Reloading bench finish

[recce]

The finish on mine got to the point that it needs to be re-done so it's being sanded and holes filled in. I was thinking of polyurethane because it also doubles as a workbench and needs to have some solvent resistance for small spills or splashes that are wiped immediately.

Any recommendations based on what you have used? Thanks.

 

[JohnnyPython]

Spar varnish.

 

[recce]

Spar varnish.

Are you thinning it to apply? How many coats did you use?
Thanks

 

[JohnnyPython]

Are you thinning it to apply? How many coats did you use?
Thanks

Did not thin but you can depending on word.

3-4 coats with a light wet sand in between.

 

[recce]

Thanks again.

 

[DiMP]

Granted, mine is only used for reloading, so I don't need solvent resistance. I covered mine with 1/4" thick MDF; my local home hardware carries a 2' x 4' piece that fits perfectly for $16. When it gets soiled or dented, I just put a new piece on top. Nice clean, smooth finish. Easy to sweep up powder spills

h ttps://www.homehardware.ca/en/2-x-4-x-14-6-mm-mdf-panel/p/2813244

 

[Bassmaster]

Granted, mine is only used for reloading, so I don't need solvent resistance. I covered mine with 1/4" thick MDF; my local home hardware carries a 2' x 4' piece that fits perfectly for $16. When it gets soiled or dented, I just put a new piece on top. Nice clean, smooth finish. Easy to sweep up powder spills

h ttps://www.homehardware.ca/en/2-x-4-x-14-6-mm-mdf-panel/p/2813244

Great idea

 

[recce]

Granted, mine is only used for reloading, so I don't need solvent resistance. I covered mine with 1/4" thick MDF; my local home hardware carries a 2' x 4' piece that fits perfectly for $16. When it gets soiled or dented, I just put a new piece on top. Nice clean, smooth finish. Easy to sweep up powder spills

h ttps://www.homehardware.ca/en/2-x-4-x-14-6-mm-mdf-panel/p/2813244

I was thinking about something like that too. I was thinking of getting a piece of 1/4 ply or hard board just to cover the top when doing something with solvents.

 

[Munkey1973]

Formica.

Durable, potentially inexpensive, easy to DIY, and many to choose from. Mine has stood up to every solvent I've used (vingar, Isopropyl, paint thinner, acetone, butch's bore solvent, wipout, carbout). In fact I clean it with Acetone.

 

[DBeato]

mine is painted white. Re paint as needed. Also put a small 1/4 inch trim around the edges, catches powder and primer spills and the white let's my bad eyes see what's going on.

 

[J10archer]

If Polly is what you have on hand. Have experience with it. It's hard to beat. A little more money and you could pour epoxy. Epoxy is the most durable.

 

[Butcherbill]

mine is painted white. Re paint as needed. Also put a small 1/4 inch trim around the edges, catches powder and primer spills and the white let's my bad eyes see what's going on.

Same, I painted it white with a gloss white I have been painting trim and kitchen cupboards with for years. Very durable and easy to sand and recoat if needed.

 

[recce]

mine is painted white. Re paint as needed. Also put a small 1/4 inch trim around the edges, catches powder and primer spills and the white let's my bad eyes see what's going on.

I ended up going with poly.

I'm making a skirt to go on the back and half way on the sides for the same reason as you.

 

[Hitzy]

mine is painted white. Re paint as needed. Also put a small 1/4 inch trim around the edges, catches powder and primer spills and the white let's my bad eyes see what's going on.

I painted mine too, used Tremclad oil based rust paint, nothing seems to affect it, pretty solid stuff.

 

[trailskinpat]

I have always wrapped my work benches in galvanized steel sheet metal. Take my bench measurements to the local sheet metal shop and have them cut and bend it to suit. Not much more expensive than painting , no maintenance required.