Oil recommendation

[disco_monkey79]

Hello,

I've got in to winemaking in an ever-increasing way (the GF calls it an obsession - but it means cheap booze!), so my next woodworking project will be a sideboard/table to stand the demijohns on, with racking underneath for bottles.

Hopefully it'll be made from oak. My query is - what oil (make and type) would be best for finishing/protecting? It'll be a functional piece (i.e. I will be fiddling with the wine on there) so there's a good chance of drips and spills.

Or, is oil not suitable? It sprang to mind as I've seen it mentioned in previous threads for solid timber kitchen worktops (the same threads that are eluding me now!), plus I want to bring out the character of the wood.

Thanks!

EDIT - I've just spotted that I've raised this in general, and not "finishing advise". Could a mod kindly shift it? Apologies.

 

[Sean Hellman]

I have ash window sills in the house and in the bathroom that have been treated with a couple of coats of Danish oil. If you wipe any liquid off and do not let it sit, oil should be OK. I also store demijohns on the wooden sills and do not seem to have any issues. The one good thing about oil it is easy to refinish, either sand down and re oil or just reapplying oil. I would apply at least 3 coats on any top surface. The hardwax oil by osmo or is it osma, is my favorite, smells nicer too, Danish or tung are the next ones I would use.

 

[Sawyer]

Given the use, I'd be tempted to use yacht varnish on the top. Oil is good for the reasons mentioned, but leaves the grain open; whilst red wine stains like anything and would be a nightmare to sand out (although bleaching would probably work). Yacht varnish would be virtually impervious to any wine, provided it's not left to sit there too long.

Sounds an interesting project anyway. Any chance of some pics. of the finished article?