7 Best Finish for Walnut Table 2024 [Durable & Shiny]

Walnut tables are made of wood and enhance the elegance of any room. Although walnut tables design is pretty simple but marvelous look is their prime characteristic. Ever wondered what the secret of the eye-catchy look of walnut tables is?

Without the best finish for walnut tables, the expected finish is not achievable. This means you just can’t pick any finish for your walnut table. However, you can choose between polyurethane and natural finish according to your requirement.

If you want a durable coat to withstand regular wear and tear, choose oil-based polyurethane. While natural oil finish such as Linseed oil or Tung oil is the best option to give your table a natural finish.

This article aims to share in-depth information about the top-level finish for the walnut slab. Without making further ado, let’s move to the next sections.

Top 7 Durable Stain for walnut Furniture:

Which Types of Finish Do You Use on Walnut Wood?

Walnuts consist open pores. As a result, their response level to multiple finishes is high. However, all finish types don’t provide the same level of durability and protection to walnuts.
Let’s look at the different finish types which are suitable for walnut wood.

a) Lacquer Finish:

Professional woodworkers and carpenters prefer lacquer finish to apply on walnut wood due to its quick drying time. Moreover, 1 or 2 coats of lacquer finish are enough to protect and seal walnut wood. It is user-friendly and easy to apply. You can use both pressurized and airless spray to apply it on walnut wood.

b) Burnishing Technique:

The burnishing technique is a good option applying on bare walnut, finished walnut, and oil-treated walnut. This technique creates smooth, gorgeous, and shiny appearance on a walnut. You will need to apply burnish using your hand, which is also known as a hand-rubbed finish. It doesn’t take much time to dry, and a few coats are necessary according to your requirement.

c) Linseed Oil:

Characteristically, walnut has deep burnished color, and due to this, linseed oil offers the best result when applied on walnut wood. Linseed oil provides a natural darker look to walnut wood. This oil type is easy to care for, environment-friendly, and offers a satin finish to bring the actual color and grain of the walnut wood beneath.

The flaxseed plant is the primary source of linseed oil, and it is available in raw, polymerized, and boiled options. But they are processed following different methods and to variable degrees. The purest form of linseed oil is known as raw linseed oil, but walnut wood is often challenging because of its high drying time. Even 1 coat of raw linseed oil may take several weeks to dry.

Boiled linseed oil is a widely used finish, but it consists of a few unsafe drying compounds.

Among all 3 types, Polymerized linseed oil is the best. They have less drying time, non-toxic and pure.

d) Tung Oil:

This plant-based oil provides an outstanding wood finish. Faster drying time, clear finish, and high penetrating features for enhancing and protecting the walnut wood countertop. From ancient times, woodworkers and carpenters are applying this oil on walnut wood. This oil type is food-safe, toxic-free, and eco-friendly too.

Tung oil and linseed oil has a few similarities. It also comes with raw, polymerized, and boiled options. Raw Tung oil use barely used by woodworkers and carpenters for its high drying time. Most of the time, boiled and professionals prefer polymerized Tung oil.

e) Danish Oil:

Woodworkers widely apply Danish oil on walnut wood, and it can be used on other different substances. Danish oil often contains many other ingredients, including Tung oil or linseed oil, drying agents, thinners, thickeners, and many more.

Generally, Danish oil is a mixture of varnish with Tung oil or linseed oil, but not always. Often, polymerized linseed oil is sold under the Danish oil label.

7 Best Finish for Walnut Wood Slab & Table – Reviews of 2024:

All manufacturers claim that their products are the best finish for walnuts wood. That doesn’t mean you will buy multiple products from several manufacturers; it is impractical indeed. So, we reviewed numerous finishes and made a list so that you can make a precise decision.

1. Rust Oleum Zinseer 854 1-quart Universal Sanding Sealer:

In order to achieve a beautiful finish on walnut wood slab, you have no other choice than buying the best product. That is why we made the Rust-Oleum Zinseer 854 1-quart Universal Sanding Sealer as the no.#1 product in this list. It is specially designed for walnut wood and delivers efficient performance when applied to other wood types as well.

