Protecting MDF top

[Jon]

So im almost done with my assembly table. I have a sheet of formica or I could just leave the MDF top and put some type of protecting coat on it like wax or Tung oil ? ANy suggestions?

 

[MarkW]

I used a Tung oil type of finish and it worked ok, but be prepared as MDF really sucks up the finish. It ended up taking about twice what I figgured originally. The good part is I just give it a quick sand and reapply as needed.

I would think that formica would work just as well though.

 

[Jon]

do you just sand it and rub it on ?

 

[DaveO]

I have used shellac and paste wax. I liked the shellac because it dried very quick and didn't swell the edges. The laminate would offer more protection from dings and gouges, but couldn't be repaired easily.
Dave

 

[McRabbet]

I put a 3/16" layer of tempered hardboard using contact cement on my outfeed/assembly table and gave it two coats of shellac. It has held up very well. Laminate is another good choice because it will allow easy drip and spill cleanup.

Rob

 

[Tarhead]

My assembly table came from Dino with a laminate top which was de-laminating in places. No way to keep it flat so off it came leaving a mess of contact cement. The cement came off with Xylol (Very nasty stuff!) and the lip on the mahogany edging was handled easily with my #8 jointer plane.

On the raw MDF I used 3 coats of brush on polyurethane sanded with 220 between each coat followed by a few coats of paste wax. It's very flat across its length and width and very little will stick to it. Still, If I'm painting/staining I use a piece of cardboard on it and for glue ups I use butcher paper under the pieces.

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[JohnW]

Jon,
I used two 3/4" MDF sheets with Formica on one side and 2 thick coats of poly on the edges & other. Also put 3/4" oak banding around to protect the edges and Formica. The poly was just to keep moisture out.

I use this primarily for glue-ups. It's easy to keep clean & glue just pops off the Formica. It's +3 yrs old and still in very good shape. Works well for me.

Good luck.

 

[michaelgarner]

either way will be good, have you thought about painting it and then putting shellac, or polly over that, Just a thought.

 

[Jim Murphy]

Either BORG will sell a 1/8" white "panel board" in 4X8 for about $12. Cover the MDF with the panel board and hold it in place with double sided tape. When the panel board is toast, get a new one. Costs about $1 month.

 

[Nativespec]

I just cut some poly with mineral spirits and wipe it on. It soaks in good so it may need a few coats. The good thing is that you can sand it later (to get glue ant other items off) and wipe on again.

 

[zapdafish]

I use the cheapest laminate flooring I could find. Got this from lowes for .75 a foot and it takes alot of punishment.

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/1831/img0511qm7.jpg