Whats's a simple clear table top finish with maintenance in mind?

[Gunnaduit]

I've got a table (desk actually) here that I've just sanded the coffee-mug-ringed top back to timber. It's nice but nothing fancy, it came from a furniture surplus dealer.

I was just about to coat the top with Varathane clear water-based polyurethane, just because I have it.

But I'm wondering how difficult it will be to sand it off in say 8 years time when the surface will be looking tired and will have to be restored.

Anyone know?

Other than that, what else would be a good finish that doesn't need fuss like specialised stuff that I can't get locally, or spray equipment or 2-pack whatever? And is easy to sand back or otherwise maintain.

Ta, Ian

[nrb]

HI,I have used Feast Watson poly on many of my jobs and if you give it a bit if time before use you should be ok.
I have found that I get a far better job using a small foam roller rather than brushing,as it tends to set quickly you can be tempted to rework areas you have done which will leave marks.
Give it a good heathy coat then leave it alone,don't rework too much,you may get some small bubbles but they smooth out.
Don't pour what is left back into the can as that will only dirty the clean stuff,you will become a good judge of how much to put in your roller tray,then throw away the foam roller and what is left,it will cost you more than than cost of turps.
As to sanding off down the track you may only need to key the surface and recoat.
Good luck

[Gunnaduit]

Ok, well I've committed to the Varathane now - first coat is on. So let's hope it's not going to goop up too many sanding discs if it has to come off in a few years due to more coffee ring stains, etc.

Thanks nrb, for your comment.

Ian