Question: Painting My Cabinet

[wakerlet]

Hello all,

I'm almost through with my first MAME project and I have one last question.

What type of black paint should I use?  

The cabinet is a former Centipede cabinet that was converted to Big Event Golf.  The sides are now laminated solid green (yuck!).  Should I just spray paint the sides or use a roller?  Use flat, gloss, semi-gloss, eggshell?

Anyone willing to post some examples of their finished project?

Thanks,
Todd

[Minwah]

I would say most people use a roller.  Personally I am going to roll on some 'satin' finish paint (kindof matt with a smooth finish, probably the same as what you call 'eggshell').

Some people use gloss, but I would probably stay away from matt/flat since it doesn't tend to wear very well.

Edit: I have limited experience with this, and my cabinet is not finished so probably a good idea to wait for other peoples opinions!  

[DeathMonk]

I used a high quality semi-gloss applied with a medium nap roller.   Looks great!

ps - I also primed it first!

[bioart]

I'm thinking of painting mine.  I'm building it out of 5/8" particle board.  I would assume primming would be a good idea...

I figure if the paint doesn't look that good, I can always attach formica panels to the main areas later. (and/or side-art once I decide on a logo)

Art

[Jabba]

I am in the same stage of the build as you. Ready to paint the cab. Over the last few weeks I have been experimenting with the control (mobile) panel. Here are my results:

1. I used Primer as the first coat. Make sure the Primer is all purpose and can be applied to MDF. The wrong primer will ruin your CAB! (pour some water on a scrap piece and wait overnight to see what I mean.

2. I used Foam brushes (both roller and brush style). Very smooth finish with no lines. I Just threw them away when done after each coat (I am using melamine), live in the country on a septic system, and cannot use solvents to clean up brushes...

3. I tried a latex flat black. I hated it. I found it to mark and scratched very easily. Clean up is easy through

[FractalWalk]

I'm building it out of 5/8" particle board.  I would assume primming would be a good idea...

If you are using particle board as opposed to MDF, I would suggest not painting it. It won't look good. MDF takes paint well, but particle board is very rough and will have an ugly texture unless you apply lots and lots of filler.

Go with laminate instead of paint.

[Stingray]

I painted mine with automotive enamel. First it got two coats of primer, then another two coats of gloss black with a healthy dose of hardener tossed in. The paint was applied with an air powered paint sprayer.



-S

[mahuti]

1. Buy some kind of spray ENAMEL primer. Some people use rustoleum, or other automotive brands. Apply very light coats about 1-2 feet away. Enamel takes a long time to dry. So give it the recommended time to dry (the time on the can). Spray enamel primer gives the base a very smooth thick coat. You will see glaring mistakes (if you've made any) Now is the time to fix them. Apply 2-3 coats of primer. Do not sand between or after coats

2. Buy a smooth or very smooth foam roller (smooth nap works OK but leaves more texture) Use black Enamel paint. Again, automotive paint works fine. Don't use a spray can for the finish. ABSOLUTELY do NOT use latex. Latex dissolves in water, it tears, melts, scratches easier than enamel. Apply one full coat of the black enamel. Allow 24-48 hours to dry in a normal room temperature environment for the paint to cure correctly between coats. You may want to do a light hand sanding between coats. Apply up to 3 coats. If you apply too many coats, it will be more prone to chipping. After you do the last coat allow a few days to cure, then do a light buffing if you want, or better yet, just leave well enough alone, and be finished.

http://homepage.mac.com/mahuti/altcab/PhotoAlbum37.html