Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: SnaXen on February 15, 2013, 08:38:33 am

Title: Spray paint MDF before or after assembly?
Post by: SnaXen on February 15, 2013, 08:38:33 am
Hi.

This is my first post here.

I am in the process of building a bartop cabinet. And now I have started to think about the paintjob.
Going to use spraycan filler, primer and paint.

So I wonder what is the best solution (what do you prefer?) regarding the order of paint?

Should I paint each pannel before I assemble it, or the hole cab after I have assembled it?

Is it best to cut holes before painting, og should I do it after?

Thank you for your replies.

-=SnaXen=-

P.S. If you are interrested I have a builders log, with some pictures,  here http://www.diskusjon.no/index.php?showtopic=1489131 (http://www.diskusjon.no/index.php?showtopic=1489131)   (so sorry, but it's in Norwegian. Google translate?)
Title: Re: Spray paint MDF before or after assembly?
Post by: shponglefan on February 15, 2013, 08:43:00 am
I'd do it last.  If you want a nice finish, you'll want to fill in and sand any screw holes, edges, etc, so everything is smooth.  So you want to do that after assembling.

You *could* do it before, but it wouldn't look as nice.
Title: Re: Spray paint MDF before or after assembly?
Post by: Le Chuck on February 15, 2013, 08:43:25 am
On fullsize builds I paint after assembly for pieces that won't come off. On micro builds I paint after hole drilling due to space issues.
Title: Re: Spray paint MDF before or after assembly?
Post by: kahlid74 on February 15, 2013, 11:01:48 am
Chuck and Shponglefan are spot on for me as well.  I assemble/glue/drill/putty/sand and then I prime/paint.  I usually like to prime twice, test fit everything together again to a finished cab, and upon validation rip it all down, finish paint two coats and then finish final assembly.
Title: Re: Spray paint MDF before or after assembly?
Post by: SnaXen on February 16, 2013, 12:23:33 pm
Thank for your replies.

Good advice.