I recently received an oak coffee table top that has been finished with 4 coats of Minwax Polycrylic (not MAX). My 3- and 5-year-olds still managed to ding and scratch it with toys/play within about 3 hours.

I’m considering trying a coat or two of Ultimate Floor Finish to toughen up the surface a bit more, but I realize it might be a lost cause when going up against preschool-aged boys. I’m also not 100% sure that using a different poly top coat on top of what’s there is the right move.

Anyone care to speak to:

  • Is using a different water-based poly finish on top of an existing one OK?

  • Will using a “floor finish” product on furniture offer any noticeable improvement in durability/protection?

Y’all are great; thank you for your advice!

  • TropicalDingdong@lemmy.world
    5·
    2 days ago

    I’ve found almost any poly finish is basically bullet proof. 4 coats? Are you hoping to be able to clean wipe paint from this thing?

    • Bocko@lemmy.worldOP
      4·
      2 days ago

      😆

      I hear you. My dad made it; he’s got some woodworking eccentricities, to be sure. I’m sure he had a thoroughly thought-out reason for going gangbusters w/ 4 coats. Maybe that’s why he seemed so frustrated when I told him his grandkids scratched it with practically zero effort.