I just finished building a workbench (my first real woodworker’s bench!)& I was wondering what finish I should use for the top. It is MDF. The legs/stretchers are pine. Thanks.
Discussion Forum
Get It All!
UNLIMITED Membership is like taking a master class in woodworking for less than $10 a month.
Start Your Free TrialCategories
Discussion Forum
Digital Plans Library
Member exclusive! – Plans for everyone – from beginners to experts – right at your fingertips.
Highlights
-
Shape Your Skills
when you sign up for our emails
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. -
Shop Talk Live Podcast
-
Our favorite articles and videos
-
E-Learning Courses from Fine Woodworking
-
-
Replies
Personally, I don't finish
Personally, I don't finish work benches, but if you must I recommend an oil/varnish mix. NO FILM FINISH.
Some recommend a oil/wax mix. Personally again, I vote strongly against wax. Wax makes things slide, and I clamp things to the bench to work on them, I don't want them to slide.
I will vote for the wax/oil combination. Linseed oil, parafin or beeswax, plus mineral spirits works great. Glue can be popped off easily and it can be reapplied from time to time as needed 9- if needed. Mine is done this way on sugar maple.
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled