Farmhouse style is popular right now. Despite how hard you try, you can’t get away from typical white paint and unsophisticated wood accents these days.
However, whether you’re a farmhouse fan or a more contemporary decorator, there is one farmhouse decor aspect you can use anywhere, regardless of your style- getting a good finish for a farmhouse table.
A good finish protects your farmhouse table from the usual wear and tear, enhances its beauty, and safeguards it from scratches.
If you are looking for the best finish for a farmhouse table, we got your back. We have highlighted a couple of popular options to help you pick the best finish suitable for your farmhouse table.
Our Top Picks
Best Finish for Farmhouse Table
- Minwax 70012444 Wood Finish – Best Stain for Farmhouse Table
- General Finishes Arm-R-Seal Oil – Best Wood stain for Farmhouse Looks
- Minwax 255554444 Minwax Polycrylic Finish – Minwax Farmhouse Stain
- Waterlox TB 6044 Original Satin Finish – Best Rustic Farmhouse Table Finish
- General Finishes Water Based Stain – Most Popular Farmhouse Stain Color
- Epifanes Wood Finish Matte – Best Farmhouse Stain Colors
Best Finish for Farmhouse Table Reviews
1. Best Stain for Farmhouse Table – Minwax 70012444 Wood Finish
- RICH EVEN COLOR – Minwax Wood Finish is a deep penetrating, oil-based wood stain that provides beautiful color and enhances the natural wood grain in one coat. It’s perfect for interior staining projects such as wood furniture, cabinets, doors and more.
- QUICK DRYING – Staining interior wood has never been quicker. The special formula allows it to deeply penetrate wood pores within 5 minutes of application, resists lapping, and dries in two hours, making all your wood projects quick, beautiful and easy.
- EASY TO APPLY – Use a clean cloth or wood stain brush to apply this wood stain in the direction of the grain. Wait 5-15 minutes and wipe away excess stain. The longer you wait, the darker/richer the color. Reapply coats for deeper color.
If you are looking for an oil-based deep penetrating wood stain that gives you rich uniform color, your search could end with this product. This stain offers a gorgeous color while enhancing the natural beauty of woodgrain in a single coat.
It makes interior wood staining such a breeze. The unique formula enables it to penetrate the wood pores in five short minutes, withstand lapping, and dries in 2 hours, thus doing your wood projects turns out to be fun, quick, simple, and excellent.
It’s so simple to apply that even a novice can use it effortlessly and get professional results. Use a rag or a clean lint-free cloth to apply the stain in the direction of the wood grain. Give it five to ten minutes before wiping away any excess stain.
The color will become darker or richer as you wait longer. Reapply coats as needed to achieve deeper colors. No dirt or debris can get through the finish, which is particularly critical if you’re working in a dusty environment.
This may be the best option if you want a warm look on your farmhouse table. You may have to apply two to three coats or more to improve durability.
What We Liked Most
- Easy to use
- Very affordable
- GIt gives you rich uniform colors
What Could Be Improved
- It takes longer to dry if you apply thick layers
2. Best Wood stain for Farmhouse Looks – General Finishes Arm-R-Seal Oil Based Topcoat
- Arm-R-Seal topcoats are made with only the highest quality urethane resin
- These topcoats are extremely durable and long lasting
- They are formulated to be wiped on with a cloth or applied with a foam brush
Finish with an Arm-R-Seal topcoat for the ultimate protection against wear and tear. This durable, oil-based topcoat is made from the highest quality materials to withstand moisture, weather, and time.
You apply it with a foam brush or wipe it onto a surface. You can use it on raw wood, old table, floor, and furniture. It’s compatible with most wood species so you can use it regardless of your wood type.
Drying time differs depending on relative humidity and temperature. Sometimes it will dry in three or four hours. If two coats are not enough for you, add another thin coat when it’s not sticky.
Use an old T-shirt to slop it on so that you can finish your table quickly. It’ll level up effortlessly, and you won’t see any ridgelines. Do light sanding between coats with 300-400 sandpaper and blow off sanding dust before applying the next coat.
