Finishing MatchFit Dovetail Grids

Once your MatchFit Dovetail Grid table or sled is cut, you want to think about finish. Sealing the plywood or MDF will help minimize warping, keep glue from sticking and help the clamps and Dovetail Hardware slide more smoothly in the grooves. You want to protect the surface, but you do not want it too smooth. We have found that a certain amount of friction is needed between the part being clamped and the dovetail worktop to prevent movement under the clamps.

You can apply a light topcoat like shellac or sanding sealer if you wish. On top of that, or even instead, we use paste wax. Apply a coat to the top of all the squares of your dovetail grid pattern using a rag. Wipe it down to remove excess. The paste wax will help seal the MDF or plywood, but it is also very good at preventing glue from sticking should any drip onto your clamping table. Renew the paste wax every few months or more often if you use the system a lot.

It is a good idea to apply wax to the inside of the grooves as well. This can take some time. A small disposable ‘flux brush’ can be used to reach the angled sides of the 1/2", 14-degree dovetail grooves, but applying paste wax to the head of your clamps before you slide them in place when working will get the grooves well coated in short order. Do the same with any hardware you use as well. This will have everything sliding smoothly within your dovetail slots and make any wax that gets in the grooves easy to remove.

Pro Tip: When sliding your MatchFit clamps or hardware in the dovetail grooves, hold them upright to keep them from binding. This is easier with the clamps than the Track Screws. Get in the habit of holding the knobs straight as you slide them. It is a bit of a technique but you will see the result right away.

Whether you use a topcoat or not, paste wax is an inexpensive and easy to apply protective finish that will help keep glue from ruining your hard work while helping your dovetail hardware and clamps moving smoothly in their grooves.