new merbau bench tops

[Savarin2]

Hello, wood newbie here as I usually work with metal.
I purchased two bench tops from a local hardware store that are fabricated with merbau blocks.
These will (hopefully) be kitchen work tops.
Researching online for suitable finishes has left me more confused than ever.
They wont have raw foods prepared on them so what would be the best coating to use?
I've never used oils on wood before so are there any "gotchas" if I go that route.
Thanks

[justonething]

I'd suggest Whittle hard wax oil (https://whittlewaxes.com.au/product/evolution-classic/).

[Savarin2]

I had a look at the Whittle Wax but it says its open-pored, breathable and moisture-regulating surface finish.
If its open pored doesnt that mean moisture can get in?
I'm worried about the tannin staining if it gets wet or whatever.

[clear out]

Is Merbau like Tas Oak re tannin?
If it is Id be very carefull and use a bulletproof finish.
I used a Tung oil finish on my second lot of benchtops and the tannin stains are amazing.
The hair pins are there in exact detail along with a print from every other steel item the ladies left in a puddle. I realise these can be removed with oxalic acid but they’ll only reappear.
My first attempt in Jarrah which I repurposed into a desk for my son is still perfect.
Made about 30 years ago I used a nasty two pack which has stood up amazingly well.
H.

[Simplicity]

Is Merbau like Tas Oak re tannin?
If it is Id be very carefull and use a bulletproof finish.
I used a Tung oil finish on my second lot of benchtops and the tannin stains are amazing.
The hair pins are there in exact detail along with a print from every other steel item the ladies left in a puddle. I realise these can be removed with oxalic acid but they’ll only reappear.
My first attempt in Jarrah which I repurposed into a desk for my son is still perfect.
Made about 30 years ago I used a nasty two pack which has stood up amazingly well.
H.

Merbau,does have a lot of tannin,
When we build decks out of it, we let the deck sit for a few weeks, before applying an oil finish.
It is in my opinion a lovely timber, but just need to let the Tannins cone out.

Cheers Matt

[havabeer69]

i installed some of those merbau project panels from bunnings in my rental property as they where half price when i bought them so pretty cheap.

i ended up coating them with this
Cabot's 1L Benchtop Clear Satin Timber Finish | Bunnings Warehouse (https://www.bunnings.com.au/cabot-s-1l-benchtop-clear-satin-timber-finish_p1520590)

https://media.bunnings.com.au/Product-800x800/14f9dd5e-c857-4a20-922a-ab9a9434937e.png


i think its held up ok, but i haven't been over in a while to inspect.

[Savarin2]

I looked at the cabots benchtop as the first choice but it states its not waterproof just water resistant so that discouraged me.
It really looks like a two pack is going to be the stuff to use.