Top Coat Protective Finishes


Determine which Top Coat Protective Finish best suits your Application

Table Designs Top Coat Protective Finishes


Thick Film Finish Options

Gloss Resin Finish

(100% Gloss)

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.

Ultra UV Protective Finish

(Satin & Semi-Gloss)

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, epoxy resin and polyurethane. 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 and 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.

Thin Film Finish Options

Ultra UV Thin Protective Finish

(Satin & Semi-Gloss)

Ultra UV thin protective finish is superior to conversion varnish and polyurethane 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.

2K Polyurethane Protective Finish

(Matte, Satin, and Semi-Gloss)

Our commitment to doing our part for the environment has led us to safer and more environmentally conscious coatings. No formaldehyde, no order due to offgassing, better scratch resistance, and better water and chemical resistance.

Our 2K premium Italian coating offers technology and performance that have been a work horse in European technology for years on wood veneer and solid wood tabletops. It is more durable than conversion varnish, with extreme durability, great flexibility, and the feel of luxury. Our 2K urethane is resistant to moisture, heat, and chemicals and is almost 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 on all coatings, so we recommend anything too hot to hold has an insulating barrier. While our wood protective finishes are scratch-resistant, scratches will be more apparent on darker substrates. To minimize this effect, we can apply a flat-satin sheen. Heavy daily use may require refinishing after several years. Please be aware that any objects with a rough or unpolished finish may scratch the surface.



Scratch Test: Resin vs. Ultra UV Top Coat Protective Finishes

Scratch Test On Resin Finish

Scratch Test On Ultra UV Finish



Heat Test on Ultra UV Top Coat Protective Finish



An Independent Test of Our Protective Finishes

While we have conducted our own tests to ensure the effectiveness of our Protective Finishes, one of our customers conducted their own independent test and sent us their results!

“We wanted to let you know that these tables approved our test – we left red wine, balsamic, mustard, ketchup, lemon, honey, A1, a hot plate, a wet paper menu, au jus AND butter on the table for 12 hours…and when we returned the next day and cleaned the table, there were NO stains! 😉 Wahoo – super impressed!”

The Coeur d’Alene Resort~

Independent Test of Our Protective Finish