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(02-08-2018, 08:20 PM)Scouter Wrote: Almost done with my new WB (top, actually). Applied 2 layers of tung oil, want to finish it with something harder. Oil based varnish? Other ideas?
My idea, sorry, is to not do it.
I like a penetrating finish for the bench that keeps water, glue, oil, finishes, and other things penetrate the wood but I still want the feel and friction of the grain at the surface.
A harder topcoat will limit friction and make my work slip around more. It's also more difficult to repair and replenish.
My $0.02
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I agree with Peter, as will most, I think.
A bench top is designed to take abuse.
Semper fi,
Brad
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Yup, leave it raw wood.
Mark Singleton
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It's done now.........
Ed
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What Peter said. I like the same mineral oil and parafin finish that is used on cutting boards.
John
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Okay, majority (unanimity?) wins. thanks.
Mike
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Late to the party as usual. I also agree with Peter. I finished my bench top with tung oil 10 years ago. I applied a bunch of coats - don't recall how many now - and waxed it after the oil cured. It has been a superb finish. Nothing sticks to it. It is tough and doesn't chip or flake off. I reapply wax occasionally and it reconditions the tung oil finish. My bench top needs a resurfacing, but it's not the finish that's the problem. I've just beat it up over the years. When I resurface it I will reapply a tung oil finish.
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(02-08-2018, 08:20 PM)Scouter Wrote: Almost done with my new WB (top, actually). Applied 2 layers of tung oil, want to finish it with something harder. Oil based varnish? Other ideas?
Piling on - tung oil again! It's what I used when I built the European bench featured in Woodsmith #50. Has held up nicely but like others have mentioned, after years of use needs touchup and some more tung oil.
Doug
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(02-08-2018, 08:20 PM)Scouter Wrote: Almost done with my new WB (top, actually). Applied 2 layers of tung oil, want to finish it with something harder. Oil based varnish? Other ideas?
Is it real tung oil, or a tung oil
finish? The latter could be a thinned (wiping) varnish or an oil-varnish blend, or something else entirely.
