Applying new cpo to sticky mdf control panel to sand, Polyurethane or paint

[rlemmon]

Hi bros. I ordered myself a new CPO from mamemarquees and I'm not sure were to go from here.  The control panel is painted mdf. The old one never applied quite wright. There were large bubbles and areas were the CPO didn't stick. When I applied it i first sprayed the control panel with 3m spray adhesive. I don't know if this could have caused the problem. 

So here's the problem. I removed the old CPO and the control panel is sticky as hell in alot of places and I'm not sure what to do. What I do know is that I don't want to ruin my new CPO and I want it to stick right.

Here is the options I'm thinking of .



A.  Use a sander to remove the paint/stickiness then repaint. I thought I heard that if you sand to deep into mdf and remove the top layer that it will absorb the  paint which inturn will not cure properly and you end up with soggy mdf. I'm not sure if theres any truth to this.   



B. Very lightly and sand the stickiness and coat with Fast-Drying Polyurethane to create a nice soled sealed surface. I'm not sure if your supposed to use Polyurethane on paint.



C. Say the hell with it and build a new control panel. This is a last resort I lost my forstner bit and i really don't want to shell out 30 bucks for a new bit and mdf.


Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys.

[Fozzy The Bear]

A.  Use a sander to remove the paint/stickiness then repaint. I thought I heard that if you sand to deep into mdf and remove the top layer that it will absorb the  paint which inturn will not cure properly and you end up with soggy mdf. I'm not sure if theres any truth to this.   

Absolutely true.....  The cure for this soggy MDF problem is to sand with 400 grit wet and dry paper (used DRY) and then use a watered down mix of PVA Wood Glue to seal the MDF.  When I say watered down, I mean, really watered down to about 30% PVA to 70% water.  paint that on and let it soak into the MDF. Once it's completely dry sand the surface lightly with 400 to 600 grit wet and dry paper.

Then you'll have a completely sealed surface to work with, which won't react with any paint that you apply to it and hangs on to sticky backed vinyl like chewing gum hangs on to hair!! 

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)

[ahofle]

Did you get the one with the polycarbinate laminate or are you putting lexan/plexi over this?  If you are using lexan over the CPO, I've found that you don't need to put any adhesive on it at all.  The lexan holds it down perfectly flat.

[rlemmon]

Guys thanks for the help 

Fozzy, what is pvs wood glue ? Is pva a brand name or specific type of wood glue.

 ahofle , I got the one with the polycarbonate laminate.

[Fozzy The Bear]

Fozzy, what is pvs wood glue ? Is pva a brand name or specific type of wood glue.

PVA not pvs.... You know the stuff...water based white wood glue. It starts out white and dries kind of clear. Ideally look for one that claims to be waterproof once it's dry, but that said any PVA based white glue should do this job.

Most DIY stores will stock it. Brand names are a problem if you're in the USA because I can only give you UK brand names.

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)

[rlemmon]

Thanks