Question about finishing MDF

Derby, I recently used MDF to make a small childs bookcase. Because I was going to paint it, I coated in Shellac; and then lightly sanded. I then put two coats of a spray paint on the bookcase. I used 600 grit wet dry-sandpaper between coats. As a top coat, I sprayed two coats of lacquer. I am sure you will be get better ideas, but this is my experience. pkennedy

-- P Kennedy Crossville, TN

I’ve used MDF for the top of my workbench and a drill press cart I just finished, and it seems to be holding up really well with a few coats of wipe on poly then wax. I would think the wax would be key to performance both as a router table and outfeed table, to reduce friction.

-- Steve -- University Heights, Ohio

My shop boxes and router table are MDF. I seal MDF it with Seal Coat, polyurethane, leftover varnish, whatever’s handy. My router table and work surfaces are covered with plastic laminate for better wear.

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I’ve used MDF for a couple of my shop cabinets. and here.
I did cover the edges with hardwood strips. Then a couple coats of poly.
They have stood up well.

-- If we learn from our mistakes, I'm getting a fantastic education.

Tongue Oil!!!

-- I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso

I’ve used MDF for a couple of projects for clients—a large set of bookshelves and a TV cabinet. It worked well for both.

I primed it with two coats of water-based Kilz, sanding in between, then two or three coats of semi-gloss interior paint thinned with Floetrol.

I seal the edges of the MDF with wallboard mud before the primer. Otherwise the edges soak up a ton of finish and look rough.

-- Steve B - New Life Home Improvement

Thanks to everyone for all of the input.

-- "Lumber is just sawdust in 'solid' form!"

I’ve sealed MDF cabinets in my workshop with any water based poly that happened to be around at the time. Worked fine, since the cabinets didn’t need to have the look of heirloom furniture-LOL! If the surface of the router table isn’t slick enough to your liking after the poly, you could apply a couple of coats of paste wax.

-- Gerry

poly – 3 – 4 coats , looks great, smooth like Baby’s a$$. make sure you apply enough finish though cause this thing will suck it all up.

-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

The word, Sir, is spelled: TUNG!
lol!

d

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