Thread: Workbench finish to retain pale complexion

G'day everyone,

I'm getting to the stage of my workbench build (WIP thread here) where I'm just about ready to apply some finish and I was wanting some suggestions that will maximise the contrast between the base and the bench top & drawers.


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Above is a pic of the bench so far. The base/frame has been finished in BLO+turps mixture and then topped off with a few coats of MinWax Clear Satin WOP and paste wax. I was going to use Osmo Gloss PolyX on the top and the drawers but I was wondering if there's an alternative that retain as much "paleness" as possible. I've used Osmo on the sides of the leg vise and you can see how much darker it is when compared to the front face. I'm not sure if it makes a difference, but the top is made up primarily of recycled Spotted Gum, a bit of Blackbutt, and some other unidentified blonde hardwood. The left end cap is Purpleheart and the right is American Maple. The drawer faces are fiddleback Tassie Oak with Purpleheart accents. I'm prepared to use different finishes for the top and the drawers if it's required


One other question I have is regarding the inlay on the leg vise....


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For the inlay, I used metallic gold mica powder mixed in with West Systems epoxy. When I applied it, it had that glittery gold finish which was what I wanted, but when I sanded it back, the glittery effect disappeared. Is there a finish that I can apply which will bring back the effect that I want? I'm OK if it doesn't return but I'd be even happier if I get the metallic gold finish again as it will match the brass plaque I installed on the end cap (see below).


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Thanks in advance,
Mike