Which stain and clear polish for indoor table and bench?

GeorgeS1

Wanting thoughts on best stain and clear varnish to use on a table and bench for indoor use. My partner used a varnish which is still sticky, I feel I need to take this off and start again. The table needs some colour as the wood doesn't have much character to it. I'd prefer water based product for ease of cleaning. Application can either be with brush or wipe or whatever will provide a nice consistent finish to a surface that needs to be cared for with daily wiping and cleaning after meals.

Look forward to your expert advice

JacobZ

Hi @GeorgeS1,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

If the varnish is still sticky, it likely hasn’t cured properly, possibly due to a thick application, humidity, or not enough time. Sanding it back and starting fresh is a good idea, but it may be worth waiting a week or so to see if the stickiness improves.

If, after a week, it is still too sticky, you will have to sand it back to remove it. You can also use Bondall Waterbased Paint & Varnish Stripper to speed up the process, just make sure you do it in a well-ventilated area, wear a mask and gloves and take all necessary precautions.

Once you are back to a clean slate, it sounds like you might be better off using an oil or wax than a varnish. Oils and waxes will protect the timber and elevate the look while maintaining a more natural feel. Whereas varnish creates a film over the top of the timber, oil and wax will penetrate the fibres of the timber, offering protection without the loss of feel. 

My suggestion would be a light oil product such as this Kaboodle Clear Hardwax Oil. It can be applied in thin coats using a microfibre cloth. 

If you would prefer to use varnish, Cabot's 250ml Matt Water Based Cabothane Clear Interior Varnish is a good option.

Let me know what you think, and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob