finishing on MDF

[Chris]

I'm making a couple of racks for my vinyl out of MDF and I stained them ebony. I put on two coats of the stain and they look great, but now the stain rubs off a bit when I pick the cases up and I'm afraid the same will happen when I slide my vinyl in and out of the cases. What would you guys suggest? I was thinking of applying a spray on poly, but any other suggestions are welcome. I'm primarily concerned about the stain rubbing off, less so than I am about long term wear and tear protection on the case. Thanks a bunch, Chris

[Woodcrafter]

I'd probably try the poly route. I haven't used MDF a lot, and when I have, its always been a painted finish, but it sounds like you need some kind of clear protective layer, and poly comes to mind first to me also. There may be better suggestions to come...

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Dean Bielanowski Editor, Online Tool Reviews

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[Andy Dingley]

I use a matt black blackboard paint (very hardwearing) and then wax over the top to put a shine on it.

[mac davis]

Chris.. I think I'd at least rub the hell out of the stain with a rag first... Seems like if the stain is rubbing off, it's either not drying or just flaky, and in either case not good to topcoat..

You might try some Minwax rubbing poly... worst case is that you'd rub it black and it would harden and seal.. might be an interesting effect, black poly..