It would be a lot of fun working with this wood stain. It’s easy to apply and gives you exceptional results. However, for best results, dilute one part of this wood finish to three parts mineral spirits.
This will help you apply it perfectly. Be sure to use 100% cotton t-shirts to avoid creating bubbles.
What We Liked Most
- Odorless
- Easy to use
- Gorgeous color
What Could Be Improved
- Results differ based on the type of wood you’re working with
3. Minwax Farmhouse Stain – Minwax 255554444 Minwax Polycrylic Finish
- PROTECT WOOD SURFACES – Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish protects and adds beauty to your interior wood projects, including woodwork, furniture, doors and cabinets. The clear top coat protects against scratches, spills, dirt and more.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR FINISH THAT LASTS – The crystal clear finished offered in this protective coating is ideal for use over all Minwax Oil-Based and Water-Based Stains and colors, as well as all wood species including light woods like maple, ash and birch.
- GLOSS SHEEN – Give your wood projects a sleek finish with this gloss clear varnish. It not only protects the natural beauty of the wood, but offers a shiny, sleek sheen for a bright, modern look. It’s also non-yellowing, non-ambering and low odor.
Protect and beautify your woodwork with Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish. The clear, water-based formula is perfect for outdoor and indoor projects.
Use this low-VOC protectant to safeguard and beautify your furniture, doors, dining table, and cabinets. It provides a high gloss finish that resists scratches and dirt.
This protective finish is easy to apply and dries in about an hour so that you can finish your project quickly and move on to the next thing on your to-do list.
The clear finish won’t yellow or darken over time as you might expect from an oil-based finish. That’s why it’s the best finish for farmhouse table. Use a top-quality synthetic bristle brush to apply.
Because this water-based wood finish is simple to clean with soap and water, you won’t have to worry about spills and huge messes. Apply this topcoat to your freshly painted kitchen cabinets.
Two coats will be enough to improve the overall outlook of your farmhouse table and make it look brand new even if you’ve had it for years. Apply a thin coat and clean up the buildup with a high-quality foam brush.
Leaving excess stain in nooks and crannies might make it dry yellow.
What We Liked Most
- Odorless
- Easy water cleanup
- Ideal for DIY projects
What Could Be Improved
- The size is small but makes up for quality
4. Best Rustic Farmhouse Table Finish – Waterlox TB 6044 Original Satin Finish
- Penetrates and waterproofs when used as a finishing system in conjunction with Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish
- Forms a protective yet elastic finish against common household spills moisture and foot traffic
- Formulated as a traditional interior penetrating Tung oil finish
Protect and beautify your wood with Waterlox Original Satin Finish. This dark-colored penetrating waterproof finish provides a long-lasting, protective coating to wood against daily household spills, moisture, and foot traffic.
You can use it with the Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish for maximum protection and durability. Sanding is the key to getting pro results. Thoroughly sand the entire surface.
Spend some time sanding the tabletop with a random orbital sander and medium-grit sandpaper following the direction of the wood grain. Exercise extreme caution because going against the grain will leave unwanted scars.
Use a dry lint-free cloth to remove sanding dust. Wipe the wood down with a soft cloth and paint thinner. Apply thin coats. Leave no bubbles or brush marks, and lightly sand between coats.
The surface’s use and exposure determine the number of coats required. Nonetheless, the rule of thumb is to apply a minimum of three coats. Since it’s food-safe, use it on butcher block countertops or any other place that comes in contact with food.
The project turn beautiful. It has a super-strong odor. So, ensure you’re working in a well-ventilated environment. It’s completely waterproof. It might scratch like any other wood finish, but it’ll last for years.
The good news is that, unlike polyurethane, you don’t have to sand it down to reapply it in the future.
What We Liked Most
- It’s waterproof
- It’s food-safe
- You don’t have to remove existing paint to apply it
What Could Be Improved
- It has a strong odor
5. Most Popular Farmhouse Stain Color – General Finishes Water Based Wood Stain
- High-quality pigments produce rich, dark colors; Can be hand-applied or sprayed.
