Barn Wood Coffee Table

[BaileyNo5]

I'm still occasionally considering finishes for this table.  Also seems like someone else on the forum was asking about finishes for weathered wood.  Can't remember who or which forum.  I did a little experiment with two different varnishes.  Broke a board in half, and one half of one side was coated with Varnish #1, and half of the other side got Varnish #2.  The varnished half is on the top in both photos below.

Varnish #1 was General Finishes water base gloss.  As you might expect, it darkened the light gray color, but didn't really change it a lot.




Varnish #2 was Varathane oil base gloss.  It also darkened the board, even more than Varnish #1.  Which is not surprising.




So if I had to pick one to use that preserved the original look, it would be the water base varnish.

[barryvabeach]

Nice work.   I made a head board out of pallet wood for a friend's child.  I hit it with a 60 grit flap sanding disk using an angle grinder to take off any splinters, and surprisingly, that did not mess up the patina.  I sealed it with two coats of General Finishes semi gloss, and you don't see the finish, but again, it sealed the surface quite well.

[crokett™]

I know this would spoil the look some, but have you thought about a sheet of glass over the top? this would preserve the existing weathering and still protect from splinters, etc.

[BaileyNo5]

I know this would spoil the look some, but have you thought about a sheet of glass over the top?  this would preserve the existing weathering and still protect from splinters, etc.

That's a good idea.....for most folks.  I have no one to blame but myself.  I made wooden mallets for several of my grandkids.....and they like to use them.  I'll skip the glass for now......