New Reloading Bench

[sfonelson]

I am finishing up building my two new benches and I wanted to tap you guys for some info on what to use for finishing the wood.

I plan on sanding everything down, and filling the screw holes with some wood putty. What do you guys suggest on the finish? Should I just use a shellac, or varnish? I don't think that I am going to use any staining.

[Lead Waster]

"Varnish" might mean shellac. I suggest polyurethane, it's more durable than shellac and less maintenance. (In my opnion). If the bench will be out in the sun, then do NOT use polyurethane unless it's marine varnish with UV blockers.

[sfonelson]

They are both going to be indoors. One in the garage and the other in one of the rooms in my house.

"Varnish" might mean shellac. I suggest polyurethane, it's more durable than shellac and less maintenance. (In my opnion). If the bench will be out in the sun, then do NOT use polyurethane unless it's marine varnish with UV blockers.

[Oceanbob]

No varnish

Just use a good latex enamel. I used GLOSSY and it cleans up with windex and a papertowel. I didn't use white; I used a tan color. (lite brown).

Varnish will peal eventually.

[sfonelson]

Did you use that all over, like on the table legs and everything, or just the tabletop?

Just use a good latex enamel. I used GLOSSY and it cleans up with windex and a papertowel. I didn't use white; I used a tan color. (lite brown).

Varnish will peal eventually.

[Oceanbob]

Just

Did you use that all over, like on the table legs and everything, or just the tabletop?

The table top. (which was good plywood). I did the edge of the plywood as well.

You can see the top in this photo.

[Oceanbob]

Another view

I built about 6 benches......(for another project) and all of them have the tan brown top. Paint from Home Depot. I can get the brand for you if you need it. They have white/Tan/Green/Red...in quart cans. We just rolled it on
(my 13 year old daughter did most of the work)....and used a brush for the edges. The color is easy on my eyes and doesn't show dirt like white would.


Here's another photo (before cleaning LOL)

[sfonelson]

Nice! I think that's what I'll end up using.

[ivanimal]

Used modular furniture tops are incredibly useful and cheap if there is a used furniture dealer near you.