterlox TB 6044 is known to be from renewable natural resources that enhance the wood’s natural appearance, perfect for those like nature-oriented things.

It safeguards and protects your table from random spills, oil and food particles making the table everlasting.

Last update on 2024-11-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

It dries for a minimum of 24 hours between coats, but poor ventilation, cool temperature or high humidity may increase the dry time and is non-toxic when dry. It is also easy to maintain than other finishes.

4. General Finishes Water Based Wood Stain

General Finishes. Water-based wood stain are a lot like an oil-based stain. It a non-flammable and free of harsh chemicals. It provides rich, even color and allows controlled penetration, reducing blotching on hard-to-stain woods.

This finish can be damaged if frozen, which is why shipping delays may occur during extremely cold weather.

It takes 1-2 hours for this finish to dry to touch and can be applied using a foam brush or paint pad application emulating the easy spreading, blending and generous open times if oil-based stains.

Last update on 2024-11-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you’re looking for the perfect wood finish for your farmhouse table, this product got you covered.

5. Epifanes Wood Finish Matte

Epifane Wood Finish Matte is a finish with clear amber color with the appearance of being hand-rubbed, suitable for both hard and softwood. It is a thick and sticky finish that requires no sanding between coats if re-coated within 72 hours. It is a durable finish that is resistant to scratch and exterior weather.

This finish can be applied using the brush, roller or conventional air spray. During application, the temperature should be between 50F-80F to avoid rapid loss of solvent, leading to a decrease in the flowing ability.

Last update on 2024-11-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

It takes about 12 hours to dry out completely. Make sure you stir before use. It provides long-lasting, beautiful and rich protection in the end.

Best Finish for Farmhouse Table – Buyer’s Guide

Know that it takes a lot of time, effort and patience to finish your farmhouse table, but when you have the right product coupled with the skills needed, you sure are going to get the job done. Therefore, we have compiled a list of factors that can influence your decision.

Durability
Durability matters since you’re finishing a farmhouse table that gets to be used almost every time. You’re probably going to make use of it and wipe it down each time you use it.

You might also drop some things on it like bags, keys or whatever, eat on it or use it as an arts and crafts section. Although everyone loves things that last for many years, purchasing a finish with impressive durability is a very wise investment.

Ease of use
The product must be user-friendly and comfortable to apply on the surface of your wood to avoid messing it all up, thereby making all your purchases go down the drain.

No one wants that, but be rest assured that the products mentioned above are comfortable and easy to use. So you can go ahead and pick any one of them and get started.

Price
Nobody would want to pay a lot of money for a product that isn’t worth it. Certainly, the products above are not “a lot of money” as they’re all budget fixed, valuable and of course affordable. You can proceed to make your most ideal pick.

Conclusion

A finish that lasts long is just what you need for your farmhouse table. Depending on the type of wood (Hard or Soft) and color you want, you should choose the one that best suits your taste.

Durability is one of the things that ensure your farmhouse table doesn’t lose its value in the long run. Therefore, study the products well before you purchase to avoid time and money wasting.

Important Reads:

• Top 5 Best spar varnish for exterior wood door
• How to darken pinewood without stain