work bench protection

Hi I'm new to this but have always wanted to get into woodwork. My dad recently acquired his dad's old school work bench which has a tool well in it, between the both of us we have decided to restore it and use it too. I've sanded and am ready to put a protective coat on, I brought an oil based varnish and the can reads to dilute the first coat with 10 to 15 per cent mineral turps, from what I've been reading there are a few different views on this. should I discard the additive.. And is this what I should be doing. the bench originally looked like hard wood but had tar or some sort of harsh oil on it, must have been outdoors. The old man basically trimmed it in soft wood.

Welcome Scott

The thinning of the first coat is so the thinner liquid can penetrate deep into the timber and fill the pores. The un-thinned varnish will have a tendency to sit on the surface, which is fine for the subsequent coats.

Regards
Paul

Welcome Scott

Welcome to the forum and i agree with Paul.

I would likely go further with the initial thinning to 40/50% mineral turps and keep applying it till it doesn't instantly soak in, let it dry then add a couple of un-thinned layers giving good dry time between.

Cheers
Phil

Scott, what you want is to seal the wood against penetration from oils that may be spilt on it. That is all. You do not want to create a slick surface, such as varnish will leave, as this is anti-work holding.

On my bench, I have one coat of Danish Oil which was wiped on, then off. In fact, before doing so, the bench surface was roughened slightly. You could do this with 80 grit sandpaper - just wiping it over the top.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Where will the bench be located? If it is inside a shed or similar then a wipe on/off oil finish is fine, but if it can be exposed to rain then a varnish would provide more protection from the elements, thinned down as per the instructions. Go double on the exposed end-grain; that is where moisture will penetrate.

I have two workbenches; my indoors one has a top made from Tassie Oak and a BLO finish. My outdoor bench has a top made from pine sleepers and was given two coats of some old varnish I had laying around. Although it is located under a carport and out of the rain it is exposed to moisture and rain can be blown onto it but after a year it hasn’t suffered any problems.

I agree with Derek’s recommendation to leave a slightly rough finish on the timber, my outdoor bench was finished with 80 grit and nothing moves under the hold-downs.

Thanks for your input guys, Ill take it onboard and have a crack..cheer's

Wipe on matte polyurethane is my favorite for many projects.