The Forestry Forum

I am thinking about making live edge counter tops for my wife. I haven't started anything at this time so I don't know what species yet even. What kind of finish is on the market that would best protect the counters?

Just so everyone knows I am not a novice in the cabinetry field. I have worked for a couple of high end cabinet/ custom furniture makers for close to twenty years. And have done a considerable amount of smaller work from my own shop.

Epoxy...

2 part epoxy

Famwood Glaze coat. See pics of the walnut coffee table in this post.

Most professionally built restaurant tables are finished with post catalyzed conversion varnish.  It does not have the "plastic" look that epoxy has.  It is a spray finish that requires respirators and a paint booth.  Usually a layperson cannot buy it.

Be sure to finish all sides and with a similar number of coats of finish; otherwise the slabs may cup.

For something as high traffic as a countertop I don't know if the epoxy will hold up. The cabinet/ furniture shops I have worked for used Lacquers and Conversion Varnish but I don't know that they would hold up to everyday kitchen use. Most finishes I have experience with are durable however not scratch proof. I am wondering if there is a flooring product that would be more suited the the use of a counter.

Epoxys is what is used for most beer bars. It holds up very well.