Oils

• Oil-finished wood has a natural look that shows off the wood grain, but it offers minimal protection against moisture. The process of finishing wood with oils takes many days, sometimes weeks, and it is only suitable for solid wood. Apply Danish, tung or linseed oil to the wood and rub it in, then let it dry completely. Apply another coat of oil and sand it into the wood by hand with the finest wet/dry sandpaper available. Wipe it off and let it dry again. Repeat this process every day for up to a month, eventually switching from sandpaper to ultra-fine steel wool to achieve the finest, smoothest finish.
  
  

Polyurethane

• Polyurethane is available in water- and oil-based versions. Although it is called a clear sealer, oil-based polyurethane has a golden hue. Water-based is often truly clear, so it won’t alter the color of the wood; however, it is less durable than its oil-based counterpart. Sand the vanity until it is perfectly smooth and apply a coat of polyurethane with a fine-bristle brush. The first coat usually raises the wood grain once it dries, requiring another fine sanding. The vanity should require no more sanding after the first coat. Apply at least four coats of oil-based polyurethane, or as many coats of water-based as the manufacturer allows. If you prefer stained wood, rub wood stain into the bare wood with a rag after the initial sanding, and wipe it off immediately. Proceed with polyurethane on top after the stain is dry.
  
  

Paint

• Use water- or oil-based paint in a variety of ways to finish a vanity. You can paint it a solid color with a foam roller, which applies even coats, or you can try interesting paint techniques. A layer of paint covered by a layer of crackle glaze medium gives the wood vanity an aged appearance. You can also apply the glaze over clear, sealed wood to let the wood grain peek through the paint cracks. Wipe the vanity with a thinned paint mixture to give it a washed appearance that shows the grain, or use a paint sprayer, not ordinary spray paint, to apply perfectly smooth, even coats that will resemble glossy enamel when it dries.
  
  

Clear Epoxy Resin

• Clear epoxy resin is challenging to use, but it produces a deep, glossy look with a high degree of protection for the wood. It is sometimes seen on restaurant tables or bar countertops. The methods for mixing epoxy vary by the brand you choose, but most of them require you to work fast. Once the materials are mixed together, epoxy begins to cure quickly. Instead of rolling or brushing it on like a traditional finish, epoxy is poured over the surface and allowed to spread on its own. That makes this a messy endeavor, requiring a meticulous application of protective tape and drop cloths over every surface where it can run.