Is it necessary to prime/seal MDF if using vinyl covering on most of cabinet?

[amadama]

Hi guys,
I have searched through some older postings on the topic of sealing/primer on MDF and have noticed different opinions on this.
I am going to cover the sides and front of my new MDF cab with adhesive vinyl. Shoud I apply this straight to the MDF or should it be coated with a primer or sealer first?
Much appreciated.
Thanks,
Alex

this is the cab I am talking about:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=67464.0

[ChadTower]

On the cabs I've stripped, I've noticed that if there is a primer under the vinyl then it is transparent.  When you strip off the vinyl there is no visual evidence of anything other than glue.

[javeryh]

I never even thought about this.  I've covered MDF in adhesive vinyl before without any primer and it seems to be holding up pretty well.

[amadama]

Ok, Thanks guys.
I think I will go straight on the wood with the vinyl (actually I will use a little extra 3m spray adhesive on the wood first for a little extra stickiness).
ALex

[ScottS]

MDF soaks up glue just as readily as paint. I'd probably prime the surface if I was worried about long-term durability...

[ChadTower]

Yeah, the cabs I've stripped have had a LOT of glue under the vinyl.  Like a sixteenth or eighth of an inch at times.

[johnvv]

The issue I've run into with thin vinyl is that is will show any imperfections in the wood underneath it.  You might try with a small piece first and see how it looks.  If it is okay, remove it and do the whole piece of MDF.

If you do see 'bumps' or 'warts' coming through the vinyl, you will need to make the MDF completely smooth.  Using a primer is usually the best and easiest way to do this as it will fill in the recessed 'holes' in the MDF.  You'll need to sand afterwards.

I'm wary of many of the 3M and other adhesives with thin vinyl.  Some of the adhesives have chemical properties that will either react with the vinyl or bubble under it.  The result is a lumpy vinyl application.

[amadama]

Interesting point johnvv.
I will try some sample pieces with and without primer this weekend and see how it comes out.
The MDF on my cab sides is extremely smooth as is so I may be ok.
Thanks,
Alex

[Kaytrim]

Interesting point johnvv.
I will try some sample pieces with and without primer this weekend and see how it comes out.
The MDF on my cab sides is extremely smooth as is so I may be ok.
Thanks,
Alex

You should have a much better result with MDF than if you had plywood or particle board.  Take some pics and show us what the result is.

TTFN

[doctorhifi]

When I ordered the vinyl for my cabinet from mamemarquees.com they had instructions stating that you should prime or paint the MDF first:

http://www.mamemarquees.com/articles.php?tPath=1&osCsid=99d67b5f9f169b92b29b2c699a933545

my cabinet:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=67989.0

[amadama]

That's a nice cab!
How much did it cost to print out the sides?