I built my dinning room table top from 1 3/4" #2 knotty pine. I was in the same boat as to the finish. I wanted to be able to put a sweaty glass on the top and not worry about water rings on the table. I decided on 4 coats of marine exterior varnish. I figured if varnished boats could withstand being out all summer in the rain/elements, it would work for a table top. I don't remember if there was a first coat or if I reduced the first coat. Top looks great after 3-4 years. But being a true oil based varnish, it is ambering. ie deepening/darkening the color. Poly will keep the wood's more natural color. Jon
I did the same as you 4 years ago for a bathroom vanity made out of redwood. Still looks great today. I'm not as much concerned about the water rings as I am about dents & dings. My preference for finish look would be marine finish but the epoxy coating will give me a much harder finish to protect the softer redwood.