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We are building an 8-foot table with 2x6 walnut. The top will have two or three coats of Arm-R-Seal. Does the underside need the same finish, or can we use water-based polyurethane? Thanks. —Peter
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(03-23-2025, 04:22 PM)Petertaylor Wrote: We are building an 8-foot table with 2x6 walnut. The top will have two or three coats of Arm-R-Seal. Does the underside need the same finish, or can we use water-based polyurethane? Thanks. —Peter
I would use the same finish top and bottom to keep things in balance. And for a table top, I would use no less than three coats of ARS. Four or 5 would be better. Two or three coats would be enough for a varnish that you apply and leave, but ARS is a wiping varnish so each coat is much thinner. If you want a satin finish, I would apply the first few coats using gloss, and then the last one or two coats with satin. Or, better still, use gloss for all the coats and then rub it out with 0000 steel wool. It'll give a beautiful satin sheen and feel smooth as a baby's bottom.
John
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Thank you John. Your replies to people’s questions are always appreciated. Peter
