Finish For Workbench

[xraymtb]

What finish do people recommend for a workbench top made from pine?

I considered giving Osmo PolyX a go but it’s not cheap. Could go with BLO or Finishing Oil? I’m not a fan of the orangey look if I can avoid.

 

[Jameshow]

Cheap poly varnish stops glue getting stuck to it. Iron fillings getting into the grain etc. .

Cheers James

 

[Sgian Dubh]

I like simple and easy maintenance, because it's just a bench that will probably get a plenty of beating. So, boiled linseed oil is good, maybe a couple of coats. It stops glue adhering, and although relatively easily damaged in use, also easily refreshed every now and then after, if required, either a bit of belt sanding or even some hand planing to level off again, plus maybe a bit of sanding after planing to to take out plane ripple. Slainte.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

What have you a surplus of? Anything, really, as long as you don't make it too glossy.

 

[xraymtb]

I don’t appear to have a surplus of much other than paste wax! I do have half a tin (maybe 200-250ml) of Colron Finishing Oil which I’ve had for about 10 years.

I can stop by Axminster in the morning and pick something up if I decide what.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Use up your finishing oil.