I just got a large acacia butcher block that I plan to use as a desk. I want to keep its natural look while ensuring it's protected. Should I go for tung oil or a polyurethane finish? Is it more about personal preference? I'm really aiming for a non-shiny, matte appearance, so I'm leaning towards tung oil or possibly a matte finish poly.
2 Answers
I’ve had great success with hard wax oils, especially Rubio for my desk. I avoid film finishes because they tend to feel and look plastic. Wax oil allows the wood to maintain its natural feel, which I absolutely love!
I'd say go for a polyurethane finish. If you want a bit of warmth and ambering, choose oil-based; if you prefer a clearer look, go with water-based. I suggest trying General Finishes' Arm-R-Seal in Satin for oil-based, or the High Performance in Flat or Dead Flat for water-based. Both will give you that natural shine you're after without being too glossy.
I had no idea you could get poly in flat or dead flat! That definitely sounds like the finish I’m looking for.
Is applying that hard wax oil difficult?