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i used mdf for my cabinet and painted it with black gloss it looks like crap!
Rocky:
You can get paint to look good, even gloss paint.
I recommend oil base over latex. I know it's more work, but the finished product is better and more durable.
You have to let it dry (really dry) before you re-coat. If you jump the gun, you'll get results like what tyweed has in his pictures.
I agree that several coats are needed.
tyweed, if you sand off the top coat of paint you can still get good results. That's another good thing about painting, if you mess it up, just sand it and do it again.
Rocky
marcoval:
Looks like more paint is needed. Interested to hear that you are in a wheelchair, this is a good solution. Make sure you put up a website and some plans, your cabinet is unique!
rampy:
Thanks for posting the pics!
It is a pretty cool design you got going there (modified showcase).
Like some of the people here said, don't be discouraged with the paint yet.... (although laminate does look nice)
If you take your time, follow some of the tips in this thread, and work at it I'm sure the paint finish will come out great.
the thing is to not get discouraged, go slow, and be patient.
A painting project gone awry can be very fustrating... I nearly lost my mind painting my 1/2 bath deep red (red paint has a lot of tint in it that makes it a: dry slower b: take lots of coat for good even coverage. like 7 coats of "drumbeat" red... bah!)
*shrug* Let us know what you decide to do, and how it works out. I'm sure if you did at least another coat (but sanded some first) you'd see an improvement and know whether or not you're on the right track (but I defer to any more professional painting opinions).
good luck!
Rampy
PS my vote is for the marquee to be above the screen too (not on top, top of the cabinet)
aj6500:
I like the overall design, kind of like the biiig shooters. My only design suggestions would be a piece of plexi between the cab and the TV, looks a little more finished in my opinion.
As far as the paint... I've done a few cars in my time. Black will show every little teenie tiny speck of dirt that lands on the finish, especially glossy black. White paint hides almost everything, but who wants a white cab? Matte/flat black hides tons of blemishes to all but the trained eye.
A paint w/texture will hide everything, and look pretty good. A few company's make "hammered" paint that dries with a definite texute. It only takes 2 coats with a fine nap roller.
It is very hard to get even coverage with spray cans, the pattern is just too small. But if you want to use a spray can you can get a matte finish w/any kind of paint glossy or otherwise. When you get to the final coat just spray from farther back than recommended. The paint will dry slightly before it hits the cab and give it a dull finish.
I don't know how you would be able to laminate the curved section of the cab. I think the lam. is rigid.
Good job on the design, good luck w/the finish!
RandyT:
My semi-retired father (sign painter by trade) swears that the best way to deal with MDO, and probably MDF as well (similar surface, smooth and porous) is to do what Rocky suggested.
Seal the board with a good, thick, water based Latex paint, a couple of coats with a little sanding in-between, and then use a quality oil-based enamel. But whatever you do, make sure the latex is completely dry before applying the enamel.
The best enamels to use are the types not found at the local "home" stores, rather a pro supplier. I've seen glass-like finishes when all the steps are followed with the proper materials and tools.
A small amount of linseed oil will retard the drying process slightly, but will also help your enamel to smooth out nicely. Just don't use too much or the paint will never dry.
RandyT