How to seal MDF workbench?

[potteringaround]

Hi, I'm converting my shed into a workshop for more "potteringaround".

I have bought a unit that has 25mm raw MDF workbench. This will be used to house my wood lathe, drill press and drop saw (very exciting as this the first time they will be set up ready go). I have a seperate workbench with a vice and banging about. 

My question is;

what would you recommend to seal the MDF bench top? Obvisously nothing that will make it slippery (lathe will be permanently attached) but it needs to resist any splills or potentially future leaky roof. 

My initial thought was Beeswax furniture polish, I have used it on MDF before and restorations, and it would would provide some grip but would it be too sticky?  Would I be better off with a pure beeswax or a liquid one?

The other option would be a matt or stain varnish. I don't want to paint it.

[JacobZ]

Hi @potteringaround,

Thank you for your question about sealing your MDF bench top.

Outside of painting, you have three main choices. Wax, oil or varnish.

Wax is the lightest of the three which will offer basic protection from liquids and scratches but will need to be reapplied fairly regularly. If you'd like to use wax, I'd suggest a liquid wax such as Gilly's 250ml Liquid Beeswax as they tend to be easier to apply than a pure beeswax or solid wax block. Wax can make the surface sticky, but you can control this by applying it and then lightly sanding the surface.

The next step up is oil. Oil will offer more protection than wax and will last longer, but it will still require reapplication over time. If you use oil, I'd suggest using either danish or scandinavian oil, as they are easy to apply and will offer a good level of protection for the MDF.

Varnish is the top level for protection as it forms a solid coating over the surface of the material. It will prevent liquid penetration, will protect from scratches and will be relatively non-slip. I'd suggest Cabot's Cabothane Clear if you choose to use varnish.

Ultimately, the choice is yours and it will come down to what you value the most. Personally, I think oil is a good medium between wax and varnish, but if you are looking for the best level of protection, varnish is the way to go.

Allow me to tag @Dave-1, @JoeAzza and @TedBear for their thoughts.

Jacob

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @potteringaround 

Mmmm This is a hard one as I am not a huge fan of MDF for anything structual. How well supported is the MDF underneath? I have a real hesitation over using MDF for that level of workshop use. The weight and vibrations I think will cause it to deform resonably easy, espeially with a lathe and drill press. If there are enough cross supports underneath it maybe. 

I have used MDF for shelving at work and it does tend to deform when used as shelving, Also as soon as it gets wet, it starts fraying. With the oil and cutting compound you will have around Id possibly suggest placing on top of the MDF a 3mm thick plywood as a buffer. It wont look as nice but think it would give better protection with the materials you may use.  

Dave

[Noyade]

"This is a hard one as I am not a huge fan of MDF for anything structural."

Ditto that my famous friend!

[potteringaround]

Thanks Dave,

I have similar concerns about the mdf but it came as part of the modular system I purchased, and why I'm keen to get it sealed up asap. Whilst the shed is currently watertight, with my luck, the minute the mdf bench top is installed there will be a freak storm 😆 

I'm resigned to replacing the benchtop in time, but being a modular system that won't be an issue. 

I've got some clear varnish, in reality, probably knew it is the best option but too eager to set it all up and didn't want to wait for coats to dry.

Thanks everyone for your help!

[potteringaround]

Hi Noyade,

MDF definitely was not my first choice, but the best of those on offer.

Thanks for your reply

[potteringaround]

Hi JacobZ,

In reality, I probably knew the best option was to varnish it but too eager to set it all up and didn't want to wait for coats to dry, but alas I know what I'll be doing tomorrow.

Thanks for your help!

[Noyade]

Evening @potteringaround 

Any chance of a full photo of the modular system? Is it not too late to cut and apply thick ply, hardwood, specrite boards, form-ply or such?

Cheers!

[Dave-1]

Evening @potteringaround 

We all start somewhere and excitement over something new.... Well we all know that one! I am in agreeance with @Noyade with "is there and chance of ply or something" even as a thin sheet over it? As long as you get it down before the lathe Those things are heavy. 

Would like to see the setup as well

Dave

[Nailbag]

Hi @potteringaround 

Something you could consider to replace the benchtop that ticks all the boxes as well as being economical, is yellow tongue floorboard. It already comes sealed on one side, strong and durable and would be about the same thickness as the current MDF sheet at 19mm. And then I think it might also rest the minds of @Dave-1 @Noyade and @JacobZ 😁

Oh and it will also handle that freak storm too as its designed to be exposed to the weather for up to 3mths!

Nailbag