Black Laminate MDF

[CoryBee]

Finally got a router to start making more professional looking wood projects, mainly at first routing out Control panel items and t-molding. So I got all the tools I need now to start a full sized cab, except I can't find the MDF boards I want. I have seen you guys use the MDF board that has been pre-laminated and it is absolutely perfect for my designs. Also I suck at painting   . Anyways, I cannot find this at any of my Home Depots or Lowe's, called out to at least ten combined and to no avail. They suggested I call around lumber yards or try and place a special order with their Order Officer on monday.

My question is, where did you guys get your MDF Black Laminate boards from? 

[TopJimmyCooks]

What you're looking for is Melamine.  tell them you want 1/2" or 3/4" black melamine.   forewarning:  melamine is a pain to work/surface edges chip easily.  If you want real High pressure plastic laminate, you have to buy it yourself and laminate your sheet stock. 

[CoryBee]

What you're looking for is Melamine.  tell them you want 1/2" or 3/4" black melamine.   forewarning:  melamine is a pain to work/surface edges chip easily.  If you want real High pressure plastic laminate, you have to buy it yourself and laminate your sheet stock. 

But malamine is particle board. I used that before and I have seen black laminate mdf used for shelving before. I could be wrong but there should be some somewhere no?

[TopJimmyCooks]

there are a lot of things out there.  pre-laminated mdf is something I haven't encountered, but that doesn't mean it's not out there.  The best way to find out is to call a local lumberyard (a contractor yard like 84 lumber or Stock Supply rather than lowes/hd) Explain to them what you want.  if they can't get it, ask them to direct you to a specialty plywood supplier and ask them.  Failing that, ask for their plastic laminate distributor.  Those specialized suppliers will know what's easy to get/what can be ordered and costs. 

[CoryBee]

there are a lot of things out there.  pre-laminated mdf is something I haven't encountered, but that doesn't mean it's not out there.  The best way to find out is to call a local lumberyard (a contractor yard like 84 lumber or Stock Supply rather than lowes/hd) Explain to them what you want.  if they can't get it, ask them to direct you to a specialty plywood supplier and ask them.  Failing that, ask for their plastic laminate distributor.  Those specialized suppliers will know what's easy to get/what can be ordered and costs. 

Thanks Jimmy, I have been collecting numbers to call today to do just this. I am trying to do a cab build with proper everything and the part that worries me the most is getting the Art designed\printed and side panels to look perfect. I have no skills at painting properly and don't trust myself to paint MDF and make it look good. If I get vinyl printed for the sides it will stick just fine to a properly sanded surface? Thanks.

By that way your switch-cade is a ---Bad words, bad words, whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna do when saint censors you?--- work of art!

[TopJimmyCooks]

If I did a cab with vinyl- I would make the sides and the coin door panel laminated and paint everything else.  It's not that hard to install plam yourself and gives you a very tough finish (better than melamine) and more control of the color.  look online for some guides to installing plam - it's not that hard and doesn't take a lot of special tools.  Vinyl will stick fine to painted wood- just make it very smooth - any imperfections can show through especially on full sides.  a galaga medallion sideart is not a problem since it's small and the art breaks up the view of any imperfections. 

[Woodshop Flunky]

If you Google "mdf Melamine" you see there is a lot out there.  Finding someone local is the trick.

I'd call around to cabinet shops and find out where they get their stuff.  Also, you might consider calling around to a larger city that's within a distance you could drive.

Or... you could always buy the MDF and laminate it yourself.