Replies

1. 
   HowardAcheson | Jun 08, 2006 04:41am | #1

   Use paint.  Most waterseals are water based.  It's the last thing you want to put on it.

   Howie.........
1. 
   demondriven | Jun 08, 2006 09:54am | #2

   Thanks Howie, I have never been asked tharquestionand to be honest had no reply.

   Thanks

2. 
   hookem | Jun 08, 2006 04:24pm | #3

   Can you put an oil based finish on MDF?  Should you use something like a sanding sealer on MDF?

1. 
   HowardAcheson | Jun 08, 2006 07:06pm | #4

   Paint it just like wood.  It will soak up the first coat but subsequent coats will be just fine.Howie.........

1. 
   hookem | Jun 08, 2006 07:52pm | #5

   I am sorry I probably hijacked this thread and was unclear with my question.  Do you know how well MDF will take a clear oil finish?  I am building the workbench that was highlighted on this site a few weeks ago that is built out of gluing several pieces of 3/4 inch hardwood plywood for the legs and using 3/4 MDF laminated to 3/4 hardwood ply for the top.  I was just trying to figure out how to finish the MDF.

    

   Thanks.wm

1. 
   HowardAcheson | Jun 08, 2006 11:56pm | #6

   Oil based paint is just varnish with pigments added to it.  You can use and oil clear coat just as you would paint.  If you plan to use an oil based poly varnish, do not use a sanding sealer.  Poly does not stick to many sanding sealers.Howie.........

2. 
   hookem | Jun 09, 2006 04:27pm | #7

   That's what I needed to know....Thanks!

3. 
   frogg2 | Jun 09, 2006 08:47pm | #8

   I saw a show on DIY network and the guy was building a torsion box with a top made out of MDF.  Here's the link  http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/shows_wwk/episode/0,2046,DIY_14350_26946,00.html

   He used tung oil to finish it.

4. 
   hookem | Jun 09, 2006 11:59pm | #9

   good stuff...thanks!

5. 
   HowardAcheson | Jun 10, 2006 09:23pm | #10

   Just a note, the "tung oil finish" used on the DIY show is not real pure tung oil.  It's one of the faux "Tung Oil Finishes" like Minwax Tung Oil Finish.  These finishes are called oil/varnishes in that they contain oil and varnish.  There is no real tung oil in them at all.  However, they are a better finish than pure tung oil in that they are more water resistant, more durable and more protective.

   Pure, 100% tung oil has virtually no water or watervapor resistance and provides no abrasion protection.Howie.........