Most Appropriate Finish
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Most Appropriate Finish
I recently built a workbench with a double-thick oak plywood top. The bench will primarily be used for gun cleaning and hand loading, so the top may inadvertently see oil and solvent.
I am looking for a finish that looks good and also will function to protect the bench top. I am considering an oil finish (Watco, Tung, BLO) followed by polyurethane. Would this work for my purposes, or is there a better option? Stain followed by a different protective layer?
Thanks!
I am looking for a finish that looks good and also will function to protect the bench top. I am considering an oil finish (Watco, Tung, BLO) followed by polyurethane. Would this work for my purposes, or is there a better option? Stain followed by a different protective layer?
Thanks!
#4
Member
Oil based poly for sure. If you do want to color it with an oil based stain before using poly, wait a couple days after application then wipe it down with a clean cloth and poly over it. The poly will allow for easy clean up and is pretty resistant and you can repair it if you scratch or gouge it. If you spill or damage the top with just an oil finish you're stuck with the damage.
#5
Personally I would stick with plain tung oil. Poly will get scratched up by the metal parts. The tung oil will be easier to refinish and renew as needed.
And definitely do not put poly tung oil.
And definitely do not put poly tung oil.