How to waterproof a wooden chest of draws to turn it into a bathroom vanity

littlemiss19

Top tips please for a DIY novice - which product should I buy to coat the wooden chest of draws to make it waterproof. It has a medium oak top and white painted front and sides so ideally, it would be clear in colour.  However, making it waterproof is the most important step. 

Thanks!

Littlemiss

grumbler

Vanish for the wood.

White wood paint for the rest, preferably exterior

daivid

 A few coats of suitable varnish would protect it from spills and splashes. If your bathroom gets steamy I can't think of how you can properly protect it from the humidity. You may well end up with warped, sticking drawers and failing joints. If your bathroom is well ventilated the chest of drawers may be fine with little or no protection.

EnterUserName

Yacht varnish has served me well in wet conditions.

georgehere

For various reasons covered, this is more difficult than it might appear. I have tried using varnish while converting a wooden unit to a double vanity, but it didn't work well despite applying several coats properly. I think the humidity is a problem (mentioned above) but also it isn't just about water ... toothpaste, shaving gel, soap, perfume/aftershave can all leave their mark and can be much more unfriendly than water.

I am working through the process of replacing the top with either 'man made marble' or Corian or similar and I wish I had done that from the outset. I'm ensuring a degree of overhang and then I think varnish will suffice for the sides/drawers etc