Top coating old table for bathroom vanity

[kmurr]

I want to put a polyurathane coating on an old table to use as a bathroom vanity base for a vessel sink, but don't want to remove the stain. How do I prepare the surface without stripping the color? Is a primer coat needed? Should I use water or oil based polyurathane, brush on or wipe on, and how many coats? What brand(s) do you recommend?

[marksr]

Welcome to the forums!

I assume this table has some sort of finish over the stain and you are just wanting to freshen it up. Poly will probably be ok over the current finish but it would be best to check a hidden area to make sure. If the poly is ok, lightly sand with 220 grit, dust and apply 1-2 coats of oil base poly. Minwax is a decent, easy to find brand of poly. It comes in 3 sheens; satin, semi-gloss and gloss.

You would only need a primer if you intend to paint the top.

[twelvepole]

Gloss finishes tend to show scratches more.