Finishing wooden kitchen bench top

[dgc56]

Hello All, I'm at the stage where I'm about to finish a solid red gum bench top that I have made for my new kitchen out of recycled wood. After trawling through the many posts that have been previously made on this issue I have whittled the recommendations down to two products:
1. Organoil- outdoor furniture
2. Neil’s Ubeaut Hard Shellac

Can anyone suggest which one I go for? I’m looking for satin finish that will complement the recycle nature of the bench top, and won’t darken in colour over time with repeat applications. I will also be using installing a under mount sink so there is going to be a lot of water exposure over the life-time of the top. It would be great to get your opinions on this. Thanks in advance.

[LGS]

Hi DGC,

Organoil Hard Burnishing Oil will do the job very well. It is heat resistant, fluid resistant, low gloss/satin finish and doesn't significantly darken the timber over time.

Regards,

Rob

[xpro]

Hello All, I'm at the stage where I'm about to finish a solid red gum bench top that I have made for my new kitchen out of recycled wood. After trawling through the many posts that have been previously made on this issue I have whittled the recommendations down to two products:
1. Organoil- outdoor furniture
2. Neil’s Ubeaut Hard Shellac

Can anyone suggest which one I go for? I’m looking for satin finish that will complement the recycle nature of the bench top, and won’t darken in colour over time with repeat applications. I will also be using installing a under mount sink so there is going to be a lot of water exposure over the life-time of the top. It would be great to get your opinions on this. Thanks in advance.

You mentioned underbench sink. Unless the grain is completely sealed there, there will be problems with the water entering the grain. Polyurethane is a must in this area, which will detract from your wish for a natural finish. Poly can be supplied as full gloss, satin and even flat, and the bench must be sealed top and under as well. You will need to pay particular attention to the application of the finish. Poly will yellow with age, even those with UV inhibitors, you need to be aware of that. Underbench sinks installed in timber tops are really a bad idea, think about a drop in sink instead, probably not what you wanted to hear ?