MDF Finish

jgenova · 02-23-2009, 06:19 PM

I just built a workbench using 2 layers of 3/4" MDF for the top. Then I attached a hardwood edge-banding around it. I am satisfied with the way it came out, but I need to apply some kind of clear finish on it to keep it that way. Does anybody have any suggestions? Do I need oil-based or can I use water-based? Is varnish any better than polyurethane? Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks!

oldnamvet · 02-25-2009, 12:05 PM

Just about anything that you would normally use on wood is adequate. I've always liked polyurethane on the MDF as well as on the wood trim.
Heavy workbench, isn't it?

Larry Norton · 04-03-2009, 08:08 AM

What oldnamvet says!! I would also cut a piece of 1/4in. hardboard either just lay it on top, or use a few pieces of double sided carpet tape to hold it in place. It will keep the top in better shape longer.

Dave Hoder · 04-03-2009, 03:53 PM

If you're going to seal the top you'll need to seal the bottom (in case you didn't know). Otherwise you could end up with a nice MDF soup bowl over time.

smtompkins · 04-03-2009, 07:05 PM

i find that my benches are a blank slate. full sized layouts and notes. after the job is over they are eraced/sanded off and ready for the next job. no finish required
just my 2 cents

jimmills · 04-04-2009, 06:42 AM

I agree w/smtomkins. You finish the top and it'll look awful when you beat it up a little. Oil it and you'll have fisheye in some of your products that you need to finish. I also use my bench to sometimes layout strange shapes etc. the glue, pencil etc will very quickly sand off.(180 on Randon Orbital)

By the way, you don't have to worry about MDF moving. So finishing both sides is overkill for those overkill types.

oldnamvet · 04-04-2009, 07:11 PM

You have to be careful with MDF surfaces if there is no finish. Set down a can of pop, dribble some water, etc. and the surface will soak it up and start to fuzz and swell. No finish on it is fine as long as you keep the moisture off of it.

Bama_Steve · 04-14-2009, 01:51 PM

I just use Johnson's Paste wax.

Works like a champ - don't forget the edges . . .

wood · 04-19-2009, 12:27 AM

I used 3/4 MDF for my chop/miter saw bench. Before affixing the top to the bench, I coated top, bottom and edges (lots and lots on the edges) with polyurethane. 2 days later, I fixed the top to the bench and re-coated the top with a couple more coats of poly. It holds up very well, although scratches are easily seen mostly because of how dark the poly makes the MDF. DON'T LEAVE IT BARE. Unless you want to replace it soon. oldnam is right. any water at all will ruin your nice flat surface and bare MDF is easily gouged.

Best 4 Doors · 02-03-2010, 10:42 AM

Hi
I would use polyurethane as a water base product may affect the surface of the MDF and would soak in rather than protect the top
I would also cut a piece of thin ply to cover the top for dirty jobs

02-23-2009, 06:19 PM	#1 (permalink)
jgenova Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 1	MDF Finish I just built a workbench using 2 layers of 3/4" MDF for the top. Then I attached a hardwood edge-banding around it. I am satisfied with the way it came out, but I need to apply some kind of clear finish on it to keep it that way. Does anybody have any suggestions? Do I need oil-based or can I use water-based? Is varnish any better than polyurethane? Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks!

02-03-2010, 10:42 AM	#10 (permalink)
Best 4 Doors Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 7	Best4Doors Hi I would use polyurethane as a water base product may affect the surface of the MDF and would soak in rather than protect the top I would also cut a piece of thin ply to cover the top for dirty jobs __________________ Best 4 Doors - External & Internal Doors & Front Doors & Joinery

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02-25-2009, 12:05 PM	#2 (permalink)
oldnamvet Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Mid michigan Posts: 114	Just about anything that you would normally use on wood is adequate. I've always liked polyurethane on the MDF as well as on the wood trim. Heavy workbench, isn't it?

04-03-2009, 08:08 AM	#3 (permalink)
Larry Norton Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 14	What oldnamvet says!! I would also cut a piece of 1/4in. hardboard either just lay it on top, or use a few pieces of double sided carpet tape to hold it in place. It will keep the top in better shape longer.

04-03-2009, 03:53 PM	#4 (permalink)
Dave Hoder Information Specialist Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 1	If you're going to seal the top you'll need to seal the bottom (in case you didn't know). Otherwise you could end up with a nice MDF soup bowl over time.

04-03-2009, 07:05 PM	#5 (permalink)
smtompkins Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: naples fl Posts: 2	i find that my benches are a blank slate. full sized layouts and notes. after the job is over they are eraced/sanded off and ready for the next job. no finish required just my 2 cents

04-04-2009, 06:42 AM	#6 (permalink)
jimmills Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 2	I agree w/smtomkins. You finish the top and it'll look awful when you beat it up a little. Oil it and you'll have fisheye in some of your products that you need to finish. I also use my bench to sometimes layout strange shapes etc. the glue, pencil etc will very quickly sand off.(180 on Randon Orbital) By the way, you don't have to worry about MDF moving. So finishing both sides is overkill for those overkill types.

04-04-2009, 07:11 PM	#7 (permalink)
oldnamvet Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Mid michigan Posts: 114	You have to be careful with MDF surfaces if there is no finish. Set down a can of pop, dribble some water, etc. and the surface will soak it up and start to fuzz and swell. No finish on it is fine as long as you keep the moisture off of it.

04-14-2009, 01:51 PM	#8 (permalink)
Bama_Steve Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 2	I just use Johnson's Paste wax. Works like a champ - don't forget the edges . . .

04-19-2009, 12:27 AM	#9 (permalink)
wood Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 6	I used 3/4 MDF for my chop/miter saw bench. Before affixing the top to the bench, I coated top, bottom and edges (lots and lots on the edges) with polyurethane. 2 days later, I fixed the top to the bench and re-coated the top with a couple more coats of poly. It holds up very well, although scratches are easily seen mostly because of how dark the poly makes the MDF. DON'T LEAVE IT BARE. Unless you want to replace it soon. oldnam is right. any water at all will ruin your nice flat surface and bare MDF is easily gouged.