Whats the best finish you've found for MDF

[NewLou]

Gidday:)


Been working a bit with MDF lately & am trying to source a good durable finish for MDF that I'll also act as a sealer from moisture. I've use polyurathaine in the past with good results but hate the finished color.

Any suggestions on this one would be really appreciated!!!

Regards Lou

[Skew ChiDAMN!!]

I've managed to get away with plain ol' Tung/Danish Oil on MDF when it's been incorporated into a Tassie Oak framework. I've also incorporated black printer's ink in two-pack for an ebonised finish. This requires several clear coats on top, as the stained lot shows many characteristics of the ink. Black elbows comes to mind. http://members.optusnet.com.au/~amcardle60/Smilies/duh.gif

But IMHO the best finish for it usually involves someone elses' fireplace...

[rick_rine]

But IMHO the best finish for it usually involves someone elses' fireplace...

Beat me to it .

[NewLou]

Yer yer I lead with my Chin!!!!!!!

At this stage I'm leaning towards Shelac but would love to hear some more suggestions If anyones come up with a fairly clear durable finish!!!

Regards lou:p

[bennylaird]

I'm going to use it as a workbench top ah la the Woodsmith Wookbench. I'm going to go with a two pack floor finish.

[Harry72]

Automotive 2pac and vinyl... but Im talkin speaker boxes and car audio!

What about staining it with a water colour before hitting it with polyU(test 1st!)

[bennylaird]

I want to match mine to Tassie Oak and have a tough work surrface. Go with the same Harry?

[markharrison]

Plain clear lacquer looks surprisingly good. My kitchen cabinet doors are plain MDF with a satin lacquer finish and they have held up pretty well for eight years so far and look good enough to continue for at least for another eight.

[Harry72]

The 2pac floor stuff will be quite fine, prob the toughest painted work surface.

[NewLou]

Thx Fellas :)

REally appreciate that & now have a few Xtra Options...............GREAT STUFF!!!!!

REgards Lou

[Bodgy]

I'm going to use it as a workbench top ah la the Woodsmith Wookbench. I'm going to go with a two pack floor finish.

Benny - Exactly what I did and the beautiful finish (3 coats) lasted about 1/2 hour in use. Conclusion = doesn't matter a toss what finish is used on a workbench top. It'll instantly look like every other workbench top once work begins.

Take some photos of it before you use it and treasure them.

[Lignum]

Brushing on some Tar is the best way to improve the look of MDF

[Harry72]

Bodgey what type of 2pac, poly or epoxy?
The poly may not last, but the epoxy is tough as nails... what did you do on the bench to kill it so fast?

[Bodgy]

Harry, not sure. I believe it is epoxy. It's the Estapol 2 pack floor stuff. It's raining here and I'll get soaked going down to the shed to check.

Didn't do anything out of the ordinary. Missed with a chisel a few times, plane scooted off the work, bit enthuisiastic with a saw, glue spills, beer spills, put down various sanders, planers when not quite stopped etc. Oh and screwed down a wooden stop and a couple of drill thrus.

Just a day in the life of a bench?

[Harry72]

That'll be a polyU 2pac.

[Snowy]

Lou
Try watered down PVA then shellac over the top. It seals it and gives a pretty durable finish
regards Snowy