Main > Main Forum
Should I sand my cabinet?
Justin:
OK, I have decided to use a rotary heavy duty sander, which I borrowed from my neighbour. A 100 Grit didn't do the job, but a 60 Grit worked wonders. I managed to completely remove the thick layer of paint from one side in about 45 minutes. I think the key is to not apply too much pressure, or you risk ending up with an uneven surface. So I went gently and everything looks good, although I can feel some *extremely mild* bumps, and uneven surface. This is what happens when you use a rotary sander! But it's nothing serious really.
I now plan to use a block sander to even this out by hand, and then smooth the surface further (100-200 Grit)
What to do after? No idea! Some people mention using a primer before painitng, so knowing that is my next step I have a few questions:
-Is primer necessary?
-What brand/type to use?
-How to apply it?
-Should I sand after applying primer?
The effect I want is that of an extremely smooth surface... I don't want any texture on the sides. I also plan to paint it white.
Thanks so much for your help. (BTW, where has the 'finishing' page gone? I think I'm asking questions that might all be covered under that disappeared section)
-J
kspiff:
Prime it (sanding between coats, probably 2 coats), and paint it (maybe sand after first coat, probably use 2-3 coats). I also highly recommend Polycrylic spray for a tough, less chippy/sticky final coating (gives you more of a texture, though).
It's my understanding that when you prime, the wood is sealed so that no sap can bleed out.. it also prevents the wood from sopping up your paint and lets you get the smoothest, most even surface possible before painting. I use oil-based Kilz spray primer.. it seals and primes, but if you don't plan on sanding at least once before moving on to paint then I would pick something in latex-based.
Didn't somebody paint over their particle board cab with Rustoleum, too? Did that work out OK? ???
If you plan on using non-spray paint, use the lightest knap roller you can and apply multiple coats. This will definitely leave some sort of texture without sanding, though.
<drool>.. dedicated Centipede.. I can't wait to see this when you finish, esp. if you put repro sideart or stencil Centipede art back on..
Justin:
OK, I bought Kilz-2 exterior/interior water based primer (white tinted). The guy at home depot told me this was one of the thickest primers he had, and I thought this was appropriate to level out the sides of the cab (which is mildly uneven in certain areas.
I also got the smoothest roller they had ($8). but might use this only for the paint. What should I use for the primer? Also a fine roller?
I hope this works out well. I will be sanding and priming both sides over the weekend and post results.
-J
GodSin:
thanks for the tips too guys
helping me out alot, even though I cant afford to get sand paper tell pay day (I'm broke)
been scraping off the side art to my cab whith a chizzle
after scraping off one layer (TMNT Turtles in Time ... was in really bad shape) only to find that my cab was originally a Kick and Run arcade :)
this is so going to be worth all the time its taking me to scrape this stuff off once the project is done :)
anyway I just took a break (been scraping the one side for about 4 hours now and well I still got alot left (not even done one side yet) )
this site kicks ass:P
kspiff:
Yeah, I would just use a fine roller for the primer, too, but it's not as critical since you'll probably want to sand it when you're done. Medium and heavy knap rollers tend to just leave blotches and coat less evenly, unless you're really good and careful. Good choice on the latex Kilz, btw - if you're not spraying your Kilz on (they don't make a latex spray), then it's probably the better choice, paint seems to adhere to it better and it isn't as flaky/dusty (it does seal better, though).
I'm about to start painting mine but will be using a spray (probably Rustoleum's wood primer/paint). Let me know how the latex does on particle board, though. I may want to roll on a couple coats and just spray on the paint coats.