Finish for Tas Oak desk

[chichi]

Hi all
just finished my first "real" project and need some help choosing a suitable finish.

http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/9012/imag0036c.th.jpg (http://img818.imageshack.us/i/imag0036c.jpg/)

http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/172/imag0037y.th.jpg (http://img828.imageshack.us/i/imag0037y.jpg/)

Those pics should explain what i've built better than my words ever could.

I've done a little research, and work at a Mitre 10, but i dont wont to ruin all my hard work based on inexperienced advice and assumptions. The main body of the bed is not a problem, rather the desk and ladder, which will have some high wear (the desk will be used as a sort of work bench for small, hobby and model work).
I've come up with four options (products we actually stock at work):
1. Cabots Cabothane
2. Cabots CFP
3. Wattyl Estapol 7008
4. Wattyl Estapol

The Estapol 7008 seems like the best bet for the desk, but i would prefer a matt/satin finish. The timber is Tasmanian Oak and i want to keep it looking as natural as possible. Any advice on these or other products and how to apply them would be hugely appreciated.

Thanks in advance

PS. I calculated there is approx. 15m^2 of visible timber surface.

[tillysfurniture]

I have used Cabots cabothane satin finish with great long lasting results. You will need about 3 coats on the areas that will be subjected to lots of use..... sand to white in between coats. It is also a good idea to leave 24 hrs before each coat. Touch dry is often not good enough depending on the weather! Cabots full gloss is fine but gives a less "real" finish. It is also a lot harder to apply evenly ....... or so I have found. Cheers!

[Karl1]

I have no experience with products you list but some polyurethane-based finishes can make Tasmanian Oak go a yellow/orange colour with time. Not really an attractive look so try to see the finish you are considering on some timber beforehand.

I've used Danish Oil on Tasmanian Oak with good results - it darkens the timber slightly but otherwise keeps the original tone.

[chichi]

thanks for the replies
i have used the estapol before without yellowing but not sure about the cabothane... will definitely need to research that one.

on sort of the same topic, it has been a while since i sanded the timber and it is starting to turn into a yellowy/lightbrown colour rather than that nice light pinkish colour. and since some components were finished earlier than others the degree of change is different. should i re-sand before applying the poly? or will the colour even out?