this post was submitted on 19 Mar 2025
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Woodworking

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I recently received an oak coffee table top that has been finished with 4 coats of Minwax Polycrylic (not MAX). My 3- and 5-year-olds still managed to ding and scratch it with toys/play within about 3 hours.

I'm considering trying a coat or two of Ultimate Floor Finish to toughen up the surface a bit more, but I realize it might be a lost cause when going up against preschool-aged boys. I'm also not 100% sure that using a different poly top coat on top of what's there is the right move.

Anyone care to speak to:

  • Is using a different water-based poly finish on top of an existing one OK?

  • Will using a "floor finish" product on furniture offer any noticeable improvement in durability/protection?

Y'all are great; thank you for your advice!

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[–] Taco2112@lemmy.world 4 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

I used Waterlox on a desk I made a number of years ago. I used that desk extensively for a number of years and had no major scratches or dings. Pretty durable finish. I used their classic version which is oil based but they have a water based formula as well.

Edit: Disregard this comment, I didn’t see the part where you mentioned wanting to put it on over the Minwax finish. I don’t know how it will work in that application.