Painting vs. Laminating

[fsa317]

I'm kicking off my arcade project, just got 3/4 MDF and a bunch of other supplies.  Originally planned on painting the unit black but have read a lot of issues people have had.  Just curious on people's thoughts on painting versus laminating?  Cost difference? 'Headache' difference? etc...

[yotsuya]

I'm kicking off my arcade project, just got 3/4 MDF and a bunch of other supplies.  Originally planned on painting the unit black but have read a lot of issues people have had.  Just curious on people's thoughts on painting versus laminating?  Cost difference? 'Headache' difference? etc...

Painting is fine if you put the prep time in to the surface, you take your time with the job, and you use quality paint and brushes.

[Slippyblade]

If you use the search you will find a ton of info on paint v laminate.  Laminate will leave you with a much more durable and attractive surface but it requires tools and either know how or patience.  Paint can end up with a mirror finish *IF* you go slow, use lots of thin coats, and sand between every coat.

[jennifer]

     If you put Laminate on that 3/4 your "T molding most likely will come up short.... So unless you got access to a miller (or just don't care) your most likely looking at paint.   

[shponglefan]

I prefer laminate.  But it's a lot thicker than a coat of paint, so you have to take that into account when building.

OTOH, it is possible to get a really good finish with paint, but it takes patience and effort to achieve it.

[fsa317]

So I think I'm gonna go with paint.  After reading a lot of paint comments here are my takeaways... let me know if this sounds right:

Use oil based primer & paints with a foam roller
Sand lightly between coats.
Use a semi gloss paint

Any last tips :-) ?

[yotsuya]

So I think I'm gonna go with paint.  After reading a lot of paint comments here are my takeaways... let me know if this sounds right:

Use oil based primer & paints with a foam roller
Sand lightly between coats.
Use a semi gloss paint

Any last tips :-) ?

I like using a satin finish or acrylic enamel, myself, but other than that, you should be good.

[jennifer]

    Mix Your sealer and paint very well before use (Paint store will shake it for you) But still stir it before use, And apply in light multiple  even coats.... The first coat will look splotchy and uneven but that's normal the #2 will look better. and #3 should be the money shot... If you want a flocking style finish, use a Corse hole roller on the #3 coat of the sealer and let dry overnight before applying color. (With a fine roller)

[bandit721]

If you put Laminate on that 3/4 your "T molding most likely will come up short.... So unless you got access to a miller (or just don't care) your most likely looking at paint.

Sounds like FSA has decided to go the paint route, but confused by this statement...can't you just use 5/8" t-molding on 3/4" MDF with laminate applied and trim the excess?

[jennifer]

     Yes you can, But Its difficult to make it nice without making one side fatter (due to the cutting) and getting a smooth edge,  I guess for me its just easier to mill 1/16 off the cab sides.... But keep in mind that has to be preplanned before assy. Basically knowing what your finish is going to be before you build it.

[bandit721]

Ah, got it...thanks for the clarification!

[shponglefan]

If you put Laminate on that 3/4 your "T molding most likely will come up short.... So unless you got access to a miller (or just don't care) your most likely looking at paint.

Sounds like FSA has decided to go the paint route, but confused by this statement...can't you just use 5/8" t-molding on 3/4" MDF with laminate applied and trim the excess?

Er, you mean 7/8" T-molding right?

It certainly is an option.  But the main issue with odd-sized T-molding is limited color availability.

[bandit721]

Er, you mean 7/8" T-molding right?

Yeah, sorry...brain fart...not sure about 7/8" but t-molding.com sells 13/16" or 1" in some of the popular colors but as you said, not as many as 3/4".

[UFO]

I used black vinyl... No mess, no fuss and looks great! Got black matt.

EDIT: Can I add that I did undercoat and sand prior to sticking vinyl...

[fsa317]

Hi all, just finished the priming steps.  Quick question, after each coat of black paint how long would you wait before sanding?  And how long before applying the next coat?  I'm not looking for a "perfect" cabinet and am really hoping to get this done sooner than later but wanted your thoughts on what a "minimum" amount of time to wait before sanding / next coat is?

[jennifer]

     Depends on a lot of factors Temp, humidity, what kind of ,primer/paint, But generally speaking overnight is good (unless your using an oil base) then allow for a few more days. If you can push your fingernail into it its too fresh....  Start sanding on the back or lower rear corner, if it leaves little gummy balls on your paper its still too wet.

[fsa317]

I'm using oil based primer and paint.  Just finished 2nd coat of primer last night and sanded today, everything went fine.  I'll be starting the first coat of paint tonight or tomorrow.