>> Still hard at the baseboard construction, and wanted to ask, is it
>> wise/unwise to paint your benchwork or leave them all natural? I
>> thought it may give the wood some protection, and also for the visual >> aspect.
>>
>By the time I get through, about the only visible part of my benchwork
>is the fascia :-).
>But for sealing, its hard to beat shellac. Wipes on with a rag, dries
>almost instantly, and is one of the best for slowing moisture exchange.
>In spite of the fact it won't slow down liquid water much :-).
Shellac or similar products can be hard to get here though - there are some excellent timber sealing products around, including some made by the very few paint companies which are independently-Australian (Wattyl being the most well-known genuinely Aussie paint company)! Most paint brands are part of the Orica group now and that's not Australian... 8-)
Regards,
Craig.