agentgreen Posted September 10, 2010 Report Share Posted September 10, 2010 I am building out a small aquarium/bar, and am not sure what to finish the bar top with. It's a small bar top, only 40" wide, by 10" deep. I found something at HD that is meant for this type of situation for $20. Supposedly you mix it, and then pour it on the bar top, and is the equivalent of 60 coats of poly (or something). I have a feeling this will make the bar top look very plastic-y, but may actually protect the heck out of it. Any other suggestions for this? It shouldn't get a whole lot of traffic, unless my aquarium turns out like I want Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeanJackson Posted September 10, 2010 Report Share Posted September 10, 2010 I am building out a small aquarium/bar, and am not sure what to finish the bar top with. It's a small bar top, only 40" wide, by 10" deep. I found something at HD that is meant for this type of situation for $20. Supposedly you mix it, and then pour it on the bar top, and is the equivalent of 60 coats of poly (or something). I have a feeling this will make the bar top look very plastic-y, but may actually protect the heck out of it. Any other suggestions for this? It shouldn't get a whole lot of traffic, unless my aquarium turns out like I want Thanks! Folks have recommended Behlen's Rockhard Bar Top Finish to me, especially for alcohol (vodka/whiskey) resistance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
agentgreen Posted September 10, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 10, 2010 Great, I'll look into that one. It's cheaper than the stuff at HD too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulMarcel Posted September 11, 2010 Report Share Posted September 11, 2010 Is the underside of the bar going to be subjected to high-humidity from the aquarium or even splashing from fish frolicking near the surface? Any wood that will be exposed to that will need special sealing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmykx250 Posted September 11, 2010 Report Share Posted September 11, 2010 west system has a porrable product out for this application as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
agentgreen Posted September 13, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 13, 2010 Is the underside of the bar going to be subjected to high-humidity from the aquarium or even splashing from fish frolicking near the surface? Any wood that will be exposed to that will need special sealing. There is going to be a fish tank below the bar top, but I don't know how humid it will be as the back of the bar will be open. What special sealing? west system has a porrable product out for this application as well. Thanks I will look into it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bois Posted September 13, 2010 Report Share Posted September 13, 2010 There are many finishes out there for bar tops that do create a very thick finish (some you can even float object in the finish is so thick). If you are looking for an alternative with less of a plastic look, I'd recommend taking a look at General Finishes Enduo-Var. It's a water based finish, so no fumes, and one of the company's most durable varnishes. It is even rated for flooring, so I would expect it could hold up to bar usage as well. It has none of the plastic look you might expect from a water-based poly, and comes in satin, semi, or gloss to meet your taste. I'm actually planning to publish a video blog post on a faux mahogany finish I did recently that uses Enduro-Var as the top coat, I'll try to remember to post that link when I finish editing. And no, I'm not associated with GF in any way, I'm just a big fan of their products. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
agentgreen Posted September 13, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 13, 2010 There are many finishes out there for bar tops that do create a very thick finish (some you can even float object in the finish is so thick). If you are looking for an alternative with less of a plastic look, I'd recommend taking a look at General Finishes Enduo-Var. It's a water based finish, so no fumes, and one of the company's most durable varnishes. It is even rated for flooring, so I would expect it could hold up to bar usage as well. It has none of the plastic look you might expect from a water-based poly, and comes in satin, semi, or gloss to meet your taste. I'm actually planning to publish a video blog post on a faux mahogany finish I did recently that uses Enduro-Var as the top coat, I'll try to remember to post that link when I finish editing. And no, I'm not associated with GF in any way, I'm just a big fan of their products. Thanks, I've heard a lot of great things about General Finishes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sawdust75 Posted September 21, 2010 Report Share Posted September 21, 2010 The finish I would put on this project is waterlox. Thinned 50% with mineral spirits and wipe on at least 10 coats. Mine turned out great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
agentgreen Posted September 21, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 21, 2010 The finish I would put on this project is waterlox. Thinned 50% with mineral spirits and wipe on at least 10 coats. Mine turned out great. Thanks for the reply! I'm going to be staining the bar top first, so I'm not sure if Waterlox will work? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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