I'm working on a walnut plywood sideboard and plan to place an espresso machine on top. Although I'm using a silicone mat, I still want to protect against possible spills. What would be the best finish to prevent water damage while still showcasing the beauty of the walnut? I definitely want to avoid epoxy, as I don't want to lose the grain details. Would shellac followed by a wipe-on poly provide enough water protection? I also have Rubio available but I suspect it may not be the best option. I'm open to suggestions, especially for finishes that don't require spraying.
4 Answers
Water-based poly should do the trick, especially since it doesn’t yellow over time. Just make sure to wipe up any spills promptly, and you should be fine. This finish is pretty user-friendly and effective.
Using shellac along with wiping poly can work, but remember that you’ll need multiple coats—around 5 to 6 for it to be effective. You might also consider General Finishes High Performance water-based poly or Waterlox; they’re durable and offer great water protection. However, 2k poly or marine varnish gives the best protection if you’re okay with spraying since they tend to provide a flawless finish but require more effort to apply.
If you’re really keen on keeping those textural details, epoxy might not be the best choice—it tends to flatten out the grains. Poly is a solid option for water protection, and you don’t really need to use shellac underneath it. I’ve had great success with Rubio's Polyx as well; it holds up really well in similar scenarios, and if there are any scuffs, you can just apply more without having to sand everything down.
I highly recommend Waterlox—it's one of the best for water resistance and looks stunning on walnut!