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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: TheManuel on October 17, 2003, 09:25:24 am

Title: What paint to use for MDF?
Post by: TheManuel on October 17, 2003, 09:25:24 am

I mean enamel, latex, etc.
It is for a control-panel-only project and will probably go all black.

Thanks.

Title: Re:What paint to use for MDF?
Post by: Wade on October 17, 2003, 09:31:16 am

I tried a cheap gloss black oil based and it looked horrible, switched to a black semigloss wall paint and it looked great.  Use a smooth foam roller, you'll be surprised how good the finish can be if you are careful.

Wade

Title: Re:What paint to use for MDF?
Post by: bionicbadger on October 17, 2003, 11:04:17 am

Whatever paint you pick, make sure you use primer!

Many people complaining about how their paint jobs turned out didn't use a primer.  Make sure you use one, primer is pretty cheap.  I agree with the roller for applying, I used a normal fine roller, non foam worked good.

I used thick glossy black outdoor paint for my cabinet, it wasn't the stuff to paint over rust, but it was right beside it, and similar to the rustoleum paint.

Title: Thanks, gentlemen. NT
Post by: TheManuel on October 17, 2003, 11:15:29 am

NT

Title: Re:What paint to use for MDF?
Post by: papaschtroumpf on October 17, 2003, 11:20:19 am

How about spray paint? It's more expensive but doesn't it have a better finish?

Title: Re:What paint to use for MDF?
Post by: tmasman on October 17, 2003, 11:37:39 am

Quote from: papaschtroumpf on October 17, 2003, 11:20:19 am

How about spray paint? It's more expensive but doesn't it have a better finish?

Most people have a real hard time getting an even finish with spray paint... It takes A LOT longer to paint (you HAVE to do multiple light coats)... It costs A LOT more...

You get the picture... If you've got an airless spray rig or something like that, that could give a great smooth finish, otherwise I'd stick to a brush & roller...

Title: Re:What paint to use for MDF?
Post by: CCM on October 17, 2003, 12:24:46 pm

I agree with tmasman... I tried spray paint on my first cabinet, and gave up on that idea real quick.  I couldn't get even coverage, and I realized it would take a lifetime!

I then switched to a latex based semi-gloss and a foam roller and it looks great!

Title: Re:What paint to use for MDF?
Post by: mnapuran on October 17, 2003, 03:13:51 pm

Also... as for primer, if you are using MDF I highly recommend using Kilz (http://www.masterchem.com/pages/default.aspx?NavID=22) as your primer.

Mike N

Title: Re:What paint to use for MDF?
Post by: Sasquatch! on October 17, 2003, 10:47:15 pm

Quote from: mnapuran on October 17, 2003, 03:13:51 pm

Also... as for primer, if you are using MDF I highly recommend using Kilz (http://www.masterchem.com/pages/default.aspx?NavID=22) as your primer.

Why?

Title: Re:What paint to use for MDF?
Post by: Tailgunner on October 18, 2003, 12:11:45 am

Kilz is a great all around primer. It's preticularly useful on materials that soak up paint like a sponge.

My personal favorite MDF paint would be lacquer.