What is the best finish for a homemade bar?

Question

The top is a piece of 5/8" birch plywood which has been stained. The bar will likely take a lot of abuse so the finish needs to be waterproof and very durable

Answer 1

I have the same bar top and I used Zar clear coat or any coating made to put on hardwood floors. You will need to put about 15 coats to make sure that you get it waterproof. My bar has held up well for about 2 years now.

Answer 2

I used craft coat. You can find it at Rockler.com. It is poly but much thicker. You can get away with one coat, it is about 1/4 to 1/2 an inch thick and will last for the forseeable future. Its the same stuff most bar restaurants use.