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Melamine
_Iz-:
Make sure you sand the melamine with some rough (80?) grit sandpaper before you try applying the laminate over it. All sheen should be removed but you don't have to sand right thru it down to the original board. A belt sander can really help make short work of it. If you have to do it by hand you're gonna need a few breaks... ;)
MameFan:
> Plywood or OSB are the strongest. (OSB is Oriented Strand Board).
OSB? Seriously? That's the thin roofing material (sometimes siding as well) that is VERY easy to break thru by pressing against it. It's also NOT very good to paint as it's very uneven.
Comparing 3/4" plywood and 3/4" MDF and 3/4" particle board, the best is MDF, then Plywood, then Particle board.
MDF is highly/easily paintable. Particle board needs a good couple primer coats sanded many times, same with plywood unless you want the grain to show thru.
I just built a bookcase out of MDF (9.5" deep x 31" shelves) and it's a lot stronger than plywood is in a shallow depth. Larger sheets and Plywood is as sturdy.
Ledbetter:
3/4" OSB is actually comparable to plywood in strength, but I agree it's unusable for a cabinet. Not only is it too uneven, you would also have to deal with the formaldehyde smell.
Does anyone know if Melamine or laminate be painted? (like painting on side art?) Would you have to try and sand a rough surface on the part you were painting or is there a type of paint that can just be painted on the smooth surface and still hold up?
Also, If you decide to paint your cab insted of use laminate, take a look a MDO signboard. Its plywood with a smooth paper overlay. Probably what I will use if laminate can't be reliably painted.
u_rebelscum:
--- Quote from: MameFan on March 22, 2003, 08:37:45 pm ---> Plywood or OSB are the strongest. (OSB is Oriented Strand Board).
OSB? Seriously?
--- End quote ---
Seriously. I've seen them come in 1/8" up to 1" thick. 3/4" OSB has the same strength rating as 3/4" plywood. Plywood is a little stronger than OSB if it (plywood) doesn't have knots, weaker if it has a lot of knots.
--- Quote ---That's the thin roofing material (sometimes siding as well) that is VERY easy to break thru by pressing against it. It's also NOT very good to paint as it's very uneven.
--- End quote ---
I'm not sure about the roofing material you mention (SheetRock, maybe?). But, yah, OSB isn't very smooth. Laminating it might work.
bionicbadger:
--- Quote from: shmokes on March 22, 2003, 12:13:39 pm ---Well, I thought that 1up's idea of using black melamine for a cabinet was great, but there's a problem:
NOBODY CARRIES IT!!!
--- End quote ---
Hmmm, odd.
I live in Edmonton, AB, Canada, and I know that at least 2 of the Home Depot stores in my city stock 5/8" black melamine (the only size black melamine they carry).