Finish/stain for reloading bench ?

[Pilotscrappy]

Hey guys , I moved a few years ago (to the humid south) and finally am getting around to building a new reloading/ work bench.

I have gotten a butcher block to be the top of my bench, but I'm not sure what I should finish or seal it with ? The block is unfinished so I will sand it and want to seal it with something that will withstand the humid climate.

Any ideas on what works best ?

 

[John?]

Polyurethane is the easy button.

 

[Rocketmandb]

If you don't seal it somehow, it will definitely pick up chemical stains. Not that it won't even if you do, but it will be less AND if you stain it, it will cover them up somewhat.

 

[jetjock07]

I would not stain it unless you want a more uniform color. I’d seal it with a water based top coat. Make sure you finish both sides to keep it from cupping or bowing over time.

 

[Shoots 700's]

Oil based will soak in better

 

[MK20]

Mix 1 lb beeswax to 5 gallons linseed oil.

Heat the mix up in a cheap pot.

Paint it on.

It's a very, very good finish option for workbenches. It is absolutely waterproof, so humidity will not be let in. If you damage it, which you will, you can just touch it up.

 

[secondofangle2]

typical butcher block treatment is mineral oil and beeswax

could also stain with any minwax you want and finish with layer(s) of acrylic or polyurethane like wood floors

 

[Thump_rrr]

I use Watco Butcher block oil & finish.
You can find it at Home Depot.

Whenever it gets a little dirty you can pass a scotchbrite pad of fine sandpaper over it and add a couple of coats.

I haven’t treated it in the last 5 years.

 

[supercorndogs]

I coated my wood bench top with polyurethane.

 

[Pilotscrappy]

Thanks for all the tips guys appreciate it, love seeing everyone's benches