protecting a new MFT top

[HowardH]

I just finished creating an oversized MFT top out of MDF.  In the past, I used to apply a coat or two of paste wax as a protector to keep glue from sticking to it.  Is there anything else I should be considering like applying a coat of lacquer sealer first or maybe wipe on poly?  What works best for you? 

 

[Adamsse]

Based on some suggestions I saw, I applied a couple of coats of dewaxed shellac on my two MFT tops, being careful not to let it get down the holes.  I’ve been happy with that.

 

[HowardH]

did that prevent glue from sticking to it?

 

[Adamsse]

While I am not in the habit to let glue dry completely on my primary 2-MFT set up, I have been able to scrape it up easily after glue-up is complete. I consider my MFTs a working surface so don’t expect a flawless result. But again, I’ve been happy with what the pre-waxed shellac does.  If I spill something unexpectedly, it’s much better than before I put the shellac on.

If I have a really sloppy glue-up, I place a combination of one to four 2’x4’ 1/2” plywood sections on sawhorses that have 3 coats of dewaxed shellac on each side of them.  I used the LR32 system to drill 20mm holes at 96mm intervals on them so I can use Festool clamps where I need them.  When I’m done, I scrape up the glue, and the sections and sawhorses easily fit in a small corner of my garage.

 

[James Carriere]

I've done 3 to 4 coats of tung oil and have been happy with that.  Easy to apply and glue pops off easily after it's dry if you missed it previously.

 

[mattgam]

Being a "if it goes in my shop slap some Osmo on it" guy I've recently discovered it really does a nice job sealing up MDF.  Now with that said shellac+pastewax costs next to nothing and works like a charm as well. 

 

[Mini Me]

I'm a hit it with a hammer and move on type, it is a work surface after all and it will suffer damage so I may as well start with the first damage.

 

[TXFIVEO]

I’ve used Seal Coat and Osmo with excellent results.  While it is a work surface I still like to take care of my stuff.