Dinette table-To varnish or not

[desjef]

Our 2000 29 open dinette table is in as new condition because it has been lightly used and preventatively maintained.

Any advice on whether we should think about varnishing before it shows sings of wear?

We are also not sure about having a mismatch between the unvarnished teak in the cabin and the table. We would not like to varnish the entire interior but the table does get the most wear.

Also, we have heard that to do these table right, they need 7 coats of epoxy and then 3 clear coats.

All thoughts appreciated.

[Uhehner]

If you run a restaurant, then yes you need 7 coats of epoxy. I finished the table on my boat with 3 coats of Minwax Satin Varnish with light sanding between coats.  I used a 3" foam brush, not a bristle brush and a heat gun to bring any bubbles to the top. The results were spectacular. The table is in the cabin, you don't need marine varnish. Just my opinion. Capt. George

[bruce33]

               
I recently did a table, (not for the boat, but I am thinking about doing the boat table) after it turned out awesome, with a product clear epoxy called Ever Clear. I am not advertising/selling for them, but thought I would show my table off.

[trit21]

I would leave it alone it is is teak. We have a teak table in the cabin that gets a lot of use in our 2000 3500. Washing, wiping, keeping clean is the key. Ours still looks great. In my opinion, unfinished teak table that matches the interior of the boat is much better than one that has any type of clear or varnish applied, IMO.