Top 10 Best Finish for Epoxy River Table to Enhance Your Design

The right finish can make or break your epoxy river table. It enhances the look, adds depth and protects against daily wear. After testing various options, Lumber Grand has rounded up 10 best finish for epoxy river table to help you find the perfect match, whether you want a high gloss shine, a soft satin glow or a natural matte feel.

Best Finish for Epoxy River Table

Finding the best finish for epoxy river table does more than protect your DIY table top as it defines its look and feel. Here’s what you should know about each finish, including the pros, cons, and what works best for your project.

1. Polyurethane Finish

If you’re looking for a reliable way to protect your epoxy waterfall table, polyurethane is a great option as one of the best finish for epoxy river table. It forms a tough, clear layer over wood, keeping furniture and high traffic floors in top shape for years.

• Best for: High traffic areas, protection against scratches and water damage.

• Pros: Water based polyurethane dries fast and stays clear, while oil based polyurethane is more durable.

• Cons: Can yellow over time, more difficult to repair.

Tough and crystal clear - best finish for epoxy river table that gets daily use
Photo: WOOD Magazine

2. Wax Finish

Wax is super easy to apply and gives a smooth, subtle finish that really lets the natural beauty of the wood shine. Plus, it’s super easy to fix or refresh whenever needed. For the best finish for epoxy river table, go for ones with natural ingredients like Carnauba and Beeswax.

• Best for: Giving wood a soft, natural glow, easy to apply and touch-up.

• Pros: Easy to apply, low maintenance, restores wood's natural shine.

• Cons: Not as durable as other finishes, can soften in heat.

Gives wood a soft glow and smooth feel while staying easy to refresh
Photo: North Castle Hardwoods

3. Linseed Oil

Linseed Oil is known for sinking deep into the wood, giving it a natural matte finish that keeps the grain intact while offering solid protection. It’s the best oil finish for epoxy river table if you’re going for a rustic look or a more natural, organic feel.

• Best for: Traditional, matte finishes on indoor and outdoor projects.

• Pros: Excellent protection, enhances natural grain.

• Cons: Needs more frequent reapplication, longer drying time.

Brings out the grain with a warm, matte look ideal for rustic epoxy tables
Photo: Woodsmith

4. Danish Oil

Danish Oil is a perfect blend of oils and resins that brings out the wood’s natural beauty with a rich, glossy finish. It dries quicker than other oils and works best for pieces that aren’t exposed to harsh weather, making it the best finish for epoxy river table.

• Best for: Indoor furniture, natural look with a touch of gloss

• Pros: Quick drying than Linseed Oil, deepens wood color, easy to maintain.

• Cons: It may require multiple coats for full protection, and it’s not meant for extreme weather.

Soaks in fast and leaves a rich, natural finish without much fuss
Photo: Woodworking

5. Tung Oil

Derived from the seeds of the tung tree, Pure Tung Oil is different from "Tung Oil Finish", which may contain added chemicals. Always go for 100% Pure Tung Oil for the best oil finish for epoxy river table.

• Best for: Water resistant finish with a natural look, often used on countertops and high use surfaces.

• Pros: Water resistant, natural finish, easy to apply epoxy for the river table’s finish, quick curing - ready for a new coat in just 5-6 hours.

• Cons: Longer drying time, can require several coats.

All natural and water resistant, it’s the best finish for epoxy river table for a soft, lasting finish
Photo: This Old House

6. Catalyzed Varnish

Catalyzed Conversion Varnish (CCV) is the best finish for epoxy river table, especially for high end furniture. It’s known for its excellent elasticity, which makes it perfect for letting the wood move naturally.

• Best for: Solid wood furniture that requires durability and fast drying

• Pros: Fast drying, durable, scratch and moisture resistant, enhances the wood’s appearance.

• Cons: Requires professional application, higher cost than lacquer.

A pro-level finish that’s strong and made to last on premium pieces
Photo: Popular Woodworking

7. Lacquer

If you want to make your epoxy table look really sharp and last, Lacquer is the best finish for epoxy river table. It dries fast, won’t go yellow or cloudy, and it protects your furniture from spills and stains. The best part? It’s super low maintenance as once it’s on, you’re all set.

• Best for: Furniture that needs durability and doesn’t require constant care. It is often used for fine furniture like epoxy dining tables and cabinets.

• Pros: Dries fast, resists water, keeps its clarity, very little upkeep.

• Cons: You’ll need the right gear to apply it, tough to fix scratches, it can release toxic fumes when first applied, less durable than CCV.

Dries quickly to a high gloss shine that keeps epoxy river tables looking sharp
Photo: WOOD Magazine

8. Shellac

Shellac is a natural resin that comes from the secretions of the lac insect. You’ll usually find it in amber colored flakes. It works like a thermoplastic, meaning it softens when heated and hardens when it cools. This makes it super versatile for all kinds of stuff, like making buttons or mixing with materials like mica or even asbestos.

• Best for: Furniture, floors and wood finishes.

• Pros: Natural, quick drying, provides a glossy finish and enhances wood's appearance.

• Cons: Prone to damage from water and alcohol, less durable than synthetic finishes.

A natural, glossy coat that adds vintage charm to light use pieces
Photo: Punks SA

9. Varnish

Varnish is a tough, clear coating that gives wood surfaces and decorative items a solid protective finish. It’s made from a mix of resin, drying oils and solvents. Once you apply it, the solvent evaporates, and what’s left forms a hard, glossy layer, which makes it one of the best finish for epoxy river table.

• Best for: Wooden furniture, floors and interior wood paneling.

• Pros: Enhances wood's natural beauty, protects against wear and tear, and is durable. 

• Cons: Can take longer to dry, prone to yellowing over time (depending on type).

It’s classic, clear and protective, which is great for long term durability
Photo: Gary Weeks & Company

10. Hardwax Oils

Hardwax Oils, like Rubio Monocoat and Osmo Oil, are a blend of oils (like Tung or Linseed) and waxes (like Carnauba and Beeswax). They’re one of the best finish for epoxy river table, especially if you want something durable and gorgeous that’s super easy to apply.

• Best for: Furniture, flooring, countertops and any wooden surface that requires a durable, water resistant finish like a coffee epoxy table top.

• Pros: Eco friendly, durable, can be spot repaired easily.

• Cons: Can darken the wood over time, requires reapplication every few years depending on wear, and is not as glossy as some other finishes.

A smooth, low sheen finish that blends beauty and strength effortlessly
Photo: Rustic Log Originals

Pick what fits your style, and let your table stand the test of time. Need the best finishes? Check out our top picks and reach out for our advice at contact@lumbergrand.com!

The best finish for epoxy river table doesn’t just protect your project, it makes it look incredible! Whether you want a deep gloss or a soft satin feel, the right choice brings out the best in your work with help from Lumber Grand!