work table finish

Re: work table finish

Bill Tindall, E.Tn.

I cover my similar bench with 1/8" Masonite and throw it away every few years.

Oil based porch paint is the most durable coating I know of but it takes days to fully cure. Oil urethane varnish will be good also.

Re: work table finish

Dick Coers

I’d suggest 1/4” melamine, or thinner waterproof panels from the box stores. I think Menards calls theirs, plas-Tex. Around $30 and really tough.

the problem with Melamine

Bill Tindall, E.Tn.

If what you put on the bench does not transmit moisture your bench will cup as one side changes moisture and the other doesn't. It was for this reason I suggested 1/8" Masonite or some sort of inexpensive underlayment plywood. I have used Masonite for years after having bench cup from melamine. I will go to lighter color plywood underlayment next to get a lighter color.

porch paint

Jack Guzman from Maine

I like the idea of porch paint. I'll do it in the spring when I can paint it outdoors.

Re: the problem with Melamine

Don Stephan

Another issue with 1/4" melamine, at least what I was able to buy here in Cincinnati years ago, was that the coating was not the same durable surface that was on 1/2" and 3/4" sheets, but something the distributor called "foil" which was not as durable.

Re: work table finish

Clint Searl

Varathane waterborne floor finish. It's bulletproof.

Re: work table finish

Jack Guzman from Maine

Thanks. That's what I'll do over the milk paint.

Re: work table finish

Barry Irby

I used Varithane Urethane on some steps. The Version that is not water borne, whatever that is. Mineral spirits for cleanup. It has Aluminum Oxide in it to enhance wear. Fabulous floor finish. The grit in it might be good on a workbench to keep the surface from being slick. Unless slick is a good thing.

Re: work table finish

Pete in Holland MI

Formica or a similar laminate. I have source for used commercial office work surfaces and love them. I make my work tables from them. They're tough. Most spilled paint/varnish/glue comes off with a scraper. Else, a little solvent doesn't touch the stuff. Check various sources for just the sheet stock and properly glue it to your surface. Deals can be had with out of date colors. It doesn't look "old world", but is very durable. It also doesn't transfer to a project, as paint or oil would.

Pete

White tile board

JL

Home Depot has white tile board in either acrylic or PVC.

I've used them on a couple of my benches.

When I made my wall benches, the glue up surface and the sharpening bench has the white tile board.

The other benches have 1/4" masonite finished w/ polyurethane.