Cheaper sanding sealers contain wax ingredients which take away the sealing effectiveness of the sealer over time. The good news is that this sanding sealer doesn’t have any wax ingredients, which means this sealer’s efficacy stays on the surface for many days. Moreover, no discoloration happens with this sealer.

You absolutely can use this product as a topcoat. It’s simply a dewaxed shellac. So, it’s great for producing a traditional French polish gloss or even a lower gloss satin (depending upon how much you sand/polish). If you want to use it as a topcoat, you may need several coats to build up to the desired sheen.

One notable feature of dewaxed shellac is its sticking power. It sticks very well on treated wood. Also, after applying it on wood, it receives oil-based and water-based polyurethane on it too.

Things we liked most:

• Covering capacity per gallon is 400 – 600 sq. ft.
• Easy to clean using water, ammonia, or alcohol.
• An ideal sealer for interior floors or other surfaces.
• East drying time – recoat or sanding can be done within 1 minute.

What could be better:

• Poor packaging with no expired date in the can.

2. Old Masters 19399, 1 Quart:

Whether your project requirements to provide a beautiful finish on bare walnut or earlier stained wood, the Old Masters 19399, 1 Qt. offers consistent results. This finish is a combo of fine varnishes and Tung Oil. More importantly, it is a water-proof, non-oily, and alcohol-free finish. Providing fine texture to a wooden surface is the motto of Old Masters.

The finish provided by this product is pretty awesome. The manufacturer Old Masters is a top manufacturer in the woodworking industry, and the provided coating of this sealer will satisfy you. This product is renowned for its hassle-free applying process. Start with a single thin coat, if you find any excess, wipe it off, and give it time to dry. If the expected result is not achieved, repeat the process again.

Another worth-mentioning feature of this sealer is that you can finish quite a large surface with a single can. One thing that needs to keep in mind is applying it to the walnut table after sanding the surface to get the best result. Besides, it has a unique penetrating formula that will offer a marble-like finish to your walnut coffee table; pretty amazing, right?

It is one of the best solutions to restore old furniture. This will provide a fine mist on old furniture and will give them a completely new look. Furthermore, it removes smoke damage, watermarks quite comfortably. The sealer performs well on walnut wood and provides a stunning look.

Things we liked most:

• You can use it with several wooden surfaces along with walnuts.
• A sufficient amount of fluid will allow you to finish a large surface.
• Applying it on multiple surfaces is pretty convenient.
• It removes dust, dirt, watermarks, blemishes, and more.

What could be better:

• No prominent cons are available.

3. Tried & True Varnish Oil:

The Tried & True Varnish Oil is an ideal product for walnut wood and interior window trim. It’s a varnish derived from Linseed oil and Bee’s Wax. The varnish has a very thick viscosity. “Tried and True” also contains a resin that helps to protect the wood. It gives minimal protection to dents and scratches. This finish is durable enough for walnut furniture, mantel, flooring, and other types of wooden surfaces.

The abrasion of this finish is pretty excellent. If you need a high-gloss finish, this oil is highly efficient in guarantying your requirement since original resin varnish and polymerized linseed oil are the main ingredients of this oil. Each coat builds durability, depth, and gloss. The performance of this finish becomes outstanding over time, and it gets harder and durable with age.

It offers the expected result in any woodworking project. Moreover, it enhances the gran by creating eye-catchy wood luster. It is recommended to follow the right applying procedure in order to get the best result with this oil. Start with less oil, give it a rest for 60 minutes, do little sanding wherever necessary, and let it wait for 24 hours. Remember, without the right applying procedure, the best result will not be achieved.

Additionally, the consistency of this oil is thick and you will get a smell similar to linseed oil. Moreover, it doesn’t contain any cruel VOC and free from solvent odors. With only a single application, a glossy film/sheen will appear on the wood. Compared to other locally available stains, it delivers many years of service.

Things we liked most:

• The highly durable item provides many years of service.
• The thick consistency is amazing.
• It protects wood from dust and scratch.
• Over time, it gets more durable and harder.

What could be better:

• Unfortunately, it is not weather-proof.

