DIYbanter - View Single Post

On 29 Dec 2005 10:26:14 -0800, wrote:

Thanks for the reply,

I did not make the top myself, but it is called "engineered wood".. is
that another word for MDF? It is a rather smooth finish.
I use Minwax Helmsman Urethane Spar Varnish to coat the tops of my
work benches. I specifically use the clear gloss and sand with 220,
first coat, 320 second coat and 400 or 600 for the third and any
successive coats required to have a hard shiny surface that is very
durable and resists UV damage from exposure to the sun effectively as
well.

Sometimes I use a thinned wash coat that is thinned 30 percent to
allow for the first coat to penetrate the raw unfinished mdf, it seems
like it makes the whole top stronger and resistant to chipping if a
hand tool accidentally gets dropped on the surface. If the surface
gets scratched up over time you just lightly sand it with 220 grit on
a orbital or a jitterbug sander, wipe down with rag wet with mineral
spirits, let dry and coat it again using the process above one or two
coats will make it look new. The urethane spar varnish I use drys
pretty fast so you need to flow it on fast with a fine brush or a foam
pad or else it will leave brush marks if you don't hurry fast enough.
regards, Joe.