I'm using solid wood to make a worktop/countertop in my camper van. It's going to have an undermounted sink, so I need to use something to protect the edge of the sink cutout from water. I have no idea what product to use and can't find a good solution anywhere.
Water – What I can use to waterproof a sink cutout
countertopskitchenswaterproofingwoodwoodworking
Related Solutions
If the surface is edge grain and the previous finish was only wax, wiping down with mineral spirits and then sanding using progressively finer grits up to 220 or so should be pretty good preparation to refinish. Skip the soap and water treatment as it won't dissolve any wax and only complicates finishing. Before applying any finish the wood should be smooth and dry. Any staining or blotching you can see is not going to be hidden too much by a clear finish - it's sometimes possible to bleach out stains but this is tricky to do well.
If you are still getting something soaking back up after sanding down to the raw wood, it could be a prior mineral oil treatment. Mineral oil never hardens and is often used on wooden butcher blocks and countertops. Simply reapplying more would be one refinishing option. It's easy (you just apply until it is no longer absorbed) but you have to reapply it frequently. Inexpensive pure mineral oil can be found in a pharmacy (it's sold as a laxative).
Another option would be a pure tung oil finish. It would be slightly more expensive but a little more water resistant. You can get it from a woodworking or finishing supplier. Most "tung oil finishes" sold by hardware stores are not actually tung oil so check the labels carefully if you go this route. It would be applied and reapplied similarly to mineral oil.
Some "Danish oil" finishes are a blend of varnish, oil, and thinner, and others contain only thinned varnish. Generally one applies "Danish oil" in light coats such that a film is not really built up on the surface of the wood. Often wax is then applied over it. This feels nice on furniture but it is going to be less durable that a slightly thicker application of regular varnish applied with a brush or thinned and then wiped on in several coats.
The mineral oil or tung oil would be my choices for a counter that you are actually going to cut on. On the other hand if you don't plan to cut with knives directly on the counter, and if you are able to prepare the counter down to a clean, dry, smooth surface, a wiping varnish is probably the most durable and best looking option.
For an inexpensive and easy to work with material I would consider MDF. In particular there is coloured MDF available. The colour is throughout the board, not just painted on the surface, here's an example:
The benefit of this is that simply scratching the surface will not remove the colour. It also gives the MDF a neat texture as the colour is not 100% solid.
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Best Answer
Danish oil, tung oil, linseed oil will work if you apply multiple coats and re-apply on a regular basis. There are also special formulations with additives (waxes) that increase water and chemical resistance (but are usually less impact resistant).
Varnish will work as well, is more prone to mechanical damage, but does not have to be re-applied unless damaged or worn down.
Spar varnish (or outdoor varnish) is usually more resistant to UV and water, but will also usually emit more harmful fumes.
Solvent-based varnishes will in general be more durable and easier to apply than water-based varnishes. Water-based varnishes are generally healthier (less emissions and toxic fumes).
Most danish oils are food safe and will increase the hardness of the surface (offer better impact protection).