Ok, so from the looks of things so far, paint is the overall winner.
I'm guessing that this is because it is either the easiest to do, or most people figure that they already know how to paint...but like me have never applied vinyl or laminate? Am I close?
I guess paint is also probably the cheapest to do in terms of $$. Although it seems to be quite an involved process to get a great finish. Most of the projects I have seen report paint days as sand, paint, wait, sand, paint, wait...etc.
Does paint count as a treatment for MDF?? I'm looking for a solution that will allow the project to remain outside (but covered) and out of direct weather. I've been trying to run tests to see if an inverted glass (slightly raised, but with basically an open bottom) left out over night will have a large amount of dew or condensation on the inside. Unfortunately, mother nature hasn't been helping me out much in that department. I've no dew at all yet.

I'm thinking of drilling holes in the base of my bartop to allow for airflow. I'm also planning on putting a cover of some sort over my fans at the top to stop moisture from just being able to easily fall in.
Does this make sense to anyone, or do I need to up my meds?

Jouster