How to coat a timber benchtop?

Question

Hello,

I got this sideboard free off Marketplace and have painted it in Porters Paints eggshell finish in the colour Gulf Stream and sanded the timber top back to raw ready for coating too.

Two questions:

1. I think I need to put a protective coat over the paint to protect it? I'd like to keep it matt finish - what product should I use?

2. I don't know what timber the top is. What can I use so I can still see the timber grain and natural colour? Also wanting to keep it matt / low-sheen. I'm thinking Matt Water Based Cabothane Clear Polyurethane?

Thank you.
Timber top

MitchellMc · Answer

Cabothane is designed to go on timber surfaces, not painted @NatalieCara. If you wanted to use it for that purpose, you'd need to do a test section to ensure compatibility with your paint. Typically, hard coatings such as Cabothane are used on the work surface where the most action takes place. We also have the Rust-Oleum 887ml Clear Matt Chalked Protective Topcoat, but that is not specifically designed for the Porter's range of paints either. The other option is just a general-purpose clear spray paint.

The Porter's paint eggshell finish is quite a durable paint, so a protective coating is not necessary. I'd just keep the pot of paint in storage for any needed touchups in the future.

Mitchell

NatalieCara · Answer

Thank you so much Mitchell.

Can I use the same product on the painted surface as well to protect it or should I use another product?

Thanks, Natalie.

MitchellMc · Answer

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @NatalieCara. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about coating a timber benchtop.

Using Cabot's 1L Matt Water Based Cabothane Clear Polyurethane Varnish sounds like a great idea as it's a hard-wearing protective coating that will allow the timber grain and natural colour to shine through. It's my go-to for coating benchtops. I love the easy clean-up and that there is virtually no smell when using it. Still, remember your PPE, including safety glasses, gloves and a face mask.

I like to apply it with a UNi-PRO 100mm Little Ripper Mohair Gloss And Stain Mini Roller Set 5mm Nap. Give the roller a few rubs to remove any loose fibres before using it; you don't want those stuck in your clear topcoat.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell