Replies

1. 
   HowardAcheson | Nov 21, 2002 04:22am | #1

   I think there are three choices.

   First, no finish at all. After all, it's a workbench which is going to get banged up anyway. Many are unfinished.

   Second, use a finish that is easily repaired/renewed. An oil/varnish like Watco, Minwax Tung Oil is easy to put on and can be repaired by just touching up the ding with some more finish. Renewing is as simple as wiping the surface down with mineral spirits and 000 steel wool. Wipe up the gunk and then put on a couple of new coats. Putting on a coat of paste wax will protect against many stains and glue drops pop right off.

   Third is a film finish like varnish or poly varnish. While varnish and poly varnish are tough finishes, they are still easily damaged when used on a workbench. However, this type of finish is tough to repair and requires a lot of work to renew.

   There is no need for a two step finish like an oil/varnish followed by varnish. That buys you nothing on maple.

   I kind of like the second choice.

1. 
   RSRose | Nov 23, 2002 12:14am | #2

   I agree with Howie. I would definitely go with,

   A. No Finish at all.

   B. Any finish you want to put on it.

   Which succinctly sums up every thread on this topic that has appeared here.

   R

2. 
   johnspkr | Nov 26, 2002 04:12am | #3

   Thanks Howie. I'll go with the Watco and perhaps wax. I should have said I am interested in protection from humidity, stains and glue, not so much a finish for appearance. I appreciate your note.

2. 
   BILLB | Nov 26, 2002 08:26pm | #4

   Hello John,

   I too am just finishing up a bench that I've built. In fact, I applied the finish to the top over the past weekend. When I posted the same question as yours several weeks ago, one reply was that I try Waterlox brand finish. I found a local store that handles it via the internet, purchased  a quart and applied it to my bench top.

   The top that I built is 3-1/2" thick white ash (because that is what was available to me) and the top was quite literally, white,  in its unfinished state. The Waterlox gave the top a wonderful golden amber color which I would describe as being close to the color of a gymnasium floor. It is easily renewable and quite simple to apply. I intend to follow up with an application of paste wax as suggested in a previous reply.

   The Waterlox is a bit pricey (I paid 22.95/quart in my area) but I have been pleased with the results. Good Luck with your project.

   P.S. I also used the Waterlox on the cherry front and end vise jaws and walnut bench dogs and they turned out beautiful.