I am approaching the final stages of the cherry coffee table build. I recently wrapped up a metal bed frame, with cherry inserts in the head and footboard and I love how it turned out. I have made matching satin black powder coated legs for the remainder of my furniture projects for my house, and coming into the coffee table I knew the EM6000 + shellac I used for the bed project wasn't going to fly.
I have narrowed the finishing down to 4 options I believe, but I am hoping you folks can weigh in. I do own Bob Flexners book, I have referred to it, to try to help narrow things down, and I am not interested in Polyxoil, Odies, or Rubio Monocoat. I am trying to work on my finishing protocols for my upcoming items (cherry dining bench, and cherry dining table).
1. Arm-R-Seal. I am looking to do a satin finish. I know it takes a little while to fully cure. I have read a few threads on SMC about using this finish and how to apply it, I just don't know how well it will hold up and if it really is my best option.
2.Saman water based flood varnish. I purchased this when I didn't think my EM6000 would be any good because it was shipped to me and lost in transit temporarily during a bad storm this winter. I have never used it. I imagine lacking oil will mean it won't give the same depth as the Arm-R-Seal.
3. A combination finish, such as the purported two stage finishing Mr.Maloof used to use. The respective blends I have found online. I believe it will give the depth in the finish I want visually. I don't know if they will have the resistance to water, heat, and certain chemicals (alcohol) and my stinky feet being put up on the table.
4. Finally, I am getting into spraying finishes. I sprayed the EM6000. I was thinking I would throw down a coat of shellac, or some other undercoat to give a bit of depth to the cherry, and then spray on EM7000 with the crosslinker, or some Waterlox. I don't own either of those finishes, I was hoping I could get the EM7000 in Canada from Ardec, but it may have been discontinued.
Ultimately, I want my cake and to eat it too. I want the depth of oil, with the durability of these new film finishes. I am too new to finishing at this standard to know right away, so I am hoping to draw on some of the group's experience please and thank you. I forgot to mention, I would like to rub the finish out to a satin finish, but if that isn't an option so be it.
Thanks to anyone who chimes in!
Edit - Forgot to share bed.
processed-e1a7fcac-4ab9-4187-aed9-dc47661ec958_8WO3hLgr.jpg