I'm in the process of making a set of TV Tray tables, but I have questions as to what finish I should use for the tops. I've read that polyurethane is supposed to be resistant to heat, but now I'm not sure what that means. I'm making the tables from Southern Yellow Pine. So far, I've tried 2 different products, Minwax Polycrylic and Cabot Polyurethane 8010. With each of these, when I put a plate of hot food on the table, the plate will "stick" to the table until it cools a little; no heat no problem.
Is there something I can use that won't give the plate a "sticky" feeling on the tabletop?
I don't have any spray equipment, so I'm considering trying brush on lacquer. I've never used that before. Is this a viable solution? I also have some Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish, which I'm guessing will work but I'd like to avoid the long cure times if possible. (I got started a little late, but I'd like these to be Christmas presents.)
Thanks for the advice,
Bill