I am finishing a butcher block top to a kitchen island. This counter will not be used for food prep (so I’ve ruled out a mineral oil type finish), but it will be a dumping ground for schoolbooks or anything else the kids might drag into the kitchen to plop somewhere. Most of my limited experience has been with water base finishes. So my question is can I reasonably consider using a water base finish on top of the butcher block. My main goal is to protect the top from excessive wear and tear. Not as concerned with protecting it from water, heat, solvents… which I understand would probably point to using an oil base finish.
I’ve had decent results with General Finishshes Polyacrylic and Varathane Water Base Polyurethane, but would appreciate additional suggestions on product preferences for water base finishes.
Replies
Did you make a decision yet? I just noticed this post.
I have a kitchen table I made about 2-3 years ago. The field is 3/4 inch QS WO plywood, trimmed with 2" mahogany. I used MinWax Polyacrylic. So far it has held up to dishes without place mats, mugs of hot beverages without coasters. The boxes of Costco goods get set directly on it, <list of abuses continue>. So far the finish is not showing distress. When I sanded between coats, I recall that it seemed like a tough finish. The product is water-based.
HTH
I ended up sending away for a water base poly from Compliant Spray Systems (San Clemente, CA). I also ordered their "crosslinker" product to add to the poly. About 1 oz. of crosslinker to 1 quart of poly. It claims to improve durability of the WB poly. We will see. It sprayed on nicely.
Kalena
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