I'm setting up a garage workbench with a butcher block countertop, and I'm looking for a tough and simple finish. I want something I can easily reapply as needed since I'm going to be really rough on it. I definitely don't want a complicated finish like what you'd use in a kitchen because I know this won't stay perfect. Any recommendations?
8 Answers
Avoid tung oil; it can take a while to cure. I'd recommend going with several coats of a basic polyurethane for something durable yet easy to repair.
I have butcher block countertops from IKEA that I just left raw and unfinished, and they handled the conditions well. If you're really worried about durability, you could also go for a melamine surface instead for a slicker finish.
Whatever finish you go with, just remember to do both sides! That's super important for longevity.
That’s what she said.
You might want to look into using hard wax oil followed by paste wax. This combination seals against spills and makes it easier to clean up glue messes afterwards.
[Something like this?](https://images.app.goo.gl/B6YLMyzyVzYz2o638)
Mineral oil is a solid choice for butcher block surfaces, especially since it's commonly used for cutting boards. It's easy to apply, and you can reapply it as needed without much fuss.
I thought that might be a good option but kept getting google results about cleaning with mineral oil. Thank you.
I'd suggest boiled linseed oil, which you can thin with turpentine for quicker drying. Just apply a few coats, and you can refresh it whenever it gets scuffed up. It will darken over time, but that can actually look pretty nice on a worktop!
Interesting. I’ll check it out.
For a workbench, Behr water-based polyurethane in satin finish is fantastic. It dries super quickly and lets you apply multiple coats in a day. I can confirm it withstands lots of abuse over time!
I’ll check it out. Thanks!
If you're not using it to prepare food, consider a penetrative finish like Danish oil. It soaks into the wood for extra durability. It may not stain evenly, but it'll keep the surface tough. On a similar note, I've had good luck with Watco butcher-block finish on projects that took a beating.
Really? They haven’t warped or anything? I would love to do that but concerned with changes in temperature, humidity, etc throughout the year they would eventually warp.