Hardest finish needed for table legs to prevent damage by nibbling pet Rabbit

[Roberta Glaser]

We just finished restoring an old table top using Waterlox and a lot of knowledge I gained reading this forum. Thanks!

I need some help in selecting a very hard finish for the legs. We have a pet rabbit that occasionally escapes and nibbles on furniture legs. The legs of this particular table are nothing special and seem to be a softer wood. Should I look into a 2 part epoxy finish? Behlens Rock Hard?

Looking forward to seeing what you suggest

Thanks!

[Mel Fulks]

There is a garden product to deter critters from eating plants called "Tree Guard" ; it's harmless but extremely bitter and has a scent tag that you won't be able to smell. I think that is a better approach than picking a finish based on a rabbits idea of bad taste in finishing.

[Leo Graywacz]

Never gonna happen. There isn't a finish that the rabbit couldn't chew through.

Maybe dip them in lead.

[Jim Becker]

What Leo said...no finish is going to protect from bunny teeth. And it's not just me saying that...Rufus confirmed it...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v646/a-j-adopt/Rufus/IMG_2098_zps558e9e38.jpg

[Roberta Glaser]

Agreed that once a rabbit decides s/he likes something there is not much that can prevent damage, but the softer finishes get he most abuse. With this project I want to make the first bite a less than pleasurable experience. Perhaps I can try a blended approach: a very hard finish and some bitter spray. So what is the hardest finish I could brush, rub or spray on?

[Jim Becker]

Hard doesn't necessarily mean more durable. Shellac is a very "hard" finish, but it's incredibly easy to break through because of that hard/brittle nature. I'd hazard a guess that some kind of epoxy resin is going to be the most durable, but bunny teeth are still "up to the task". If your pet will respect the spray on deterrent that will help, but we all know that these creatures, when they get their mind on something...similar to a human toddler :) , will not be stopped by something like that. ;)

[Al Launier]

Dental work on the bunny?
Oops, that won't work: http://www.mypetsdentist.com/rabbit-rodent-dental-care.pmlhttp://www.mypetsdentist.com/rabbit-rodent-dental-care.pml.

Try the spray on a scrap piece of wood, if that doesn't work try the epoxy resin on the scrap to test for results.

[Leo Graywacz]

West system epoxy coated with polyurethane would be tough. Nut bunny teeth tough though.

[Prashun Patel]

Dip the feet in fox urine.

;)

[Robert LaPlaca]

Dip the feet in fox urine.

;)

i know this was suggested tongue and cheek, but check out the product Shake Away.. http://www.shake-away.com/Rabbits.php?page=Rabbits

[John TenEyck]

Slide some heavy hose material over the legs until the rabbit dies. Course it will just find something else to chew on. Have you considered moving the rabbit to other quarters?

John

[Mel Fulks]

If you use the Tree Guard you can safely use any film finish. Take some food the rabbit likes and put some TG on it, it will try it and then refuse anything that has that scent. You don't just hope it won't chew up the scenery and be a "bad actor".

[Roberta Glaser]

Thanks all for the clever and creative responses. I am impressed how many of you know so much about Rabbits! I have also thought about using rabbit urine as a paint or finish remover - it is so strong lol !!! Since the legs don't appear to be anything high quality anyway I will try the epoxy resin costing and the spray. If that fails I'll get my husband to turn a new pair of round legs. It seems to be the sharp corners that are so irresistible. I'm glad the nibbling rabbit brought me to this forum. Lots of very helpful information and people here.

[Ryan Mooney]

Case them in steel :D