I am looking for a recommendation for a durable waterproof finish for a white oak vanity top.

Objective: a satin or flat finish, not glossy, leaving the wood as natural as possible and not darkening right away or with time as it ages. This is an area that will get a bit wet.

Background: The top is solid white oak, 1 1/8 thick x 22" x 40 " made up from widths varying from 3 to 4 ". I used a reverse glue joint router bit to pattern the edges for perfect alignment for the top glue up.

But what finish to apply? I dont mind lots of work, Im not in a hurry. Do need something that can be maintained.


I was at our "Finishing Touch" hardwood flooring store and they recommended a flooring product called Rubio Monnocoat. Anyone tried that?

I have also heard of people using "catalyzed lacquer" but I am not sure about that.

Water based Varathane diamond finish was something I thought I would look into.

Here is a review of several finishes, including Rubio Monocoat which the author did not like, an the Minwax oil-based, wipe on polyurethane finish that the author did like.

http://baubilt.com/?p=41

I would appreciate some suggestions. Thanks,
RK