Best finish for a bar top?

[Adam Herd]

I’m making a home bar and using dark walnut for the top. What is the best finish for it?

[Jamie Buxton]

I'd use solvent-based varnish. You need a finish which is resistant to water and alcohol. Two-component finishes like conversion varnish and 2K-urethane would be good, but require spray equipment and a certified spray booth. Varnish, in contrast, is safe to apply in a garage-shop situation, and it is quite durable. The only downside to varnish is that it takes a while to apply: one coat per day times several days. But you probably have the time.