Replies

1. 
   peter28 | Sep 12, 2008 03:33pm | #1

   Martin,

   Keep it simple. You can use something as easy as boiled linseed oil or one of the thin wiping varnishes like minwax antique oil, watco, waterlox etc.

   If you use linseed oil, warm it up a little. Put a container of it in a pan of hot water. Keep it away from any open flames. 

   There are many variations on this by using the one third method; one third thinner, one third linseed and one third varnish.

   Your goal is not to build a surface film, after all it's a work bench. A surface film will get dings and scrapes. An oil finish of some sort will be much more forgiving. It's easy to renew too.

   A basic schedule would be; apply the oil to the surface, let it sit for about ten minutes and wipe it dry. Go back to it periodically and wipe any excess that weeps out. You can repeat as above or on the next coat , apply the oil and use some 600 grit paper to wet sand the oil into the surface. Be sure and do this in sections. When done wipe it dry a few times. You will have a silky smooth surface. Be sure and dispose of those oily rags by hanging them out to dry or by wetting them down with water. Spontaneous combustion can ruin the best of days

   Peter