Painting ...

[PedroSilva]

Hi guys,

I'm sorry if it has been answered before, but I've searched and searched and haven't found nothing on it, so here it goes:

I'm starting the painting of my cabinet. I'll apply two layers of primary and another two of ink.
I've dusted, blowed and clean with dry cloth and there's always th f***** dust ...  

Since I've read someware that no water should be aplied to MDF, how did you guys clean it ? Is there a liquid replacement for water that is safe to use for cleaning mdf ?

Thanks,

[Hammerbot]

You can use a damp cloth for cleaning MDF. It isn't nearly as sensitive to moisture as I have read.

I bought a sheet at lunch a couple months ago. I was in my office for about a hour when someone said "Boy, it is really coming down."

"What?"

The surface was totally soaked. I brought it inside, wiped it off and let it dry. I haven't had any problems. I even did some glue up testing on it to make sure it was as strong as a sheet that didn't get rained on. No problems.

Wipe it down, but don't soak it in a bucket.

[PedroSilva]

Hi,

Great ... thanks a lot.

I was kinda unbeliever because I had a piece of MDF 3/4 for about 3 years in my garage, which has a lot of humidity and it seams in perfect conditions ... I've even used some of it on the control panel ...
In fact, the only diference betweebn this piece and the new sheets was the color ... kinda lighter then the new one ...

Thanks again,

[TalkingOctopus]

I just used a brush and cloth to clean the MDF.  That got rid of all of the dust on the surface.

[PedroSilva]

I've tried that, but I use a wood "cream" to cover the bolt holes ... and ... since you have to sand it, it leaves a so thin coat of dust ... but so thin ... that that isn

[tiggertoo]

Just a note:

If you're worried about moisture, then use tack cloth. I use it whenever I stain and polyurethane wood. It's sticky, so it picks up your dust just by wiping across the surface and it leaves no residue (except on your hands).

You should be able to get it at your local home supply store. (I have Menard's, which rules, and Home Depot). It's only about 49 cents a pack.

But, then, if I'm out of tack cloth, I use a damp cloth.

[STL_Steve]

yes, damp cloth works fine for this, damp.. not soaking wet.  Just wring that cloth good, and then wipe the surface.  It's a good idea to do this anytime after sanding a paint, polyurethane or even bare wood surface to pick up those fine dust particles.

[PedroSilva]

Just a note:

If you're worried about moisture, then use tack cloth. I use it whenever I stain and polyurethane wood. It's sticky, so it picks up your dust just by wiping across the surface and it leaves no residue (except on your hands).

You should be able to get it at your local home supply store. (I have Menard's, which rules, and Home Depot). It's only about 49 cents a pack.

But, then, if I'm out of tack cloth, I use a damp cloth.

Never heard of that ...
I'll try to find it, because that should in deed, be the best solution.
Other thing is that you have to let de MDF really dry completly or you migth risk to have a coat of primer that will not stick very weel.
By the way, after each coat you should sligtly sand. How do you clean that dust ? I believe that in that cleaning you should'nt really use any water what so ever.

[STL_Steve]

Tack cloths are ok, I have used them, but to me, nothing picks up dust better than a damp cloth.  And absolutely do it after each light sanding, this is when its the most important.  Just because there is water involved doesn't mean its going to destroy the surface or cause issues with paint adhering.  You can light sand, use a damp cloth to wipe it down, and paint in 5 minutes.   Were not talking a soaking rag here, just take a cotton cloth and get it damp, then just wring its neck until all the water is squeezed out.  You can then use that to wipe down your lightly sanded surface and it will pick up any traces of dust.  

I have used this for years on wood finishes, from floors to desks, to my cabinet (which is MDF) and it works great.
 

[PedroSilva]

Tack cloths are ok, I have used them, but to me, nothing picks up dust better than a damp cloth.  And absolutely do it after each light sanding, this is when its the most important.  Just because there is water involved doesn't mean its going to destroy the surface or cause issues with paint adhering.  You can light sand, use a damp cloth to wipe it down, and paint in 5 minutes.   Were not talking a soaking rag here, just take a cotton cloth and get it damp, then just wring its neck until all the water is squeezed out.  You can then use that to wipe down your lightly sanded surface and it will pick up any traces of dust.  

I have used this for years on wood finishes, from floors to desks, to my cabinet (which is MDF) and it works great.
 

Great ... you guys have answer alll my doubts ...

Thanks.