Cab coverings

[Jouster]

Simple enough poll question...but now...would you change the option you used?

For those people that have used multiple methods, which method 1) looked the best, 2) was the easiest, 3) was the cheapest!?

Another question....has anyone compared the weight of 3/4" MDF to 3/4" Plywood to 3/4" Particle board??

The way I understand it so far is:
Weight - MDF > Plywood > Particle Board
Cost - Plywood > MDF > Particle Board
Handles Weather - MDF > Plywood > Particle Board

Jouster

[AlexC]

I've used laminate, paint and vinyl.
All 3 will work great if you do it right, but the last cab I did I used the Happs vinyl and it came out really good and took half the time and effort as the other 2 methods so I'm a vinyl fan for sure. 

[Taborious]

I used Laminate and it worked fine but you should treat it afterwards. It helps make it shinny and looks a lot better. I have not tried vinyl but I've heard good things...

[crashwg]

Handles Weather - MDF > Plywood > Particle Board

More like - Plywood > MDF > Particle Board

[CheffoJeffo]

Weight - MDF > Plywood > Particle Board

Plywood is lightest.

[Havok]

MDF will soak up moisture like a sponge if it is untreated...

I prefer plywood for my projects.

[deadkenndys1105]

Well this is a good qustion because my cabinet is totaly bare.  The only art work I have is black posterboard under the CP plexi and some printed out artwork.

[somunny]

I've built two cabinets and used laminate on both exclusively.  The stuff is more pricey than paint or vinyl but the finish is hard to beat. 

[Jouster]

Ok, so from the looks of things so far, paint is the overall winner.

I'm guessing that this is because it is either the easiest to do, or most people figure that they already know how to paint...but like me have never applied vinyl or laminate?  Am I close?

I guess paint is also probably the cheapest to do in terms of $$.  Although it seems to be quite an involved process to get a great finish.  Most of the projects I have seen report paint days as sand, paint, wait, sand, paint, wait...etc.

Does paint count as a treatment for MDF??  I'm looking for a solution that will allow the project to remain outside (but covered) and out of direct weather.  I've been trying to run tests to see if an inverted glass (slightly raised, but with basically an open bottom) left out over night will have a large amount of dew or condensation on the inside.  Unfortunately, mother nature hasn't been helping me out much in that department.  I've no dew at all yet.

I'm thinking of drilling holes in the base of my bartop to allow for airflow.  I'm also planning on putting a cover of some sort over my fans at the top to stop moisture from just being able to easily fall in.

Does this make sense to anyone, or do I need to up my meds? 

Jouster

[ahofle]

I voted for paint, but if I had more expertise and a larger budget, I would've chosen laminate.  Laminate was not cheap back when I made my cabinet.  Now I see they sell this 'melamine' that has a laminate already attached to the wood.  I wood probably look into that if I made another cabinet today.  Painting was cheaper but a total pain in the ass and not nearly as durable.

If you are leaving your cabinet outside, you are probably going to have more issues than just the treatment of your wood.  There was a good thread about this subject around here a while back, try searching for that.

[Loki]

Won't you get stripes when you paint? That kind of worries me...
Although it's expensive, laminate or vinyl sounds like the best option I guess.
Anyway, I don't really know a lot about it :S I'd love to see some tutorials appearing here ^^

Ah... now that I think about it, painting it with an air compressor would be an option too, I have one here with the paint tool... Better ask my dad about it later ^^;

Ideas ideas... I thought I figured it all out and new stuff keeps adding. 

[Taborious]

You keeping your project outside, even though it's covered? That will spell DOOM for your project regardless of what you use. morning dew will get everything inside and out wet and eventually it will show on wood/paint and corrosion on the metal parts.

As for Painting the cab I think it is just cheapest and what people know and feel most confortable with. I used laminate and it was a first for me so I was a little apprehensive but just followed the direction and it came out great. Best thing you only have to wait about 30minutes after applying the laminate before you can start cutting/screwing/whatever it workable, no waiting for a second coat. One downside for laminate a router is a MUST, without one don't even bother. Using laminate also gives it that authenticate arcade feel, which I think everyone is looking for.

Here's my cab...