To prime or not to prime...that is the question

[cbmeeks]

My first instincts tell me to prime my MDF cabinet.

However, several of my buddies who have done a lot of painting said that it wouldn't be needed for something like a cabinet.  I went to Walmart and they have a paint (forgot the brand) that "guarantees one coat" and the guy there said that primer isn't needed with it.

I am on a major budget and would like to not prime if not needed.

Opinions?

Thanks

cb

[Hoagie_one]

MDF soaks up paint.  I'd prime

[zaphod]

Primer is a lot cheaper than paint.  Prime it first otherwise your first coat (or two) of paint will act as primer.

[bionicbadger]

No question, definately prime.  With decent primer you can get away with only one coat of paint (though I would recommend at least 2).

[PedroSilva]

... prime at paint with with waterbased primer and ink ... and if possible do it with a gun ...  


It really looks good ...

Here ... see for yourself ...
http://www.arcadecontrols.org/yabbse/index.php?board=10;action=display;threadid=13087;start=0

[greywolf22]

Yup in complete agreement, with both the Prime and the gun  

[cbmeeks]

I don't have access to a gun but I will probably prime.  :-)

[fredster]

vote prime.

Walmart makes a spray can for  $0.94 that works okay.  Take at least 5 of them. Sand it with a 300 grit paper before you put your final coat.  It saves the good paint you don't have to use as much of it, and it costs a lot more.

[REBIRTH]

PRIME!!!  Not only does the resulting paint job look much better, and with less coats of paint - but the primer will also help keep out moisture.  This is important if you have your cabinet in a basement or something like that.  

Primer on wallboard/walls is great for hiding old paint and making the new paint nicer looking - but I feel it is even more necessary on something like MDF or wood.

[DennisInMN]

I'm planning on priming/painting my cab this weekend.  Would you suggest multiple coats of primer/paint or would one coat of primer with a couple coats of paint do the trick?

[chipsdad]

Prime.  1 coat of latex based Kills or Zap.  More than one coat of primer is a waste.  Primer is used to fill in minor imperfections and prove a clean "grip" for the topcoats.

[krick]

They make a special primer just for MDF.  It seals the wood and makes it more water resistant.  It comes in a can and you put it on with a roller.

[MonitorGuru]

PRIME PRIME PRIME.

And don't use Latex primer.  Use oil based.  It'll help protect the MDF from swelling from water in latex and adheres better.

And yes, you can then use EITHER Latex or Oil based final coats. You cannot put oil over latex primer however.

Best deal.. a gallon of original KILZ at Home Depot is about $7 IIRC.  Will last for more than 1 cabinet and be a lot cheaper than multiple spray cans.

And sand it well between coats, and always wear a mask sanding.  You will make for a great base coat.  

MDF sucks up so much that you may want to do two coats of primer.   Have them tint it closer to your final color too if you want fewer final coats.