Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - Want to polyurethane dining room table

I have an existing dining room table that does not have a waterproof finish. I want to put some kind of polyurethane protection on it. One thing I am concerned about is that there are 1/16" grooves to make it look like planks. What product can I use to fill these in and make the table surface smooth so that food and crumbs will not settle in the grooves anymore? I have never done anything like this before so if polyurethane is not the product to use, please tell me. I don't want to ruin my tabletop but am tired of having to use Pledge each time I use the table. Two grandsons make a sticky table. I want to be able to just use a wet cloth.

Thanks for your advice.

Moiramyone

Moiramyone,
You can put polyurethane over virtually any finish. It sounds as though you table has a lacquer finish. BUT, there are a lot of things to consider before recoating your table and from what you're saying, there are special circumstances (i.e. grooves to fill)

I realize it is more costly, but it is really best, in this instance, to contact a restorationist who knows how to work with different finishes and can give you a durable finish that is professionally done. If you just put on the urethane finish, I assure you, there will be all kinds of problems that can only be fixed by stripping the table and starting over.

My best to you,
CD

Thanks so much for your info. I needed to know the pros and cons before I did anything.

Moiramyolne

That's a job I tackled, fumbled, and punted on. If the weather is humid, the poly will "blush". Too dry and it won't flow out, leaving brush marks. After two strips and attempts, I ended up taking it to a furniture re finisher. It now looks as good as new.