So I was successful in building a workbench for my garage. The final part is finishing it. I was thinking of just applying 1-2 coats of Zinnser Bulls-Eye Shellac Clear Traditional Finish and Sealer. Is this a good choice? Any other recommendation? The workbench is made from standard 2x4s and baltic birch plywood, so nothing fancy.
I use Water-based polyurethane. Drys fast and you can get one for floors so it will be a little harder. Put at least three coats on.
You can get a big can and before you use it, divide it into small air-tight plastic bottles, so you always have some around for re-coating the bench if it needs it or other projects. You might consider soothing else than plywood for the top. You can get cheap solid-wood countertops at Home Depot or even Ikea. A thicker top will let you eventually sand the top and re-finish it to make it look new again in 5-10 years. Thicker also = more mass and will feel better it you are hammering etc.