I need help in choosing the finish on my bar/kitchen counters and cabinets. I have built a bar/kitchen counters and cabinets out of red oak. It is located in a rec room I built in my pole barn in Michigan. It is kept above freezing and I turn up the heat when I am working or entertaining but temperature fluctuates a lot and it is not humidity controlled. I don’t want to use the bar top thick coatings because I don’t like the thick plastic coating look. I have read forums talking about Behlen Rockhard, Waterlox, Spar urethane, Watco and frankly my head is spinning. I like the color of Minwax special walnut wood finish stain. What should I coat the counter tops with to protect them from the water/alcohol and make them scratch resistant? What should I coat the trim and cabinets with to match but don’t require the water or scratch protection?
I appreciate your input.