Caring for a wood and epoxy table

Caring for Your Custom Wood & Epoxy Table: A Finish-Specific Guide

Your table was built from locally sourced hardwoods and finished for the way it will be used. Whether it carries a hard wax oil, an oil-based urethane or a catalyzed varnish, the right care keeps it looking the way it did the day it was installed, for decades. Here’s how to care for your table based on its finish, with recommended brand-name products to make maintenance easy and effective.

Hard Wax Oils

Brands Used: Rubio Monocoat, Woodaddy

Hard wax oils penetrate the wood, enhancing its grain and texture while providing a matte, water-resistant finish.

Care & Maintenance:

• Daily Cleaning: Use a soft microfiber cloth with a mild wood cleaner like Murphy’s Oil Soap (diluted per label instructions). For finish-specific cleaning, try Rubio Monocoat Surface Care Spray or Woodaddy Natural Cleaner.

• Spill Protection: Wipe spills immediately to prevent staining or water marks.

• Periodic Maintenance: Refresh the finish when it’s no longer repelling water using Rubio Monocoat Universal Maintenance Oil or Woodaddy Maintenance Oil.

• Avoid: Steam mops, abrasive pads, and harsh chemical cleaners.

Oil-Based Urethane Wipe-On

Brand Used: General Finishes Arm-R-Seal

Arm-R-Seal offers a warm, hand-rubbed appearance with excellent durability and resistance to moisture and wear.

Care & Maintenance:

• Cleaning & Polishing: Use General Finishes Orange Oil Furniture Polish or a soft cloth with a mild soap and water solution.

• Scratch Prevention: Use felt pads under objects and avoid dragging items across the surface.

• Rejuvenation: Lightly sand with 400-grit sandpaper and apply a fresh coat of General Finishes Arm-R-Seal to restore luster.

• Avoid: Ammonia-based cleaners and silicone polishes.

Catalyzed / 2K Conversion Varnish

Brand Used: General Finishes Enduro Conversion Varnish

This industrial-grade finish offers superior resistance to moisture, chemicals, and wear, ideal for high-use surfaces.

Care & Maintenance:

• Cleaning: After the finish has fully cured, remove dust with a water-dampened cloth. Use mild soap and water for fingerprints or residue, following General Finishes’ care instructions for Enduro Conversion Varnish.

• Protection: Avoid prolonged exposure to standing water and direct sunlight to prevent fading or clouding.

• Durability: This finish rarely needs reapplication but benefits from regular gentle cleaning.

• Avoid: Abrasive cleaners, bleach, and wax-based products.

General Tips for All Finishes

• Climate Control: Aim for indoor humidity between 35 and 50 percent, with as little seasonal swing as practical. This limits excessive movement; solid wood will still expand and contract as moisture conditions change.

• Sunlight Protection: Although each of the products I use increase the UV protection level using UV-filtering window treatments to reduce fading.

• Heat & Moisture: Always use coasters, trivets, and placemats.

• Dusting: Use a dry microfiber cloth regularly to prevent buildup.