More durable finish on Acacia Panel benchtop

[JSB]

So I'm using those cheap Interbuild panels (Acacia) and they come with a hardwax oil finish that seems very light on. I'm wanting to build up the surface a bit. The most obvious choice would be to topcoat the existing finish with something like the OSMO TopOil - just wondering if anyone has had success with other finishes on these products?

[orraloon]

By what I have just read on hardwax oil it is supposed to be quite durable as it was first produced for wood floors. As it has wax I would be using another hardwax for compatibility. That said the advantage of oil finishes is ease of renewing the surface so I would be giving this some time to see how this surface holds up.
https://www.timbecon.com.au/brands/w...SAAEgLpXfD_BwE
Regards
John

[AngelaPetruzzi]

Not all hard wax coatings are the same and it would be best to test a small area first to make sure there is not rejection issues.
Also, if preparing food, make sure it is a certified food safe product.

[JSB]

Sounds like good advice. I was in Timbecon today believe it or not and looked over those very same Whittle Waxes finishes. After some more digging online this evening they look like the best around - superior to the Osmo finishes apparently. Can't wait to do some experiments.

[44Ronin]

So I'm using those cheap Interbuild panels (Acacia) and they come with a hardwax oil finish that seems very light on. I'm wanting to build up the surface a bit. The most obvious choice would be to topcoat the existing finish with something like the OSMO TopOil - just wondering if anyone has had success with other finishes on these products?

I stripped a face on one of these 'karri' panels by simply sanding off the finish, got the face smooth and put two coats of Osmo poly-x 3032 satin-clear on it with a white scotchbrite pad

The timber, is guess what....not actually karri. They should disclaim that on the packaging.

[44Ronin]

A lot better than the stock 'finish'
20180309_183018.jpg

[44Ronin]

Having demo'd the whittle wax stuff i'd say personally I feel the osmo is better.

Although the 2k booster for evolution wax looks interesting

My 2c

[JSB]

44Ronin - That looks very nice indeed! I've been amazed at how superficial the stain is on the 'Acacia' panels are too - and how soft it is for a hardwood. I wonder if they've pulled the same trick with these panels? I've had reasonable success with a top coat of the Wittle Wax 'Evolution' but now that I see your result I wish I'd sanded them back and started from scratch.

[JSB]

Having demo'd the whittle wax stuff i'd say personally I feel the osmo is better.

Although the 2k booster for evolution wax looks interesting

My 2c

I'd love to know more about what you've found mate - torn between the two at the moment. I haven't tried the 2K booster yet either...

[44Ronin]

I'd love to know more about what you've found mate - torn between the two at the moment. I haven't tried the 2K booster yet either...

Yes I'm keen on the idea.
Good idea to launch a new youtube channel with a side by side compare