I am kind of new to woodworking and am building furniture for our
family room. I am building a TV stand and end tables out of red oak.
I am very close to Amish country in Ohio and found out that they use
catalytic varnish for the top coat finish. I can't seem to find
catalytic varnish sold in local woodworking stores as it seems to be a
commercial product. Can anyone tell me a comparable finish to use for
the DIY wood worker or a source for catalytic varnish? Since the
tables are being used in the family room they need to be resistant to
water and other liquids when setting or spilling glasses or cups of
beverages on the tables. Thanks in advance for your help.

shellac. Water resistant. I would imagine the Amish use this as well.


"Brian Turner" wrote in message
om...
I am kind of new to woodworking and am building furniture for our
family room. I am building a TV stand and end tables out of red oak.
I am very close to Amish country in Ohio and found out that they use
catalytic varnish for the top coat finish. I can't seem to find
catalytic varnish sold in local woodworking stores as it seems to be a
commercial product. Can anyone tell me a comparable finish to use for
the DIY wood worker or a source for catalytic varnish? Since the
tables are being used in the family room they need to be resistant to
water and other liquids when setting or spilling glasses or cups of
beverages on the tables. Thanks in advance for your help.

From what I have read, shellac is not known for its water resistance
properties.

And is it the best finish for a table top with regard to durability?????


"js" wrote in message
...
shellac. Water resistant. I would imagine the Amish use this as well.


"Brian Turner" wrote in message
om...
I am kind of new to woodworking and am building furniture for our
family room. I am building a TV stand and end tables out of red oak.
I am very close to Amish country in Ohio and found out that they use
catalytic varnish for the top coat finish. I can't seem to find
catalytic varnish sold in local woodworking stores as it seems to be a
commercial product. Can anyone tell me a comparable finish to use for
the DIY wood worker or a source for catalytic varnish? Since the
tables are being used in the family room they need to be resistant to
water and other liquids when setting or spilling glasses or cups of
beverages on the tables. Thanks in advance for your help.

Shellac is extremely water resistant. and yes, its durable, and easy to
repair.


"stoutman" .@. wrote in message news:h7TOb.84599$sv6.199376@attbi_s52...
From what I have read, shellac is not known for its water resistance
properties.

And is it the best finish for a table top with regard to durability?????


"js" wrote in message
...
shellac. Water resistant. I would imagine the Amish use this as well.


"Brian Turner" wrote in message
om...
I am kind of new to woodworking and am building furniture for our
family room. I am building a TV stand and end tables out of red oak.
I am very close to Amish country in Ohio and found out that they use
catalytic varnish for the top coat finish. I can't seem to find
catalytic varnish sold in local woodworking stores as it seems to be a
commercial product. Can anyone tell me a comparable finish to use for
the DIY wood worker or a source for catalytic varnish? Since the
tables are being used in the family room they need to be resistant to
water and other liquids when setting or spilling glasses or cups of
beverages on the tables. Thanks in advance for your help.

I have Never used shellac, but I have read about it.

In Understanding Wood Finishes (my finishing Bible) by Flexner, he says that
"shellac is probably best known for its limited resistance to water,
alcohol, heat, and alkalis..."

Damaged by alcoholic beverages, heat will soften it...

"Because of shellac's POOR resistance to water, alcohol heat, and alkali,
its NOT the best finish for tabletops or other surfaces that are subject to
frequent use. But can be used almost everywhere else."

Again, I have never used shellac, this is what Flexner has written (a well
respected finisher).




"js" wrote in message
...
Shellac is extremely water resistant. and yes, its durable, and easy to
repair.


"stoutman" .@. wrote in message news:h7TOb.84599$sv6.199376@attbi_s52...
From what I have read, shellac is not known for its water resistance
properties.

And is it the best finish for a table top with regard to durability?????


"js" wrote in message
...
shellac. Water resistant. I would imagine the Amish use this as well.


