Rubio Monocoat is the finish to use. You'll need to order it but it's super easy to apply and is the perfect finish. Check out the thread Avery posted a link to and you'll learn all about it.

Carolinestj did you end up putting anything on your table? I just ordered the exact same one. I am curious as you stated all of the info is for the natural finish. Also how do you like the table so far?

I did not do anything to it. I read a lot of posts and called multiple stores. The general consensus was with this finish- do nothing.

It still looks perfect! I use a damp rag then dry it immediately after if there is a spill.

This is not the best pic of the table, but it really looks beautiful in person!

Thanks for the response and the picture. It looks beautiful! I have been picturing a spill turning into a stain, but you say you wipe it up quickly with no problems. Relief!! I think I will take your advice! One last question, do you use placemats at all times?

No. I use chargers but more for decoration. I was terrified a spill would ruin the table. I have had zero problems and I've have had spills! The only thing I have done is clean up immediately and only use water with a dry towel. No streaks, stains or marks. I think the major issue is with the unfinished table...the dark color seems to be very forgiving.

Hi, carolinestj. I just bought the salvaged brown RH trestle table and was wondering if you were okay putting water glasses or hot coffee mugs directly on the table or did you need coasters? I don't want any water rings. You seemed very happy with the finish, so hoping that this was not a problem. Thanks!!!!

I put water glasses directly on the table without any issues. I have not put hot coffee cups on it tho. I'd use a coaster... When serving warm dishes- I always put a pad under for extra protection.

I have only rave reviews for this table. It's one of favorite pieces of furniture!

Thanks, carolinestj, for your reply. Do you mean a hot pad just under the warm serving dish or do you mean you use a protective table cloth pad on the whole table for meals with warm dishes?

Just under the dish!

I use chargers for decorative purposes but no protective table pad. I'm a lot less careful with the table then I was when I first purchased it. Still looks great!

awesome. thanks so much! You made me less afraid to use it now...:)

I just purchased this table in the salvaged brown and have been trying to figure out how best to protect it. From reading this thread it appears that I don't need to. Mommytofive, has yours held up without any protection? Would love to hear an update from those on this thread.

Thanks in advance.

Harrow, I'm not reading far enough up to see exactly what table you purchased, but if it's a table from Restoration Hardware and doesn't have a finish on it other than a stain, I HIGHLY recommend Rubio Monocoat. My daughter had a table from there she didn't protect and it was a mess within a month. She got a different one and applied Rubio Monocoat (actually, I applied it to her table, lol:) and, years later, it looks like new.

Any idea what do use to protect salvaged wood RH in black?

Yes, I think Rubio Monocoat would work just fine for the RH black. Here is the exact product I'd use with any RH unfinished table (regardless of color).

The monocoat rep on the other thread, or this one way earlier, said it WASN'T for the black. Hence my confusion. :)

I've tried it on two different RH woods and colors and I'd be shocked if it didn't work well on black as well. I don't remember what all was said by the rep, but I'd use it without hesitation. You could always test an underside spot first.