Sewing Table Slippery Finish

[KevinB]

I made a top for Mrs B's cutting table from MDF. I varnished it in gloss. Mrs B is pleased. Hooray.

But when she is working on a section of cloth the heavier, unworked quantity of cloth keeps slipping off the table and onto the floor. Clearly, the gloss surface is too slick and too slippery.

I believe that my gloss finish should be sanded back and a less slick finish applied.

But not so frictional that cloth jams up and can't be spread out for cutting.

Has anyone any suggestions?

Regards,

Kevin B

[Master Splinter]

I don't think the gloss level will do terribly much, because it's still going to be mighty smooth for fabric - at least the ones with good draping characteristics. My only suggestion would be to swap out the MDF for a melamine faced board, or face it with some lightly textured laminex.

An overlay of one of those cheap cutting mats??

You could just try hitting the gloss with some steel wool to see how well that works.

[Fuzzie]

cloth keeps slipping off the table and onto the floor. Clearly, the gloss surface is too slick and too slippery.

Clearly, the cutting table isn't big enough.

[KevinB]

Thanks Master Splinter - I'll try the steel wool and see how that goes. Failing that, we might try that cutting mat fabric but Mrs B fears it trapping dirt. Hmmmmm. On second thoughts maybe melamine faced board is the answer.
Thanks for your interest.
Best wishes,
Kevin and Di Briggs.

[KevinB]

Thanks Fuzzie. Space restrictions preclude our having a bigger table, but I take your point.
Best wishes,
Kevin Briggs.

[soundman]

I do not believe the gloss level with make one bit of difference nor would melemain V paint.

What I sugest is giving the surface a light coat of wax and not buffing it off teribly well.

Actually bees wax tends to remain a little tacky no matter what you do.... so that may be an option.

cheers