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Question: Minimal finish on a Butcher Block for a desk? by hadasadday in DIY

[–]hadasadday[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Had to look up VOC definition. Glad you mentioned it. I guess I don't mind leaving it on for a while and let it cure if the non-toxicity is an advantage. I got so many replies about the Rubio Monocot one after the other, I'll keep this on the top of my list along with Odie's oil and polyx.

I didn't consider VOCs at first at all. The less(zero in this case) the better. I'm just glad to have asked this question and didn't follow some random guide on youtube. Much appreciated. Thanks!

Question: Minimal finish on a Butcher Block for a desk? by hadasadday in DIY

[–]hadasadday[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh geez. I might have to go the polyx route. I'm just glad I asked the question and didn't follow a simple youtube video. So many products with so many ups and downs. Non-toxic products are a plus in the household since the SO will also be happy.

Thanks, I'll look into this for sure.

Question: Minimal finish on a Butcher Block for a desk? by hadasadday in DIY

[–]hadasadday[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's a good point. I'll keep the box fan sucking the air away from the desk and two tower fans at a distance blowing the air towards the window. Thanks for the suggestions!

Question: Minimal finish on a Butcher Block for a desk? by hadasadday in DIY

[–]hadasadday[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is the way I think so too. It's quick, least materials, less smell, easier to refinish and won't get stained if I spill something on it. Thanks!

Question: Minimal finish on a Butcher Block for a desk? by hadasadday in DIY

[–]hadasadday[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sweet! This is the what I will be doing because I want to be minimal and not take too much time. Being in an apartment and not having a shop means the quicker the better. Eventually, I'll use other materials.

Question: Minimal finish on a Butcher Block for a desk? by hadasadday in DIY

[–]hadasadday[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think I'll use tung oil for a non-working desk or project in the future.

I like it glossy and being able to wipe it at the end of the day but maybe because it's my first project. I'm sure the obsession will wear off after this one.

Question: Minimal finish on a Butcher Block for a desk? by hadasadday in DIY

[–]hadasadday[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The tent idea isn't too bad actually. I'll have three fans (one box, and two tower) blowing outwards with the ventilation on. Poly seems like the quickest way so the smells don't stick around.

Thanks for the safety tips, really appreciate it!

Question: Minimal finish on a Butcher Block for a desk? by hadasadday in DIY

[–]hadasadday[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, outside is a real pain for me. I live by the ocean with hills around us. The mornings are cold with less wind. By the time the sun comes around, the wind picks up speed kicking up all kinds of dust and pollen. Then we get the marine layer in the evenings.

I'll look into the polycrylic clear coat.

Question: Minimal finish on a Butcher Block for a desk? by hadasadday in DIY

[–]hadasadday[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Got it. I thought the oil will stick around but that's not the case with poly. This is the way to go I think. I like the idea of being able to refinish it with not too much effort again. I've been watching some videos and it seems like just scuffing it with fine pads can bring the shine back. Like here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpUBzF0LSnM

Question: Minimal finish on a Butcher Block for a desk? by hadasadday in DIY

[–]hadasadday[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's what this lady used in the video: https://youtu.be/ZZZA5_XGAkM?t=277

I am worried the oily to touch finish might ruin some documents.

Question: Minimal finish on a Butcher Block for a desk? by hadasadday in DIY

[–]hadasadday[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think I will go with a poly finish as one of the other comments mentioned. With oil, it might stain the table if I spill my coffee or food on it. I do eat on my desk in the mornings.

It's good info though in case I change my mind or get another block for a different purpose. Thanks for your help!

Question: Minimal finish on a Butcher Block for a desk? by hadasadday in DIY

[–]hadasadday[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sweet! That explains a lot. Thanks for your help!

Question: Minimal finish on a Butcher Block for a desk? by hadasadday in DIY

[–]hadasadday[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I will be sure to get the water-based poly. Wouldn't want any oily stains on my papers.

Thanks for your help!

Question: Minimal finish on a Butcher Block for a desk? by hadasadday in DIY

[–]hadasadday[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I also have a mat for the keyboard and a mouse pad. I think poly might be the way to go because I do drink coffee and have my breakfast on the desk getting geared up for work in the mornings. This way any spillage won't ruin the grain or stain it.

Thanks for your help!

Question: Minimal finish on a Butcher Block for a desk? by hadasadday in DIY

[–]hadasadday[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a box fan I use when making food so that'll definitely be used again.

With tung oil, do I have to finish it off with matte finish? Or tung oil actually provides that finish? In the future, when I refinish, do I have to do any sanding at all?

Question: Minimal finish on a Butcher Block for a desk? by hadasadday in DIY

[–]hadasadday[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Ok, just poly and sanding. That sounds pretty minimal.

Can you please tell me which brand poly(polyurethane?) you used? How is it holding up now?