Refinishing Particle Board -

[RetroJames]

So, I am working on this old Off-Road cabinet made of particle board.  Did some sanding over the weekend and am pretty happy with the results.  Here are my two questions.

1. On the edges, where the t-molding goes, there was a little water damage.  I have sanded it down so the surface once again terminates at the t-molding.  WHat I noticed is that in some places, if you squeeze the edges, they compress and expand a hair.  I am wondering if there is some type of epoxy or goop that I can paint on the "endgrain" of the particle board to seal it and tighten it up.  Hold what I have so to speak.  It would need to be a pretty thin application as I do not want to gunk up the t-molding slot.


2. As far as finishing the sides, I would like to paint as I have a plan for the artwork involving stencils and an airbrush.  What I need is something I can apply as a base-coat or primer that will act as a sealer and "leveler."  Leveler meaning the "primer" would be sandable allowing me to smooth out the imperfections etc in the particle board.  Also, I think it would help if it "sealed" the area so that when I am adding various coats of water based paint or otherwise, the paint will adhere to the sides without "soaking" into the particle board and causing further swelling.

Thanks! - 1HSC

[paigeoliver]

In the past I have had good luck using automotive primer/filler on weird surfaces. Not the 99 cent stuff, but the stuff in the $5 can with the fan nozzle on it. Sorry I can't give a good description, but I haven't used the stuff in years.

Also, it may be cheaper and easier to just replace the sides. Building an entire cabinet might be expensive and time consuming, but replacing the sides might be easier an cheaper than trying to get the original ones up to snuff.

[RetroJames]

In the past I have had good luck using automotive primer/filler on weird surfaces. Not the 99 cent stuff, but the stuff in the $5 can with the fan nozzle on it. Sorry I can't give a good description, but I haven't used the stuff in years.

Also, it may be cheaper and easier to just replace the sides. Building an entire cabinet might be expensive and time consuming, but replacing the sides might be easier an cheaper than trying to get the original ones up to snuff.

Thanks, I will look for something like that.  I think I will be good with the cab without replacing the sides.  It really is not that bad, just want to tighten it up.  Plus my cp design is the real star of this show, the cab is just there to hold it.  Later I can replace the cab.