Waterlox

[Bibliophile 13]

Yes, the Watco works fine. Or you can mix your own: equal parts polyurethane, mineral spirits, and vegetable oil (safflower oil is good, as it doesn’t go rancid). The Watco has more thinner in it, so you’d use more. You can always mix up a small batch on your own and try it out on some scrap. You may have all the ingredients on hand already.

Danish oil is a pretty good all-around finish. It may or may not be right for this particular application. But it’s a good finish to have in your arsenal.

[Stwood_]

I used to use a danish oil/poly mixture, half and half, for my furniture. Fairly durable, touch up/recoat is easy.
I haven't used that combo in years. Haven't needed it I suppose.

[jteneyck]

I'm late to the dance here, but if this is not a food prep. area and lingering smell is a concern, why not use WB varnish?  GF's EnduroVar is very durable to most normal abuse.  It has an amber tint to it already, but you can adjust it to anything you want by adding Transtint dye to it.  If that's not durable enough, then use a WB conversion varnish - GF and TC both offer one, or step up to the ultimate and use a 2K Poly - think Imron only WB - ChemCraft and others make them.  Another option is to use WB floor finish, something like BONA Traffic HD.  

John