Workbench Top Finishing

[quickthorn]

Hi,

I'm finishing off a workbench..the top is 3 x 8" boards of sycamore, and I'm wondering what would be good to finish it with. I think an oil finish might be good, as varnish may chip. I tend to favour boiled linseed oil (I don't mind the extra drying times, etc; it's cheap and I've got some), but will this be hard wearing enough? Other finishes I've seen, but never used are hard wax oil and Polyurethane oil here

 

[Modernist]

I just use linseed oil diluted with a bit of white spirit - repoeat as required

 

[SVB]

One thought - IIRC David Charleworth recommends not applying any finish.

The thought being that the unfinished timber will 'grip' items placed on it for sanding / light plane work etc where as a finsihed bench will cause them to skid around meaning everything has to be clamped in place.

I am following this advice on my new bench and all is well so far!

Simon.

 

[yetloh]

It depends whether you want it to stay looking reasonable. No doubt DC is right but most of us have to use our benches for very grubby non-woodworking things now and then and dirt loves bare wood. I have used Danish oil on mine and it's OK and easy to renew.

Jim

 

[JanneKi]

One vote for Shellac - easy to apply, dries quickly, easy to fix.

 

[Mikey R]

One vote for Shellac - easy to apply, dries quickly, easy to fix.

What product do you use? Flakes and meths, or do you use a pre-mixed product?

Cheers!

 

[JanneKi]

Flakes + meth, flakes can be stored for a very long time without problems. Pre-mixed will only last 6-12 months.

 

[Mikey R]

Flakes + meth, flakes can be stored for a very long time without problems. Pre-mixed will only last 6-12 months.

Thanks JanneKi - what cut do you use? Ive just dont some reading an Ive found that french polishing uses around an oz to a quarter pint of meths, but for a workbench I would guess you use a thicker solution and brush it on?

Also, do you wipe off, like an oil finish?

Sorry for the newbie questions!