4. Waterlox 5284qt TB5284 Stain:

The Waterlox 5284qt TB5284 Stain is formulated as a traditional interior penetrating Tung oil sealer and finish. After applying on walnut wood, the surface will get 75° gloss level. Also, they retain the same smooth shine for many years. This stuff is rock hard and beautiful! The directions state that sanding between coats is not necessary.

Linseed oil, mineral spirits, olefin resin, Tung oil, phenolic resin, and ester gun are the main ingredients of this stain. Also, the % of volatile and non-volatile is 60 and 40 respectively. The combination of all these effective ingredients offers the required finish all the time.

This light brown colored stain doesn’t take too much time to dry. However, it is necessary to ensure that you followed every applying procedure mentioned in the label. One worth-mentioning feature of this stain is, you don’t need to be a skilled or experienced person to apply it.

This Waterlox finish provides good protection to the wood, but you can also re-apply the finish over time as long as it is clean. You will love to hear that it protects a walnut surface from common household spills and moisture. Also, 1 gallon covers 500 sq. ft.

Things we liked most:

• A versatile sealer can be used on multiple wooden surfaces.
• It provides long-lasting service.
• 24 hours of drying time between 2 coats.
• Easy to apply and use.

What could be better:

• The smell stays for many days

5. Tried and True Danish Oil, Pint:

If you are too frequently handling multiple wood finishing projects and effectiveness is your top priority, this Tried and True Danish Oil is the right choice for you. This product will impart a natural darkening, almost amber-like finish that will enhance the grain. There will be a slight color change but a highly desirable one and nothing like a traditional wood stain.

This oil will improve the look and help add a mild water-resistant coating to the table/furniture piece. This is a linseed oil finish with no chemicals. Therefore, it does not build into a film, even after several coats. My experience is that it gives a very nice oiled wood effect, at the same time, produces much sheen.

The covering capacity of this Danish oil finish is pretty high compared to its range. You can finish 600 sq. ft. using 1 gallon. It doesn’t sit on the surface, which means a walnut table’s original color doesn’t get changed after applying it. It enhances the color of the natural wood as it soaks in. Overall, it is a marine varnish that comes in gloss or satin.

The sealer is entirely safe and easy to use. It doesn’t contain any toxic chemicals, comes with zero VOC features. Moreover, being a non-flammable finish, it will not create any fumes when applying. Furthermore, due to its safe-to-skin contact feature, you will not feel discomfort when it comes in contact with your skin.

What we liked most:

• Suitable for any woodwork.
• 2 or 3 coats is enough to get the expected finish.
• It contains non-toxic ingredients.
• A single gallon has 600 sq. ft. of coverage.

What could be better:

• It has a strong smell.

6. Watco 63041 Lacquer Clear Wood Finish:

The Watco 63041 Lacquer Clear Wood Finish from the Rust-Oleum store is ideal for all interior furniture. Also, it will deliver effective results after applying on cabinets, paneling, and doors. It is formulated in such a way so that the user can get a high gloss finish compared to polyurethane. And the great thing is, it does what it describes.

Sanding is always a time-consuming task, and when you need to do it between coats, carefulness is a must. The good news is that, with this wood finish, you don’t need to sand between coats. Thus, you can save valuable money and time. More importantly, it dries within half an hour. Additionally, 290 sq. ft. is its covering capacity.

Another noticeable feature of this finish for walnut is, it can be applied using a spray gun. At the 40 psi level, you can effortlessly apply it on multiple interior wooden surfaces within a short time. This lacquer is pretty awesome and will work well on non-porous materials. However, when applying, make sure to use it in a well-ventilated area because it contains flammable ingredients.

All in all, it is a great staff and it offers the same result as what is described or advertised. You will never experience dripping of the stain or brush marks after applying it. Very traditional lacquer dries hard and cures quickly.

What we liked most:

• More clarity finish is confirmed than polyurethane.
• It covers a maximum of 290 sq. ft.
• An ideal option for applying on interior wooden materials.
• Extremely less drying time, only 30 minutes.

What could be better:

• Covering capacity is pretty less compared to its class.

