Expert: Eileen Cronk - 1/24/2012

Question
I have an old dry sink I bought at a yard sale that I'm going to make into an actual sink. I bought a vessel sink to rest on top just like a bowl would have. I want to protect the wood from water. What can I do?  I don't believe there finish on the wood, just oil.

Answer
Hi Hanna
Nice to hear from you.
What a great idea.
And you are so right to want to protect the wood from moisture. Its the most important part of the job.
First the wood must be dirt and grease free.
A scrub with a good household degreaser should do but remember, I cannot see the wood so you must judge if the wood is clean. Let this dry really well. Then I would lightly sand all surfaces to be protected.
Get a quart of oil based poly in a satin finish. Minwax makes a good one. Not a shiny finish as it will show every finger mark.
Apply 3 light coats allowing the recommended drying time between (read can).
Thats it, your good to go.
Great question
Regards
Eileen