Two quick questions: Paint and Plans

[StragoRx]

I have gotten pretty far on my arcadecab.com cabinet plans 2 build and and almost to the point of painting. It seems that regular Kilz latex primer seems like a good choice for my wood prep as I am using 3/4 birch ply. Does anyone have any suggestions on brand/type of black paint to put over it to get it the most authentic feel. I have searched a bit for paint suggestions and have some saying oil base and some saying water base, and have gotten mixed suggestions (I don't have a paint gun)

Also is there a compendium of sites/database with the type of very detailed step by step directions for building other cabs like the arcadecab.com plans. I want to try a cocktail cabinet but I would like to have very specific directions, if not, whats the next best thing for plans?

[Le Chuck]

Welcome!

I say to use an enamel.  I don't like latex on cabs myself.  YMMV tho.

This forum is the compendium.  If you want step by step your best bet is to use the search function and start browsing all the different cocktail builds.  There are several good scratch builds out there that document the journey. 

[jennifer]

    Of the two, oil based would be the better of the choices...But, its getting pretty hard to find in some areas, Personally solvents are what I use, Im not sure what the compatibility with that sealer is and it would require a paint stick test but if you can get the orange peel finish with a med roller and a topcoat of an spray can (high temp" engine enamel you could duplicate the original finish...I say high temp because its got porcelain binders in it and as far as spray cans go its not over reduced so you can get some mils out of it with a few coats...But again test it first with that sealer, you do need a primer sealer too or it will look like you just spray painted painted plywood...Latex would be my last choice.

[kahlid74]

Lots of people have views on this and here is mine:

I use an OIL based primer to seal the wood because they are super thick, dry super fast and provide a great coat.  I apply the primer twice.

I use a Latex Semi-Gloss paint as the final paint for many reasons - It doesn't smell as bad as Oil based, it's easily cleaned up and I have a latex based gun.

The thing people forget with latex is that the under-coats can take up to a week to dry/harden.  When you apply latex paint to a large object, you have to let that object sit for 5-7 days for the under-layers to completely harden.  If you don't do that, the paint can shift and move forming a weird look and feel to the coating.

I just finished doing this with my battletech POD and I'm very happy with the results.  I would spend the 60 for the paint gun all over again.  the finish is beautiful.

[dandro]

My cab has an Enamel w/primer on it, first coat and it looks flawless. Don't cheap out on the roller/brush, those will ruin a finish.

pics are in my thread here:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,130743.msg1338784.html#msg1338784

[kahlid74]

Don't forget to hit the sides with a high grit sandpaper for ultra smooth finish and then to clean off the dust before application.  I usually hit the cab with a 120 and then a 220 and then air blow the cab clean.  Come back the next day and use a brush to make sure there's no dust then paint.

[StragoRx]

Lots of good advice, I think I know how I'm gonna try it based on whats available at Lowes. I'll give Oil primer and Latex paint a try. I have plenty of time to let it sit between coats as I have small amounts of free time during the week anyway.

[yotsuya]

I thought you weren't supposed to put latex over oil.

[jennifer]

    After the oil is dry,( and that will take like forever), the latex beings how its waterbased should lay on top of it just fine... Thats after its dry mind you oil, and water dont mix.