"Brian Turner" wrote in message
om...
I am kind of new to woodworking and am building furniture for our
family room. I am building a TV stand and end tables out of red
oak.
I am very close to Amish country in Ohio and found out that they use
catalytic varnish for the top coat finish. I can't seem to find
catalytic varnish sold in local woodworking stores as it seems to be
a
commercial product. Can anyone tell me a comparable finish to use
for
the DIY wood worker or a source for catalytic varnish? Since the
tables are being used in the family room they need to be resistant
to
water and other liquids when setting or spilling glasses or cups of
beverages on the tables. Thanks in advance for your help.

read up on it here. Alcohol will soften it if its strong enough, but how
often you going to have alcohol greater than 50% on a table? and it isn't
"use it on kitchen counters water resistant, but more than suitable for what
you want to use it for. what do you think they used before varnish and poly?
..

http://www.popularwoodworking.com/fe...ea.asp?id=1206


"js" wrote in message
...
Shellac is extremely water resistant. and yes, its durable, and easy to
repair.


"stoutman" .@. wrote in message news:h7TOb.84599$sv6.199376@attbi_s52...
From what I have read, shellac is not known for its water resistance
properties.

And is it the best finish for a table top with regard to durability?????


"js" wrote in message
...
shellac. Water resistant. I would imagine the Amish use this as well.


"Brian Turner" wrote in message
om...
I am kind of new to woodworking and am building furniture for our
family room. I am building a TV stand and end tables out of red
oak.
I am very close to Amish country in Ohio and found out that they use
catalytic varnish for the top coat finish. I can't seem to find
catalytic varnish sold in local woodworking stores as it seems to be
a
commercial product. Can anyone tell me a comparable finish to use
for
the DIY wood worker or a source for catalytic varnish? Since the
tables are being used in the family room they need to be resistant
to
water and other liquids when setting or spilling glasses or cups of
beverages on the tables. Thanks in advance for your help.

what do you think they used before varnish and poly?

I also don't use candles to light my house, I use some of them new fancy
light bulbs.


Many improvements have been made in clear coat finishes. They used shellac
back then because they didn't have the choices we have today. Why not use
what's best for a particular application? Table tops can take a hech of a
beating. Shellac as a Top Coat is not as durable as some other finishes
(polyurethane). However, as you mentioned, shellac is easier to repair.
But I would rather spend my time doing other things then constantly
repairing finishes.




"js" wrote in message
...
read up on it here. Alcohol will soften it if its strong enough, but how
often you going to have alcohol greater than 50% on a table? and it isn't
"use it on kitchen counters water resistant, but more than suitable for
what
you want to use it for. what do you think they used before varnish and
poly?
.

http://www.popularwoodworking.com/fe...ea.asp?id=1206


"js" wrote in message
...
Shellac is extremely water resistant. and yes, its durable, and easy
to
repair.


"stoutman" .@. wrote in message
news:h7TOb.84599$sv6.199376@attbi_s52...
From what I have read, shellac is not known for its water resistance
properties.

And is it the best finish for a table top with regard to
durability?????


"js" wrote in message
...
shellac. Water resistant. I would imagine the Amish use this as
well.


"Brian Turner" wrote in message
om...
I am kind of new to woodworking and am building furniture for our
family room. I am building a TV stand and end tables out of red
oak.
I am very close to Amish country in Ohio and found out that they
use
catalytic varnish for the top coat finish. I can't seem to find
catalytic varnish sold in local woodworking stores as it seems to
be
a
commercial product. Can anyone tell me a comparable finish to use
for
the DIY wood worker or a source for catalytic varnish? Since the
tables are being used in the family room they need to be resistant
to
water and other liquids when setting or spilling glasses or cups
of
beverages on the tables. Thanks in advance for your help.

