I'm just getting into reloading, got a press, piecing together all the tools and equipment I need slowly. I'm building a dedicated work bench for the job. It's good and solid, has levelers, the top surface is smooth but not 100% flat. I want to protect the wood so two options I'm considering are:

-Polyurethane over most surfaces, including the top, but pretty light.

-Liquid Glass epoxy rather thick on just the top in order to get it 100% flat.

Any thoughts on those clearcoats? Has anyone used these for their bench? Will either hold up to strictly reloading use?

Thanks!

I use coffee and spilled smokeless powder and touch up with break free and brake cleen splatter.
I guess a replaceable layer of plywood might work also.
T

I used this method as well

I have a similar table to yours . Sheet of 3/4 " plywood and a coat of polyurethane on top . Works well to clean up spilled powder and such.

I put seven layers of poly on mine. Works great.

I like mine smooth (cracks can let screws etc. pass through).

A sheet of MDO or MDF as an overlay will make smooth and add thickness. Thickness is a good thing when adding a vise or reloading press... even two layers of MDO or MDF is not a bad thing. In a decade or two if wear is extra severe... add another layer and tada... new surface.

Best of luck in the project.

If it helps, 10 layers of marine grade urethane are pretty good. 0000 steel wool between layers. I wouldn't use dimensional lumber but a piece of plywood. Put shims on the back legs of the table so small things don't roll off the back or put a outlet strip like this http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Benc...&ajaxhist=0

For use in a moisture rich environment, I'd suggest the following:
1) shellac ALL parts (just a nice base coat to put any finish over)
2) one or two light coat System 3 epoxy (available at woodcraft in JANAF) just to stabilize the wood.
3) two coats of General Finishes Enduro Var exterior grade poly, very light sanding between coats. I like the exterior grade just because I'm anal retentive and think its more durable on benches.

If your bench will be in a climate controlled area, skip the epoxy. I'm in Norfolk and always willing to give a reloader or woodworker a hand.

I like this product for the top. Have used it many times with great results.

ULTRA Clear Epoxy

Shoot the bench down with Linex.