A workbench top should only look pristine the day you put it in place. After that, it should pick up the scars and character of use. The top finish will just be Watco, so if it gets too dented, scratched, or stained for my liking, I will just hit it with a plane and wipe on another coat.

All the furniture I have built gets abused by a kid with a hoverboard and a wife who believes every flat surface is an acceptable place to put a drink, so I have developed a high tolerance for scratches and wear!