Workbench finish to retain pale complexion

[KahoyKutter]

G'day everyone,

I'm getting to the stage of my workbench build (WIP thread here (https://www.woodworkforums.com/f213/wip-shaker-workbench-split-top-235896/9#post2240048)) where I'm just about ready to apply some finish and I was wanting some suggestions that will maximise the contrast between the base and the bench top & drawers.


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Above is a pic of the bench so far. The base/frame has been finished in BLO+turps mixture and then topped off with a few coats of MinWax Clear Satin WOP and paste wax. I was going to use Osmo Gloss PolyX on the top and the drawers but I was wondering if there's an alternative that retain as much "paleness" as possible. I've used Osmo on the sides of the leg vise and you can see how much darker it is when compared to the front face. I'm not sure if it makes a difference, but the top is made up primarily of recycled Spotted Gum, a bit of Blackbutt, and some other unidentified blonde hardwood. The left end cap is Purpleheart and the right is American Maple. The drawer faces are fiddleback Tassie Oak with Purpleheart accents. I'm prepared to use different finishes for the top and the drawers if it's required


One other question I have is regarding the inlay on the leg vise....


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For the inlay, I used metallic gold mica powder mixed in with West Systems epoxy. When I applied it, it had that glittery gold finish which was what I wanted, but when I sanded it back, the glittery effect disappeared. Is there a finish that I can apply which will bring back the effect that I want? I'm OK if it doesn't return but I'd be even happier if I get the metallic gold finish again as it will match the brass plaque I installed on the end cap (see below).


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Thanks in advance,
Mike

[ubeaut]

Sanding Sealer (http://www.ubeaut.com.au/sandseal.htm).... Won't darken the timber any more than wetting it down with water. Traditional Wax (http://www.ubeaut.com.au/trad.html) and/or EEE-Ultra Shine (http://www.ubeaut.com.au/eee.htm) over the sanding sealer will also keep the finish as light as possible.

Won't stand up to a lot of hard work but neither will almost anything else. It is easy to re apply for upkeep purposes. The wax won't hurt anything that's being made on the bench top.

The Sanding Sealer and Traditional Wax should also help to bring out the gold again in the epoxy. May need to sand to at least 1200 grit or higher and EEE-Ultra Shine might also bring out the gold a bit more.

If you want a much more durable finish Hard Shellac (http://www.ubeaut.com.au/hardshell.htm) again it won't darken the timber anymore than wetting it with water. The finish will be about as tough as a melamine bench top.. Personally I'd stick with the Sanding Sealer and Trad Wax and/or EEE

Hope this is of some help to you.

Cheers - Neil :U

PS Colour of Hard Shellac is much lighter than in the photo.