7. Minwax 15200 Gloss Brushing Lacquer Spray:

The Minwax 15200 Gloss Brushing Lacquer Spray is renowned for delivering a clear, beautiful, and protecting finish on both wood and metal. You can apply it on stained or bare wood and see the magic after 30 minutes because it has half an hour of to touch drying time. If reapplying is necessary, wait for exactly 2 hours after applying the first coat and then apply the 2nd coat. Also, sanding between 2 coats is fully unnecessary.

After applying and proper drying, you will never experience streaks, bubbles, and splatters. You will love to hear that it is a beginner-friendly lacquer spray. Its finish, application, and durability will simply satisfy you for sure. You can use it for a wide range of tasks like metal items, craft projects, blacksmithing products, and so on.

More importantly, you can spray it over a piece of furniture painted with latex paint. It ‘melts’ the previous layer and bonds to it; this can clear up imperfections in the coat or allow you to paint without wet sanding until the end.

It takes more layers, but it dries much quicker than poly so that you can get multiple layers in a day. This product leaves a gloss finish, especially if you polish it after it’s well cured. Working with it is pretty easy, comfortable, and safe too.

What we liked most:

• It creates a protective finish on wood and metal.
• The best option for interior wood surfaces.
• It dries within 120 minutes.
• Apply it on bare and stained wood.

What could be better:

• Inferior spray nozzle quality.

How to Finish Walnut Wood Beautiful?

Walnut has a reputation as a natural finish, requiring more work than just applying a finish to achieve long-term finishing. Most of the walnut pieces, which are finished with linseed oil or Tung oil, tend to turn gray, making the walnut piece quite unattractive.

So what is the best way to finish walnut wood beautifully? Let’s learn from below.

Step 01: Hand Sanding of the Walnut Wood:

Walnut wood comes with an amazingly dark grain pattern. To show off these gray patterns, you will need to start with hand sanding. Use 320 or higher grit paper to sand down the walnut wood. After sanding, use a vacuum cleaner to blow off the sawdust. Then take a damp cloth and wipe down the wood. Next, give the wood piece rest for a few minutes. Finally, again sand down the walnut piece lightly, which will knock down the raised grain.

Step 02: Applying 1st Coat of Shellac:

Applying shellac is the first step of finishing walnut wood beautifully. Shellac provides a great base from which subsequent steps such as gel stains or glaze can be used. Moreover, you can mix shellac with other colorants to give a light finish to the dark walnut slab.

Step 03: Applying 2nd Coat of Shellac:

After applying the 1st coat of shellac, give it time to dry thoroughly. High spots may come once the shellac is dried, so sand it down again. Use a vacuum to blow off the residue and then apply the next coat. If more coats are required, ensure applying it after thorough drying.

PRO TIPS:

Using grain filler is a good option to raise the grain. This needs to apply once you apply a few coats of shellac. Then an extra coat of shellac or mineral oil will give a shiny look to the walnut wood.

FAQ:

Question: What oil do you use on walnut wood?

Answer: Boiled linseed oil or Tung oil is the best option to be used on walnut wood. Both leaves and attractive and muted sheen by sealing the grain from moisture.

Question: What is the Recommended Stain for Natural Walnut Finish?

Answer: Lacquer is the recommended stain for the natural walnut finish. It penetrates the walnut wood pores, dries quickly, and is easy to use.

Question: What is the best finish for black walnut?

Answer: Since walnut is a darker wood, any stain that provides a yellow or orange finish, will definitely improve the walnut’s appearance. However, you also can go with a clear finish like Danish oil. Once you apply multiple coats of Danish oil on walnut wood, you will get a clear finish.

Question: Should you stain walnut wood?

Answer: Yes, walnut wood requires stain. It will protect the wood from damage due to multiple reasons like moisture, common household spills, etc.

Final Words:

Everyone wants to give an aesthetic and classy look to their walnut mantel, countertop, or dining table, and it is only possible when you use the best finish for walnut. This is the reason we created this article and came up with the best-suited finishes for the walnut wood, wood slab, coffee table, or bowl.

Looking for the best item is common because every carpenter or woodworker gives high priority to their project, and the best result is achievable only with the best sealer. We believe, with our article, the best work is achievable since we shared the reviews of the best products.

Last Updated on September 30, 2024 by Rogers Weber

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