Determine which top coat protective finish best suits your application
Thick Film Finish Options
Ultra UV Protective Finish
The Table Designs UV protective topcoat / finish is cured by intense ultra-violet light, this finish is one of the most durable wood finishes in the furniture industry. The main advantages include heat, chemical, moisture, scratch and mar resistance which are far superior to either varnish or epoxy resin. The Ultra UV comes with a heat resistant resin base coat which provides a thicker build with more protection so you will not wear through to the substrate. The heat resistant resins have UV inhibitors; however, they may develop an amber tint over time which is most noticeable on white. As this has a thick film finish the heat resistant resin will be affected by hot cups and plates leaving an indentation or “heat ring”, and surface scratches are more evident as they are suspended above the substrate. Our UV finish standard sheen is semi-gloss is also available in satin upon request (matte is NOT available). The UV topcoat can also be applied to gloss resin tables to increase scratch and chemical resistance. Ultra UV is more resistant to heat but should be treated with reasonable care. If something that is being set on the table is too hot to hold by hand, please use an insulating barrier. The UV is not warranted for outdoor use even though it is cured with UV light. Please be aware, any objects with a rough or unpolished finish may scratch the surface.
Gloss Resin Finish
A poured finish which has a thickness of as much as .25”, epoxy resin is used both as durable wood finish and as a coating over logos, photographs, posters, metal, fabrics, cards, coins, etc. Epoxy has been a favorite finish for bars and restaurants because moisture will never affect it and it will never wear off, meaning tabletops can be in use for years without needing to be refinished. However, as it is a thick film finish the epoxy will be affected by hot cups and plates (over 120 degrees) leaving an indentation or “heat ring”, and surface scratches are more evident as they are suspended above the substrate. Epoxy finishes generally go through a “wear in” period during which they receive initial surface scuffing and some indentations. Epoxy is available as gloss or satin, the latter may cause some blurring of image detail in the substrate. Please be aware, any objects with a rough or unpolished finish may scratch the surface. Additionally, our resins come with UV inhibitors however may develop an amber tint over time, most noticeable on white.
Thin Film Finish Options
Conversion Varnish Finish
An industry standard for wood veneer and solid wood tabletops, it is more durable than lacquer and is resistant to moisture, heat, and chemicals. Conversion varnish is not as durable as our Ultra UV protective finish. As it is a thin film finish, heat from moderately hot cups and plates will transfer through to the wood substrate without visibly affecting the finish. There is a heat limit to conversion varnish so we recommend anything too hot to hold has an insulating barrier. While conversion varnish is scratch resistant, the finish will show scratches more on darker substrates. To minimize this effect, we apply a medium – satin sheen. Heavy daily use may require refinishing after several years. Please be aware, any objects with a rough or unpolished finish may scratch the surface.
Ultra UV Thin Protective Finish
Ultra UV thin protective finish is superior to conversion varnish with additional scratch resistance, chemical and heat resistance. We still recommend anything that is too hot to hold has an insulating barrier. Please be aware, any objects with a rough or unpolished finish may scratch the surface. This finish is scratch resistant, not scratch proof.
Resin vs. Ultra UV Top Coat Protective Finishes
Scratch Test On Ultra UV Finish
Heat Test on Ultra UV Top Coat Protective Finish