"js" wrote in message
...
read up on it here. Alcohol will soften it if its strong enough, but how
often you going to have alcohol greater than 50% on a table? and it isn't
"use it on kitchen counters water resistant, but more than suitable for
what
you want to use it for. what do you think they used before varnish and
poly?
.

http://www.popularwoodworking.com/fe...ea.asp?id=1206


The article states:
"Now shellac is rarely used as a finish except by high-end antique
refinishers (which ought to tell you something)."
I think that tells me that antique refinishers are trying to match the
original finish which, by definition, would be what was used something like
100 years ago. Not that it's a superior finish.
It has it's place, but based on what I've read in the Flexner book, I
wouldn't use it on a table top unless that table was meant to be show-only.

On Mon, 19 Jan 2004 16:37:30 GMT, "js"
wrote:

Shellac is extremely water resistant. and yes, its durable, and easy to
repair.


SNIP

Flexner, in his book Understanding Wood Finishing, says "Because of
shellac's POOR resistance to water, alcohol, heat and alkali, it's not
the best finish for tabletops or other surfaces that are subject to
frequent use."

I'd vote for a polyurethane finish which has highest resistance to
water damage and most duraable finish altho v hard to repair - usually
requires stripping/sanding if top gets really messed up.

shellac prevents water vapor from penetrating the wood, but it is NOT
"water resistant"

dave

js wrote:

Shellac is extremely water resistant. and yes, its durable, and easy to
repair.


"stoutman" .@. wrote in message news:h7TOb.84599$sv6.199376@attbi_s52...

From what I have read, shellac is not known for its water resistance
properties.

And is it the best finish for a table top with regard to durability?????


"js" wrote in message
...

shellac. Water resistant. I would imagine the Amish use this as well.


"Brian Turner" wrote in message
e.com...

I am kind of new to woodworking and am building furniture for our
family room. I am building a TV stand and end tables out of red oak.
I am very close to Amish country in Ohio and found out that they use
catalytic varnish for the top coat finish. I can't seem to find
catalytic varnish sold in local woodworking stores as it seems to be a
commercial product. Can anyone tell me a comparable finish to use for
the DIY wood worker or a source for catalytic varnish? Since the
tables are being used in the family room they need to be resistant to
water and other liquids when setting or spilling glasses or cups of
beverages on the tables. Thanks in advance for your help.

For the uses you are describing I don't see any reason to complicate things
by worrying about exotic finishes. If you really feel you need lots of
protection just get an off the shelf polyurethane varnish. It will do the
job just fine.

--
Mike G.

Heirloom Woods
www.heirloom-woods.net
"Brian Turner" wrote in message
om...
I am kind of new to woodworking and am building furniture for our
family room. I am building a TV stand and end tables out of red oak.
I am very close to Amish country in Ohio and found out that they use
catalytic varnish for the top coat finish. I can't seem to find
catalytic varnish sold in local woodworking stores as it seems to be a
commercial product. Can anyone tell me a comparable finish to use for
the DIY wood worker or a source for catalytic varnish? Since the
tables are being used in the family room they need to be resistant to
water and other liquids when setting or spilling glasses or cups of
beverages on the tables. Thanks in advance for your help.

Varnish isn't a very good protectant for dings, especially if you have kids.
I vote for polyurethane over plain wood conditioner.


"Mike G" wrote in message
...
For the uses you are describing I don't see any reason to complicate
things
by worrying about exotic finishes. If you really feel you need lots of
protection just get an off the shelf polyurethane varnish. It will do the
job just fine.

--
Mike G.

Heirloom Woods
www.heirloom-woods.net
"Brian Turner" wrote in message
om...
I am kind of new to woodworking and am building furniture for our
family room. I am building a TV stand and end tables out of red oak.
I am very close to Amish country in Ohio and found out that they use
catalytic varnish for the top coat finish. I can't seem to find
catalytic varnish sold in local woodworking stores as it seems to be a
commercial product. Can anyone tell me a comparable finish to use for
the DIY wood worker or a source for catalytic varnish? Since the
tables are being used in the family room they need to be resistant to
water and other liquids when setting or spilling glasses or cups of
beverages on the tables. Thanks in advance for your help.

Not to be a smarty pants Wilson but, polyurethane is a type of VARNISH.



"Wilson" wrote in message
. com...
Varnish isn't a very good protectant for dings, especially if you have
kids.
I vote for polyurethane over plain wood conditioner.


"Mike G" wrote in message
...
For the uses you are describing I don't see any reason to complicate
things
by worrying about exotic finishes. If you really feel you need lots of
protection just get an off the shelf polyurethane varnish. It will do
the
job just fine.

--
Mike G.

Heirloom Woods
www.heirloom-woods.net
"Brian Turner" wrote in message
om...
I am kind of new to woodworking and am building furniture for our
family room. I am building a TV stand and end tables out of red oak.
I am very close to Amish country in Ohio and found out that they use
catalytic varnish for the top coat finish. I can't seem to find
catalytic varnish sold in local woodworking stores as it seems to be a
commercial product. Can anyone tell me a comparable finish to use for
the DIY wood worker or a source for catalytic varnish? Since the
tables are being used in the family room they need to be resistant to
water and other liquids when setting or spilling glasses or cups of
beverages on the tables. Thanks in advance for your help.

had to re-read. I thought he meant lacquer.

"stoutman" .@. wrote in message news:wXSOb.86934$nt4.134107@attbi_s51...
Not to be a smarty pants Wilson but, polyurethane is a type of VARNISH.



"Wilson" wrote in message
. com...
Varnish isn't a very good protectant for dings, especially if you have
kids.
I vote for polyurethane over plain wood conditioner.


"Mike G" wrote in message
...
For the uses you are describing I don't see any reason to complicate
things
by worrying about exotic finishes. If you really feel you need lots of
protection just get an off the shelf polyurethane varnish. It will do
the
job just fine.

--
Mike G.

Heirloom Woods
www.heirloom-woods.net
"Brian Turner" wrote in message
om...
I am kind of new to woodworking and am building furniture for our
family room. I am building a TV stand and end tables out of red
oak.
I am very close to Amish country in Ohio and found out that they use
catalytic varnish for the top coat finish. I can't seem to find
catalytic varnish sold in local woodworking stores as it seems to be
a
commercial product. Can anyone tell me a comparable finish to use
for
the DIY wood worker or a source for catalytic varnish? Since the
tables are being used in the family room they need to be resistant
to
water and other liquids when setting or spilling glasses or cups of
beverages on the tables. Thanks in advance for your help.

perhaps you meant "conversion varnish"? It's available at Sherwin
Williams, for one. But don't buy it unless you like working with
hazardous materials. It's got some real nasty chemicals in it.

Instead, IF you have any HVLP you can get good results with Enduro water
borne lacquer or poly. You have to order it via 1-800 or look up
Compliant Spray Systems. You can also get a catalyzer that makes the
finish more durable, which could be added when spraying the top. As a
matter of fact they suggest that you only add the cat. to the final
coat. I bought some cat. but haven't needed to use it yet. The poly
goes on beautifully with HVLP. Dries fast. Must be sanded between
coats for adhesion according to the mfg. I haven't taken any chances
and recoated without sanding...

dave

Brian Turner wrote:
I am kind of new to woodworking and am building furniture for our
family room. I am building a TV stand and end tables out of red oak.
I am very close to Amish country in Ohio and found out that they use
catalytic varnish for the top coat finish. I can't seem to find
catalytic varnish sold in local woodworking stores as it seems to be a
commercial product. Can anyone tell me a comparable finish to use for
the DIY wood worker or a source for catalytic varnish? Since the
tables are being used in the family room they need to be resistant to
water and other liquids when setting or spilling glasses or cups of
beverages on the tables. Thanks in advance for your help.

Bay Area Dave wrote in message . com...
perhaps you meant "conversion varnish"? It's available at Sherwin
Williams, for one. But don't buy it unless you like working with
hazardous materials. It's got some real nasty chemicals in it.