- Indoor use only; Formulated to provide workability similar to oil based stains
- Low odor, low VOC, water cleanup and noncombustible
The General Finishes Stain contains high-quality pigments that result in dark, vibrant colors for your farmhouse table. Apply it with a foam brush or spray it on your wood surface.
Wait for the first coat to dry before applying the second coat. Use this stain to finish a farmhouse tabletop to stop it from undergoing wear. Use it only for indoor furniture.
It works as an oil-based stain though it’s water-based. So, it is non-toxic and won’t emit any upsetting odors during or after application. It is also simple to clean with water and non-combustible.
You won’t have to worry about the risk of fires when using this product. And the beauty is that you can create custom stain color for your furniture by combining different GF stains.
Let the products mix properly before using them. Please note that this finish is vulnerable to damage from environmental factors such as snow, rain, and humidity.
So, if you purchase this wood finish online during the winter months, shipping may be delayed for a while, but you’ll receive your desired table finish in the long run. After application, allow the stain to dry for at least two hours.
What We Liked Most
- Low Odor
- Low VOC
- Works as advertised
What Could Be Improved
- Dark color obscures the grain of the wood
6. Best Farmhouse Stain Colors – Epifanes Wood Finish Matte
- High build, hard matte finish without sanding between coats. (if recoated within 72 hours)
- Soft matte beauty with outstanding U.V. protection for teak and other fine hardwoods.
- One component varnish based on phenolic-modified alkyd resin and tung oil.
If you need to apply a coat of stain to your outdoor farmhouse table, this product could be a good fit. Although it’s a marine-grade product, it looks pretty lovely on furniture.
It gives you an exceptional, smooth satin finish. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen. If you need to finish outdoor wood, sand the entire surface with fine-grit sandpaper.
Be sure to sand the entire area. Apply three coats of this wood conditioner, then two coats of Matte. Do light sanding between coats to remove dust.
It’s not necessary to lightly sand between coats if you recoat within seventy-two hours. Wait for five long years before the need to re-varnish. It’s marine-grade, after all.
It’s an excellent product. You do not need more coats to get the desired results. It goes on smoothly and covers well, though it’s a little thick in the can. Apply one coat and let it dry. Use a00- 320 grit sandpaper to remove any dust.
Apply a second coat. It’ll go on nicely and will result in a smooth finish. After applying the final coat, water will bead up beautifully, and the wood’s natural grain will shine through nicely.
It might darken the wood slightly but pleasantly. Use a foam brush to make the process easier.
What We Liked Most
- It’s waterproof
- No sanding between coats if recoated within three days
- It’s ideal for hardwood
What Could Be Improved
- It’s pricey but worth every penny
Best Finish for Farmhouse Table Comparison Table
Read also: Top finish for Tongue and groove pine ceiling
Education: What You Need to Know Before Buying
Shopping for a farmhouse table finish can be daunting. There are many options, each trying its best to outdo the other. It’s easy to get lost in the details and feel like giving up.
Do not let the details and the options throw you off balance. Don’t worry! We’ll help set you on a path to finding the finishes for wood furniture to use on your farmhouse table.
Consider the following factors to help you pick the right wood finish for your farmhouse table.
Factors to Consider When Buying Best Finish For Farmhouse Table
Formulation
The configuration of a wood sealer is critical. It’s responsible for durability plus resistance to environmental factors such as the sun’s heat, humidity, and moisture.
Go for a waterproof sealer if you’re looking to finish an outdoor farmhouse table. Sealers dry clear and can be water-based or oil-based. Water-based sealers are more durable, environmentally friendly, easier to clean, and odorless.
On the other hand, oil-based sealers dry slower may emit strong odors but are more durable even when used outdoors. Note most water-based stains are equally long-lasting. It all depends on your project and your preferences.
Read more: What is the best clear finish for cedar wood?
Simplicity of Use
Choose a sealer that is simple to work with, and you can use on various surfaces in case you’ve leftovers. Consider the application method and select one that can work with low-cost tools, such as a high-quality paintbrush or an easy-to-use paint sprayer.
