How to protect the finish on a dining table?

I bought a dining table set from Cost Plus World Market 1 year ago. It's not the most high quality furniture. The wood is stained very dark/almost black. I've noticed that when cleaning the table with a damp cloth/paper, the color rubs onto the cloth, etc.



Is there some kind of product I can buy at the hardware store to protect the top of the table, perhaps some kind of do it yourself sealer or something. Or should I use an acual furniture repair place to coat something on the table?



thanks.How to protect the finish on a dining table?
It sounds like it is not sealed correctly. You can buy a sealer at any hardware store and just brush it on like paint. Make sure you do it in good ventilation or take it outside, it will be smelly! Also it will dry best during less humid weather.How to protect the finish on a dining table?
I would spray the top with a non-yellowing, UVB/UVA protecting polyurethane like Varathane. You will probably need several coats but it will seal it and keep the color from continuing to transfer. Of course, you could also protect it by having a sheet of glass cut to size like I did on my dining room table.
Any wood polish such as Pledge will do the job. Its not a 1-time work but constant application on your table. And also to avoid direct contact of your hot dishes but use a linen or coaster. In case of stains, dab a little vinegar over the stain instead of rubbing on them strongly.
You could get a piece of glass cut with polished edges to cover the table - then you don't have to worry about the finish ever. But, if you don't want to do that then you could clean it of any grime, dirt, etc. and then buy a furniture grade Lacquer, or polyurethane to coat it.
The traditional sealer for shellac, lacquer, and natural varnish finishes is thinned white shellac. This basic sealer is simply a mixture of 1 part white shellac (4-pound cut) and 3 to 4 parts denatured alcohol. Shellac is suitable for most refinishing jobs, but it cannot be used with polyurethane varnish or with water or NGR (non-grain-raising) stains.



Where shellac cannot be used, the easiest sealer is a commercial sanding sealer. Sanding sealer dries quickly and provides a very good sanding base; it can be used with varnish, shellac, or lacquer. If you plan to finish the piece with polyurethane varnish, read the label carefully; sanding sealer may not be compatible with polyurethane. Sealing is not necessary before finishing with a penetrating resin sealer.
do you not like the color ?

espically in cherry wood darker wood means older wich means higher quality

if you dont sand off the finish and put a new finish on

good luck