Instead, IF you have any HVLP you can get good results with Enduro water
borne lacquer or poly. You have to order it via 1-800 or look up
Compliant Spray Systems. You can also get a catalyzer that makes the
finish more durable, which could be added when spraying the top. As a
matter of fact they suggest that you only add the cat. to the final
coat. I bought some cat. but haven't needed to use it yet. The poly
goes on beautifully with HVLP. Dries fast. Must be sanded between
coats for adhesion according to the mfg. I haven't taken any chances
and recoated without sanding...

dave

Brian Turner wrote:
I am kind of new to woodworking and am building furniture for our
family room. I am building a TV stand and end tables out of red oak.
I am very close to Amish country in Ohio and found out that they use
catalytic varnish for the top coat finish. I can't seem to find
catalytic varnish sold in local woodworking stores as it seems to be a
commercial product. Can anyone tell me a comparable finish to use for
the DIY wood worker or a source for catalytic varnish? Since the
tables are being used in the family room they need to be resistant to
water and other liquids when setting or spilling glasses or cups of
beverages on the tables. Thanks in advance for your help.


You could use Bartley's Gel Varnish. I've had very good luck with it
on dining room tables including my own. It is easy to apply and does
not raise the grain so requires very little, if any, sanding between
coats. I normally sand the surface to 400 grit and then apply the
first coat. After that I do a lite touch between each coat with 600
grit. I suggest a minimum of four coats and even six in high use
areas.

Bill Benitez

http://woodworkdoctor.com

On 19 Jan 2004 05:19:54 -0800, (Brian Turner)
wrote:

I can't seem to find catalytic varnish sold in local woodworking stores

Of course it's there, it's extremely common. So common in fact that
the "catalysed" part isn't normally mentioned. The only time we do
regularly talk about "catalysed varnish" is when it's not
pre-catalysed (as most of them are) but it's something like
acid-catalysed floor varnish that needs to be mixed immediately before
use.

Get a copy of Flexner, or Google this ng. for more finishing
information than you can shake a stick at.
--
Die Gotterspammerung - Junkmail of the Gods

Just to satisfy my curiosity. Where did you find Bob Flexner discussing
catalyzed varnish?

--
Mike G.

Heirloom Woods
www.heirloom-woods.net
"Andy Dingley" wrote in message
...
On 19 Jan 2004 05:19:54 -0800, (Brian Turner)
wrote:

I can't seem to find catalytic varnish sold in local woodworking stores

Of course it's there, it's extremely common. So common in fact that
the "catalysed" part isn't normally mentioned. The only time we do
regularly talk about "catalysed varnish" is when it's not
pre-catalysed (as most of them are) but it's something like
acid-catalysed floor varnish that needs to be mixed immediately before
use.

Get a copy of Flexner, or Google this ng. for more finishing
information than you can shake a stick at.
--
Die Gotterspammerung - Junkmail of the Gods

On Tue, 20 Jan 2004 10:30:42 -0500, "Mike G"
wrote:

Just to satisfy my curiosity. Where did you find Bob Flexner discussing
catalyzed varnish?

Not sure I did - it's just the best "all-in-one" finishing book.

Thanks everyone for your input. I think I am going to go with a
polyurethane finish. This is one finish that I'm used to using. I
may put 4 - 6 coats on the end table tops just to add some extra
protection.


(Brian Turner) wrote in message . com...
I am kind of new to woodworking and am building furniture for our
family room. I am building a TV stand and end tables out of red oak.
I am very close to Amish country in Ohio and found out that they use
catalytic varnish for the top coat finish. I can't seem to find
catalytic varnish sold in local woodworking stores as it seems to be a
commercial product. Can anyone tell me a comparable finish to use for
the DIY wood worker or a source for catalytic varnish? Since the
tables are being used in the family room they need to be resistant to
water and other liquids when setting or spilling glasses or cups of
beverages on the tables. Thanks in advance for your help.