Buying Guide Finish
Traditional Finish vs. Poured Polymer
In this video, we explain the difference between McClure Tables’ traditional polyester finish and thick poured polymer (epoxy) surfaces commonly used on many modern shuffleboard tables.
Every McClure playboard begins with locally harvested, Michigan-grown hard rock maple. Each board is precision-machined to a full 3-inch solid hardwood thickness — built for long-term durability and performance.
Rather than applying a thick 1/4-inch poured epoxy layer and including it in the advertised thickness, we use a traditional polyester finish applied in thin, controlled coats. This preserves the integrity of the precision-machined hardwood surface beneath.
Our boards are flattened and calibrated on state-of-the-art German planing and sanding equipment capable of machining a 22-foot board to tolerances within 0.0005 of an inch. The finish enhances that precision rather than covering it.
The polyester finish we use is similar to the high-performance finishes found on fine pianos and premium musical instruments. These materials, imported from Italy, are designed for durability, clarity, and long-term stability.
Watch the video above to understand how finish choice affects playability, longevity, and the true construction of a shuffleboard table.
| Feature | High-Solids Polyester Finish (Thin Coating on Full 3" Solid Maple) |
Poured Bar-Top Epoxy Polymer (Thick Layer on Thinner Wood Core) |
|---|---|---|
| Shore D Hardness | ~75–90 (varies by formulation) | ~80–85 (varies by formulation) |
| Coating Thickness | Applied in thin precision coats over a full 3" hardwood board | Often 1/8"–1/4" thick poured surface used to achieve advertised thickness |
| Impact Response | Thin finish allows impact energy to transfer into dense hardwood beneath | Thicker surface layer can chip or fracture under concentrated impact |
| Adhesion to Wood | Requires proper surface preparation and compatible primers | Requires seal coat and mechanical bonding to substrate |
| Surface Feel | Traditional hardwood playing surface with protective coating | Players interact primarily with a synthetic surface layer |
| Long-Term Serviceability | Historically consistent with traditional refinishing practices | Thick surface layer limits future resurfacing options |