Covering a mdf cabinet in vinyl laminete. Need a little advise.

[rlemmon]

Hi guys. I'm planning a ms pac man replica cabaret cabinet. I'm going to cover the sides and from panel in vinyl laminate from parts express.

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=261-620

I'm guessing I should make sure the cab is free of any dust and dirt then go ahead and apply the vinyl. Should i prime it first? I'm thinking that the vinyl would stick well to the bare mdf without any primer. Or do you think I should spray on the 3m adhesive then apply the vinyl to the bare mdf with the glue sprayed on it?

Thanks guys!

[orchidius]

Primer is certainly not needed as its purpose is to help PAINT stick to the wood better, has nothing to do with the adhesive powers of the glue on the laminate .

Using 3M to spray the surface you're laminating is something some people choose to do, and they get good results as far as I've read. So if you want to be sāfe, go for 3M, but under normal circumstances the laminate shouldn't need that either 

[shrunkenmaster]

Is it self-adhesive vinyl? From experience (and from several other threads) I can tell you that self-adhesive vinyl does not adhere well to bare MDF. The glue needs a smooth non-porous surface - you might think bare MDF from the shop is smooth, but it's anything but. I would suggest a primer first, then some good old sanding to get a proper smooth base before applying.