I'm building my own desk using dark stained beech wood and need a really durable, waterproof finish. After researching, I've narrowed my options down to epoxy resin (sanded to a satin finish) and polyurethane, but I'm unsure which finish will feel better to the touch. I tried a small piece with epoxy, sanded it smooth, and I prefer the softer feel of a satin finish over glossy surfaces. However, I'm debating whether the very flat feel of sanded epoxy is better or worse than a more textured surface like vinyl veneers. Ideally, I'd love to keep the natural wood feel, but I need durability. If the finish doesn't feel good, I could always sand it off and try something else. Any tips or experiences to share?
1 Answer
I would definitely recommend using polyurethane. It’s known for its toughness and can provide a nice finish. Just keep in mind that there are different types – some you can apply with a brush or roller, and they can vary in feel and durability. If you like that softer finish, polyurethane could be a great alternative to epoxy.

Could you explain more about the types? I heard that 2K polyurethane that’s sprayed on is great, but I can't do that. Is the roller-applied version not as good?