I love the idea of natural finishes, but the thought of red wine rings or water stains on my kitchen island gives me nightmares. Maybe something like tung oil or a natural varnish might strike a go...
I've used pure tung oil on a client's kitchen island before, and it held up surprisingly well against moisture and stains. It does take patience—multiple coats and drying time—but the finish is beautiful and pretty resilient. Might be worth considering if you're worried about durability.
Pure tung oil does look great, but honestly, I've seen it struggle a bit with heavy daily use—especially around sinks or spots where liquids sit unnoticed. Maybe consider a hardwax oil instead? Still natural, but a bit tougher against stains and spills in my experience.
Good point about tung oil around sinks—I ran into the same issue myself. It looks fantastic at first, but water spots and stains can sneak up on you pretty quickly. Hardwax oil is definitely a solid alternative, though I've found even that needs occasional touch-ups in high-traffic areas. Still, it's a step up durability-wise without sacrificing the natural look. Just make sure to check the ingredients carefully—some brands sneak in additives that bump up the VOCs.
I've been considering hardwax oil myself after hearing similar experiences with tung oil. It's reassuring to hear it's holding up better, even if it does need occasional touch-ups. I'm curious though—has anyone tried linseed oil finishes around sinks or wet areas? I've read mixed reviews about durability and water resistance, but some swear by it. Would appreciate hearing any firsthand experiences before I commit to anything.
I tried linseed oil around my kitchen sink last year, and honestly, it was a bit disappointing. Looked great at first, but water spots and discoloration popped up pretty quickly. Ended up switching to hardwax oil—way happier with it so far.
