Work bench finish recommendations

[matthuszagh]

I'm looking to buy a new work bench and deciding on the finish I want for it. I'm mostly deciding between a static-dissipative laminate (comes with a grounding snap) and a chemical + scratch resistant phenolic plastic. Most of the work I do is typical electronics work: instrument assembly/disassembly, repair, soldering etc. Therefore I'm leaning toward the static-dissipative material. If I settled for the phenolic plastic, I would additionally use a static-dissipative mat as it is non-conductive. I don't plan to do much work with chemicals but I do use typical electronics work chemicals (alcohols, ferric chloride for etching circuit boards, polishing compounds for metal and plastic, acetone, etc.), so I think the phenolic plastic is probably overkill. Additionally, these chemicals should mostly not come into contact with the table surface. The static-dissipative laminate is supposedly resistant to dilute chemicals, but I don't have more specific information than that.

The static-dissipative material can withstand temporary temperatures of below 135C and prolonged temps of below 65C, so I'd need to use some sort of protection when I use a hot air gun. I haven't yet checked the heat resistance of the phenolic workbench. Other finish options are wood with a mineral oil finish and stainless steel. In terms of cost, the phenolic and stainless steel are not cheap - about 2x the price of the wood or static-dissipative laminate. I'm hoping to have this bench for a long time, so long-term durability is definitely an important criteria. All of the options support enough weight for my purposes. Any recommendations in regard to material finish? Any reason why I should not go with the static-dissipative table? I'm happy to provide more information if needed. Thanks!

[wizard69]

Actually I prefer wood or some sort of wood composite for benches.   Finish with a durable all weather varnish.   For Static use a mat designed for the purpose.

The problem with laminates is that once they go bad, (get scratched up, burnt & etc) it is very hard to get a decent repair.   With plain wood or a composite wood product you can often sand out and refinish.

For benches that get heavy wear slap a sheet of fiber board on top.

In either case you can apply an epoxy penetrating sealer to harden the surfaces.  The sealers can also help prevent the ingress of liquids.