After all, you do not want to go through the frustrations of buying a sealer that will stress you when using it. Go for the one you can use regardless of prevailing weather conditions.
It sucks to keep postponing finishing your project due to something you can’t control. Do your due diligence and pick the one that will not need you to remove an existing stain to save on time.
Also, you can buy the ready-to-use formula to steer clear of thinning troubles.
Be Cautious About the Health of Your Environment, Pets, And Kids
Choose a sealer with low Voc levels to protect pets, children, and the environment. Please note that as a finish dries and its solvents evaporate, it releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polluting the air and is dangerous to your health.
As a result, you should protect yourself by wearing protective clothing such as gloves and goggles. Before spending a dime on your desired finish, be sure that it is EPA approved.
Opacity
The amount of wood grain you want to see after staining your farmhouse table is referred to as opacity. The transparency of a wood finish determines opacity. A finish can dry clear or have a semi-gloss, satin, or matte finish.
On newer wood, It’s recommended to use semi-transparent or transparent finishes to enable some grain to shine through. You can use a matte finish on an old table to conceal imperfections as the table has been through decades of grilling.
Related read: Best varnish for exterior doors.
How to Finish a Farmhouse Tabletop
Patience is critical if you want to finish your farmhouse like a pro. Wait until the temperatures are conducive based on your desired table finish manufacturer’s instructions.
You need the following tools:
- 220 grit sandpaper or higher
- Goggles
- Mask
- Hand planar
- Staining brushes
- Polyurethane/ Finish
- Orbital sander
- Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner
- Stain
Procedure
Step 1: Thoroughly sand the Table
Sand the wood thoroughly using 200- 220 grit sand to create a smooth surface. If you fail to sand as needed, the finish will highlight scratches and blemishes in the wood. So, you sand the table to clean it.
Begin by leveling the boards with a hand planar. Use your belt sander to smooth out the boards. You may not need to sand this much if your wood is new.
However, you have no option if you’re finishing the old table. After you finish sanding, vacuum the table and wipe it down with a wet rag to remove sanding dust. Always work on sanded surfaces to get a smooth finish.
Step 2: Apply a Pre stain Conditioner
Apply the pre-stain wood conditioner with a staining pad. Allow it to sit for about one to two minutes. Wipe off excess stain. Wait for ten minutes or half an hour before a light sanding between coats.
Sanding lightly between coats with a 220 grit sandpaper improves paint adhesion. Treating the table’s surface with a wood conditioner helps stop blotches and streaks.
You can use it any wood species, but it’s particularly crucial when working with porous or softwood such as Maple, pine, birch, and alder as they’re a bit tricky to stain.
Step 3: Apply the Finish of Your Choice
The final step is to apply your favorite wood stain finish for a distinctive farmhouse style. Use a foam brush or a staining pad to apply the finish. Let the stain sit for one to three minutes before wiping the extra stain with a clean, dry cloth.
Lightly sand before applying the next coat. Sometimes, one coat is enough to give your old farmhouse a complete makeover. However, you may need to apply more coats depending on your project.
Be keen to finish one board at a time for superb results. Leave the stain to dry overnight.
Read also:
Best finish for kitchen cabinets.
What is the best cedar indoor finish?
Conclusion
Your farmhouse table will undoubtedly require refinishing at some point. When the time is ripe, you’ll have to decide which is the best finish for farmhouse table from the plethora of options available.
Nevertheless, if you know what the experts highly recommend, you can quickly narrow your choices to the best ones. You would unquestionably prefer a rustic finish for your farmhouse table.
Nonetheless, you don’t want a sophisticated finish that clashes with the rustic theme of your farm. As a result, it will be easier to choose a finish that will give your farmhouse’s old table the rustic feel it once had.
Finally, you want something that goes well with the farmhouse theme. Our top pick is Minwax 70012444 Wood Finish. It gives you value for your money, is easy to use, and offers you vibrant uniform colors.
What next? Read our article on how to finish a table top with polyurethane.