Finish for workbench top

[McFly]

This may have already been asked before but I'll ask anyway. What is a good finish for a solid timber (sapele) workbench top? I gather that a 100% polyurethane is not ideal as it is likely to crack.

Any assistance will be most appreciated.

[Richardwoodhead]

McFly, not sure why you'd want to finish a work bench? Mine gets whacked around a lot. In fact, I've nailed sheets of sacrificial MDF on top of all my benches. After a few years, rip them off and nail on new sheets if needed. Unless you need it to look nice or stop water penetration? Anyway, maybe you can avoid going to the trouble?

Regards,

Richard

[NewLou]

Gidday McFly


IF I ever do make a workbench with a hardwood top slab much like yourself I'd like to give it a Finish with something. Richard rightly suggests that your workbench will take a real pounding and is likely to attract all manner of spill stains and other nasty's and undesirables.

The key to addressing this issue is to come up with a Renewable Finish. Try this BEnchtop recipee from Fine Woodworkings Chris Minick (One of their consulting editors) He developed this MIx for a WorkBEnch Feature he done for Tools & Shps MAgazine.

Mix one cup of oil based polyurethaine brushing varnish (You could use Feast & Watsons Marine Spa Varnish) with half a cup of mineral spirits and 2oz of boiled linseed oil. Set it up as a wiping VArnish and simply wipe into the benchtop................

LAy it on heavy and allow it to soak in for about 10 minutes before wiping of the surface with a clean cloth.............should be dry in about an hour or so.

To finish off which will help stop glue sets and other stains rub in some U beaut traditional Wax ...................... n theres ya apples a resilient renewable finish that should go well with your sapele top!!!


.....................Hope this helps


REgards Lou

[McFly]

Thanks Lou, that's just what I was after