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I have used General Finishes products for decades. I've not used their Enduro clear water based poly, but it's predecessor is what I used on trim and flooring thresholds 25 years ago and it's held up well. It should bring out some of the grain, but I'm not sure how much.
If you want the grain to stand out a bit more on the table, you can use a clear shellac. I've had good luck with with Zinsser Seal Coat.
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As far as I know, water based polys are known for being water clear and non-yellowing. There might be some exceptions. I have some experience with the Varathane brand and have had good results. It is easy to apply by either brush or spray. It levels well and dries fast enough to get 3 coats on in a day.
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General Finishes Enduro Var has a tint in it. Their High Performance is clear.
The Enduro Var goes on fine with a brush and dries in 4 hours or so. I haven't tried the High Performance.
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Blaine
Hadn't thought about a seal coat of shellac. I'd like to pop the grain as much as possible, will pick up a can and do a test piece.
Willyou
I did a test piece with Varathane that I had for another project. It passed the LOML test, wondering which finish is the most durable? I have plenty of time to do multiple coats and wait for it to cure.
Mike L B
I think I'll pick up a can of High Performance to do a test piece.
John
Always appreciate your info. I'll take a look at the Rubio. A one coat finish is opposite of what I would expect for a finish to be durable enough for an every day use table.
Thanks! The woodnet brain trust always provides great information. Well almost always
Gary
I've only had one...in dog beers.
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Gary, keep in mind that even with a clear finish the table may shift color somewhat. The maple will likely itself will shift over time.
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(07-22-2023, 04:42 AM)fredhargis Wrote: Gary, keep in mind that even with a clear finish the table may shift color somewhat. The maple will likely itself will shift over time.
Thanks Fred, I'm aware that wil likely happen as this will be exposed to morning sunlight. However, it will be a slow process and she hopefully won't notice.
Gary
I've only had one...in dog beers.
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Also keep in mind; as you said that you want a non-yellowing finish, most shellac will have some color in it. You may want to use a blond shellac. Having said that, I don't know to what degree blond shellac is effected by UV light.