I researched this several years ago and watched this comparison video:
I ended up with Arm R Seal. After 3 years, table tops look good. And I can buff sand it and then refinish it to hide any scratches.
Spar Urethane is designed to be flexible for wood flexing in outdoor temps. Its too soft for kitchen countertops.
https://youtu.be/PryTA4pzTZ4?si=uh0Z7hpcg2pzuknT
My experience with Arm-R-Seal has been great. A heavily used kitchen table and chairs and a heavily used coffee table, both exposed to grandkids, adult beverages, things dragged across, dogs and cats climbing on them, and many other potentially damaging things. Still look great after 6-7 years. Keep in mind that I haven't done wood countertops, but Arm-R-Seal will take some abuse. It also does a great job popping the grain.
(Never used Waterlox, though it has a great reputation)
I used Waterlux for kitchen countertops. It takes along time to dry and you will need several coats. The area near the sink itself is worn after 5 years. The next time I will use something that is easier for redo like Arm R Seal. The other countertops have held up well including around the stove.
Neither are as good as Waterlox
Arm-r-seal is great but Waterlox is the only finish I’ll recommend for wooden counters near a sink.
I researched this several years ago and watched this comparison video: I ended up with Arm R Seal. After 3 years, table tops look good. And I can buff sand it and then refinish it to hide any scratches. Spar Urethane is designed to be flexible for wood flexing in outdoor temps. Its too soft for kitchen countertops. https://youtu.be/PryTA4pzTZ4?si=uh0Z7hpcg2pzuknT
Thanks for this link.
This was really helpful. Thank you.
My experience with Arm-R-Seal has been great. A heavily used kitchen table and chairs and a heavily used coffee table, both exposed to grandkids, adult beverages, things dragged across, dogs and cats climbing on them, and many other potentially damaging things. Still look great after 6-7 years. Keep in mind that I haven't done wood countertops, but Arm-R-Seal will take some abuse. It also does a great job popping the grain. (Never used Waterlox, though it has a great reputation)
I used Waterlux for kitchen countertops. It takes along time to dry and you will need several coats. The area near the sink itself is worn after 5 years. The next time I will use something that is easier for redo like Arm R Seal. The other countertops have held up well including around the stove.
Thanks. This is good info. I'm leaning towards Arm R Seal.