I agree this table is very rough. I put a water glass on it and it left a ring. So I decided to put a finish on it and I am very pleased. Great improvement. I used an ultra flat clear coat. After the first coat I LIGHTLY sanded with a fine grit sanding block.  I spend a little extra time sanding the very rough spots. The table is now 100 smooth and sealed from staining. I only did the top I didn’t touch the sides or legs.  It was an easy job and didn’t take long. Open all your windows because it smells but as soon as it dries there is no odor.