I recently helped my son make a bath shelf as a gift. It is made of a single 3/4 inch piece of pecan and is 15 inches wide by 29 inches long. Three stringers are across the width to inhibit cupping. The shelf spans the tub from side to side so that people can place a book, or Ipad, etc. on it while soaking in the tub.
The wood (pecan) will not be stained. It has been sanded to 220 grit. What is the best finish to put on such an object given the fact that it will be used in a hot steamy environment, will be handled with wet hands and may have water splashed on it from time to time? Right now I am considering using Waterlox Original and putting at least 3 coats on it with a brush to build it up. My recollection is that such a finish would take at least a week to dry after the last coat before being put into use. From what I have read it appears to have the best water resistance of the various finishes. But, this is the first time we have made an indoor piece that would be subjected to such a wet environment.
Any thoughts on what finish would be best on such a piece would be appreciated.