Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Arcade Collecting => Restorations & repair => Topic started by: thehammer12 on October 13, 2013, 03:07:53 pm

Title: Painting a laminated MDF cabinet.
Post by: thehammer12 on October 13, 2013, 03:07:53 pm
The cabinet is made of MDF and has some laminate or plastic type layer on top (late 80's or early 90's wood), I dont want to waste time by removing it so I rather paint it.


Do I need to prep it with anything? Any recommended paints?
Title: Re: Painting a laminated MDF cabinet.
Post by: IG-88 on October 13, 2013, 03:19:21 pm
Isn't this the same one we just talked about a month ago? Did you get the corner fixed?
Title: Re: Painting a laminated MDF cabinet.
Post by: thehammer12 on October 13, 2013, 03:23:06 pm
Haha yeah, but I didnt use a router yet for the T-moulding. I did take pics for the forum but didnt post it yet, gonna do it all in one day.....route, prep, paint.....etc.
Title: Re: Painting a laminated MDF cabinet.
Post by: IG-88 on October 13, 2013, 03:29:51 pm
Cool. Would like to see the pics of the repaired area. As far as painting the laminate, there are some good primer paints out there that are made for laminate pre paint prep. Unfortunately I can't remember the brands. I'm sure Lowes or Home Depot can help.  My only suggestions are to NOT skimp ($$)  on the this step and to let the primer cure THOROUGHLY before proceeding.

Zinnser products come to mind...
Title: Re: Painting a laminated MDF cabinet.
Post by: Rick on October 13, 2013, 03:31:13 pm
Use sandpaper to rough up the exterior, and then use an oil-based primer and paint for the best adhesion. If you take enough time to give the paint a good surface to stick to, it will be easier than you'd expect to get good results.
Title: Re: Painting a laminated MDF cabinet.
Post by: thehammer12 on October 13, 2013, 07:27:05 pm
Quote from: IG-88 on October 13, 2013, 03:29:51 pm
Cool. Would like to see the pics of the repaired area. As far as painting the laminate, there are some good primer paints out there that are made for laminate pre paint prep. Unfortunately I can't remember the brands. I'm sure Lowes or Home Depot can help.  My only suggestions are to NOT skimp ($$)  on the this step and to let the primer cure THOROUGHLY before proceeding.

Zinnser products come to mind...

Yeah ill definitely post pics soon of the broken corner, will for sure not skimp out on the prrimer...I want it to look solid haha.
Title: Re: Painting a laminated MDF cabinet.
Post by: thehammer12 on October 13, 2013, 07:28:52 pm
Quote from: Rick on October 13, 2013, 03:31:13 pm
Use sandpaper to rough up the exterior, and then use an oil-based primer and paint for the best adhesion. If you take enough time to give the paint a good surface to stick to, it will be easier than you'd expect to get good results.

That was going to be my next question, so oil based primer and paint......got it.

Anybody know a good brand?