Minwax Wipe on Poly (water or oil based?)

[belk]

Hi everyone - a simple question really. I'm just about to launch into a new glue-lam jarrah kitchen bench top and I'm planning on sealing it with Minwax wipe on poly. I've noticed it's quite popular and I like the ease of application. I'm in a rush to finish and I want a good hard finish to protect it from the wife and the three kids.
The question is should I be using the water based or oil based wipe on poly.... or even is there a similar yet better product out there that's dead set easy to apply, like one of the Cabbots gels for instance?
I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who's had any experience with the quick and easy poly products.
Thanks,
Glenn

[Hickory]

Do they even make WB wipe-on Poly?

In California (the state where everything known to mankind is known to cause Cancer and is illegal), is the only place that I know where there is something they call WB wipe-on Poly. I looked in the local BORGs and such and could find NONE. (Not that I wanted some , just courious :?)

But as for a Benchtop (assuming you are talking about what we Westerners call a Countertop) You need a hard finish durible to whatever and lots of it... I like Poly Oil based not WB. WB is not durable, Manufacturers will say it in abscure wordage to not make it obvious. but it cannot hold up to normal countertop abuse. Oil Poly will have a hard time resisting cuts and scratches but it would be far better than WB. A Polymer based finish (two part) would hold up well. Whichever you decide, use lots and give it time to harden between coats, Take your time and read this passage from th Psalm of Hickory http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/showthread.php?t=88995&page=2

[pugwash]

I used Rustins Plastic coating on mine. Doesn't leave brushmarks and dries hard and tough, Dries quickly too. Resistant to heat and solvents.

[Pusser]

In terms of protection - poly is good for everything except cutting. If your wife is going to cut on it you would be better off with an oil based finish that you can easily repair. If you cut on a film finish you will break the film and hence the protective qualities. If you use oil you should use a food safe one. If you use a poly based one invest in plenty of cutting boards!