Vinyl wrap on mdf

[ron310]

I was thinking of using vinyl wrap for my bartop which is mdf.
I was wondering if I should prime the mdf before wrapping it, or is it ok to just place it over the bare mdf.
If I do need to prime, do I use oil based?
Thanks!

[Typefighter01]

100% prime it and I would suggest oil. Probably wouldn't hurt to throw a coat of gloss white (oil based also) over the primer as a gloss surface will provide better adhesion for adhesive vinyl compared to a matte or satin finish. Pianting it white will also, depending on the thickness of your vinyl, help your colours look brighter. A dark or black under coat might dull some of your lighter shades.

Be careful though, if your vinyl wrap isn't very thick, depending on how you apply the paint, you might see brush strokes or roller bumps transfer through the vinyl giving your surface a "cheap" look to it. If you really want to be safe, lay down the primer with a roller and once fully cured, knock down the peaks with some 320 grit sand paper, maybe 400, then paint your top coat with a spray can. This way you will have a perfect surface for your vinyl.

Good luck...

[kiwasabi]

I was thinking of using vinyl wrap for my bartop which is mdf.
I was wondering if I should prime the mdf before wrapping it, or is it ok to just place it over the bare mdf.
If I do need to prime, do I use oil based?
Thanks!

I don't think it needs to be primed first. You're basically just wrapping the whole thing in one giant sticker. You want a good, coarse surface for it to stick to, not something smooth. A word to the wise though, vinyl wrap is a total pain in the ass from my experience. It's very tough to get the stuff on without getting little bubbles and creases in it (although a heat gun might help that). A friend vinyl wrapped me full-size machine, it took 8 hours, and it was far from perfect. With a smaller (and hopefully simpler) cabinet it won't be as bad.

[Typefighter01]

RidicRick from ArcadeSkins did answer the same question on Hyperspin-Fe, and he stated just to wipe the MDF with isopropyl alcohol and let dry, he said it just depended on the vinyl. Take a small piece if available and test it on a scrap piece.

I still stand behind my suggestion, but Rick is the expert.

[PL1]

I've had good luck using Parts Express woodgrain vinyl on bare MDF for modular panels.

For best vinyl application practices, watch and heed the videos in the Rikitiki Sideart sticky located here.

A 4" vinyl squeegee like this really helps.



Scott

[RandyT]

You do not want a coarse surface for PSA backed material.  Think of a surface as a microscopic mountainscape.  The coarser the surface, the greater the difference between peaks and valleys.  The greater this difference, the less adhesion you will have, as the adhesive will only be sticking to the peaks or whatever portion in can conform to.  The smooth, unsanded surface of the MDF would actually be better than a coarse sanding.

Seal it, fine sand until smooth, wipe down well with a tack cloth and apply the vinyl.   

[ron310]

Thanks for the advice 👍
I'm going to prime it, sand it, and then decide. Either way, i'll post pics when it's done.

[kiwasabi]

Randy's analogy is solid, I hadn't thought of it that way. A smooth surface would reduce the number of possible bubbles as well it seems. Sorry to give bad advice...although my main advice is vinyl wrapping an entire cabinet kinda sucks!