Do you know that there are several types of top finish you can use for your furniture? A top finish not only protects your furniture from damage and scratches but also gives it an aesthetic and glossy finish.
It is exactly what you need to transform your old center table into a beautiful swan. However, although bar top finish can work on almost all surfaces, there are a lot of brands in the market, and choosing the best can be overwhelming.
In this article, we have made the buying process easier for you by researching intensively and extensively to find out the best bar top finish you can get in the market today.
We reviewed the top 4 and also provided the answer to questions that might be bothering you.
Top Bar Top Finish Review
ProMarine Supplies Crystal Clear Bar Table Top Epoxy Resin CoatingBest for Professional
ProMarine Supplies Crystal Clear Epoxy Coating
This Epoxy resin bar top finish is popular for its durability and high-quality sheen when appropriately applied. It can be used for a variety of tabletops and furniture, but it is exceptionally ideal for outdoor bars.
Its high UV resistant formula ensures that if the bar tops are frequently exposed to sunlight, they won’t turn yellow or cloud over time. It is also scratch, blush, and water-resistant.
For best results, successive thin coatings should be applied as the reactive heat is extremely high. Once cured, you are delivered a durable tabletop with the right color, high sheen, and impact strength.
The product weighs approximately 8kg and can be used on Formica, Ceramic, Concrete, Copper, Stainless Steel, Sculptures, Artwork, Tile, and many more.
- It is versatile
- Resistant to blush and UV
- Gets rid of the fisheye, crawling, and craters
- Offers high gloss, tough, water-resistant coating
- Some users complained about inconsistency, and some said it is expensive
MAS bar Top Pro Epoxy Resin and HardenerBest for Novice and DIYers
MAS Crystal Clear Epoxy Resin & Hardener Pro Kit
MAS bar top epoxy finish is favored by professionals and DIY amateurs for a variety of applications because of its ease of use. It contains products that deliver a glossy, clear, and beautiful finish to your tabletop once cured.
The product comes with a spreader and brush that you can use to apply it to your table, excellent if you intend to do it yourself. It also means fewer materials to buy from the supply shop.
MAS Epoxy Resin & harder can be used easily on tabletops, resin art, stone, marble, and more. It also comes with an instructional manual that you should follow to the latter for the best results. Excellent for outdoor bar tops as it includes UV-resistant material.
- Beautiful high-gloss, self-leveling, and ultra-clear coating
- It comes with a kit to reduce cost and its use easy for DIY
- The product is consistent and high-quality
- It is easy to use, and the application is numerous
- The common complaint of users is that it hardened fast, so it requires a very short working time
East Coast Resin Crystal Clear EPOXY Resin Kitfor Super Gloss Coating and TABLETOPS
East Coast Resin Crystal Clear EPOXY Resin Kit
This epoxy resin tabletop finish is another raving product by its users. It contains all the necessary materials to deliver an ultra-clear and glossy finish on your furniture. Following the guide manual carefully during application will ensure you get a flawless surface on your counter and tabletops.
EPOXY resin Crystal is safe, odorless, and includes UV-resistant materials for outdoor usage. It is also scratch and water-resistant, guaranteeing a last-long design.
It weighs 8 pounds and takes approximately 30 minutes to apply on your tabletop. For best results allow curing for at least 48 hours. Perfect for use on Stone, Marble, tile, wood, veneer, porcelain, and many more.
- Water, scratch, and UV resistant
- Odorless and harmless
- Very easy to use
- Offers a crystal clear coating that is flawless
- Some users complained that it produces some odors after a few weeks of using it
- Users have issues with bubbling
Incredible Solutions Table Top and Bar Top Epoxy ResinBest self-leveling bar top finish
Incredible Solutions Table Top & Bar Top Epoxy Resin
One feature of this epoxy resin, especially loved by DIY’s and first-timers, is its self-leveling feature. For a smooth and uniform finish, the mixture automatically levels at corners and edges.
It is also quite easy to use, the recommended mix is 1:1, and pour is ¼. It means you pour only a quarter of your mixture in thin coatings, gradually.
Table Top and Bar Top Epoxy Resin is also odorless, 100% water, and scratch-resistant, and has quick curing. It has a consistent thickness when mixed properly, and it ensures your final result is even.
You can use it in a myriad of applications such as artwork, wood, concrete, canvas, bottle caps, and much more.
- Resistant to yellowing
- Quick curing, Zero VOC, and low odor
- Resistant to impact, blemish, and water
- It levels itself at the edges, bar rails, and corners
- It may not be suitable for casting
What to Consider When Buying a Bar Top Finish
Before buying a top finish, there are several factors you should consider. A few of them are listed below.
1. Does not bubble too much
While pouring your finish on your tabletop, there will inevitably be bubbles on the surface. There are ways to reduce the bubble during the application.
However, buying one that produces the least amount possible is important. They leave ugly marks on your surface if left out, and the best way to eliminate them while applying your finish is to use a heat source.
2. Self-levels
Most brands claim that their product self-levels; however, you should read customer reviews to ensure this is true before buying.
You can also test on a small surface to see if it levels on its own before application. Using a foam brush to level the surface is inadvisable as it can ruin your work, especially as an amateur.
3. Buy the correct amount of top finish
When shopping for a top finish, you must buy more than enough to cover your tabletop. The general rule is to use twelve sq. ft per mixed gallon at 1/8 inch.
You can also use tabletop finish calculators online to find the amount you would need. Generally, too much is better than too little.
4. UV resistant
Finally, ensure the product you are buying is UV resistant. Exposure to the sun can cause the surface to yellow or cloud over time.
Even if your tabletop is indoor, getting a bar top finish that has UV inhibitors is important as light can pass through windows and doors.
Frequently asked questions about Bar Top Finish
How many coats of polyurethane do I need for a bar top?
What is the best wood for a bar top?
The important thing is they are cut and made at the highest quality. Some examples of wood for bar tops include; iroko, white oak, Saxon, ogee, chamfer, and more.
What happens if you don’t sand between coats of polyurethane?
For best results, you should sand between coats of polyurethane as it helps remove dust nibs and brush marks and gives an overall smoother surface.
How thick should a bar top be?
Is it safe to use a finish on tumblers and mugs?
Can I pour epoxy finish over oil-based products?
How long does it take for the epoxy finish to cure?
Can you put hot items on the epoxy bar top finish?
It means you can place your hot cup of tea or coffee, plates, bowls, and more. If you wish to place your hot pots on the tabletop, you should use a potholder as a base.
Best Bar Top Finish – Conclusion
If you’re looking to use a finish on your bar top, this article should give you the basic guidelines for starting.
Bartop finish not only makes your table and countertops more attractive, but also ensures longevity. Any of mentioned above epoxies will make your bar top beautiful and durable.
And in case you would like to stain the wood before applying to the coat you should check our Cabot Australian timber oil review or Minwax poly shades review!
P.S. Good to know about first aid.