I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with the variety of wood sealers available. I eventually want to fully refinish my kitchen table, but I just don't have the time right now. In the meantime, my kids have caused some damage, exposing the wood by breaking the existing sealer in certain areas. Is there a specific type of sealer I should choose for this situation? I'd really appreciate any advice!
3 Answers
Honestly, you're probably better off waiting for a full refinish, but if you need a quick fix, consider using some good furniture wax, like Briwax. It can help mask the scratches and improve the table's look until you're ready for a complete refinish. Just keep in mind that anything like varnish or poly might not adhere well and could make the scratches more visible.
The key here is to find a sealer that's compatible with the current finish on your table. It’s important to know what finish you have before choosing a product. If you’re unsure, there are ways to figure it out—like checking the feel and sheen of the surface or even sharing some pictures to get input from others!
Thanks for the tip! I’ll try to find out what finish it is. If I share some photos, would that help?
If you're looking for an easier option, a water-based polyurethane could work well. Just make sure to clean the surface thoroughly first. You can even scuff it lightly with some 320 sandpaper for better adhesion. Apply several thin coats with a foam brush and let it dry without touching it, to avoid brush strokes. If it's just temporary, products like Rejuvenate are also an option since they're essentially very thin water-based poly.

I’m totally on board with a temporary solution! So, just applying the furniture wax should protect the scratches?