Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: jenzett on May 04, 2013, 10:59:53 am
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Hey there,
i recently started building an arcade and unfortunately decided (or rather got talked into) going cheap and bought particleboard, which I have now sawn and routed to fit.
But my problem is now, that after using acrylbased filler paint, the surface still is anything but smooth and I really do not want the arcade to have this crappy particleboard like surface after painting.
Does anybody have an idea how to get a smooth surface?
I tried painting it over a few times (did nothing) or wood putty (was really hard to distribute even and after grinding and everthing, it still was not smooth)...
EDIT: here a picture of my work so far
the particle board I used:
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/834/img20130425wa0005.jpg/ (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/834/img20130425wa0005.jpg/)
and my control panel:
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/812/img20130412wa0001h.jpg/ (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/812/img20130412wa0001h.jpg/)
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If it's possible, I'd go with laminate instead of paint. Especially over something like particle board. Alternatively, maybe vinyl?
Otherwise, I'm thinking you'd need to coat it in some sort of putty or other filler (not wood filler, though) and sand it perfectly smooth. Would probably be a big job, though.
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The wafer board is the worst choice for a cabinet IMHO. The amount of effort involved in attempting to get a flat sooth surface isnt worth the effort. I would use what you cut out a template and buy a decent grade of MDF. just my 2 cents
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That's OSB, and would definitely be a pita to get smooth on it's own. I echo the previous comment to use laminate.
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I can give you the answer, and if applied you'd get a really nice smooth finish. Up to you. :dunno
That type of board presents a surface of varying densities, there is only one solution, cover it and seal it completely, either with laminate or high build (sprayed on) primer and paint.
You could roll on a thick primer, but it will be a PITA to get smooth for painting. Spraying 3 or 4 coats of high build primer and sanding between each until all signs of underlying texture are gone is the way to go. Then spray paint after that.
High build primer in a rattle can from and auto paints supplier. It is not the same as just primer, it contains a filler putty as well.
I wouldn't start over with MDF, it presents similar issues, just not as much as that type of board, you still need to prime it well if you are going to paint it or the result is going to end up rough as well. Laminate is a great alternative but comes with its own challenges.
I forgot to mention, a machine sander (hand held mechanical sander) would be very useful in getting a nice even surface if using a high build primer.
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Laminate for sure. You could also if you really wanted to take the effort use Bondo to try to smooth the finish but as others have said, it's going to be a pain for sure.
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If this is the kind of particle board I am thinking (sorry, I can't see the pics. My fault, not yours), then it is smooth, but you just have some pitting. You might be able to get away with doing some full body art and using a thicker vinyl material...
If in doubt though, the others' advice is spot on.
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Sort of off-topic, but after viewing the photos of your sides, might I suggest rounding off some of those corners there. You have some pretty severe angles going on there.
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If your time is worth anything, your're better off making new pieces with better material.
Getting your OSB/chipboard will take FOREVER and will never be as good as some smooth
plywood or laminate.
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Another option, which I admit I haven't used on a cabinet but have used it on other projects, is bondo/filler and a sanding board. It is a work intensive option though.
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This piece started out as particle board the edge of which was rounded off. Chamfer or round off some particle board and see how rough and porous that is! The finish on it is as I've described in my previous post. Large flat surface? Same treatment. Don't use wood filler, drywall compound, sawdust with glue or any other half measure.
(http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss251/Ond_photos/SAM_2651.jpg)
(http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss251/Ond_photos/SAM_2655.jpg)
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I would go the laminate route.
Instant smoothness
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Sure, laminate can look like this.
(http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss251/Ond_photos/SAM_1945.jpg)
and it's great for flat surfaces. There's some suggestion in the thread though that getting a porous surface smooth is all too hard. It's not, just needs the right materials and technique.