Type of paint to use?

[nickynooch]

Is there any paint I should avoid using on MDF?

I saw one cabinet I liked that had glidden satin vinyl black paint on it.  Will that be ok on MDF?

Just trying to make sure it is ok, since I have read how MDF is sensative to certain substances (namely water).  Also, I am putting a mamemarquees CPO on my control panel.  It says to paint with latex/oil paint containing no waxes or silicones.  How can I tell if the paint meets that requirement?

Also, any recommendations on what paint/primer to buy would be great.
Thanks!
-Nick

[ChadTower]

Pretty much any normal paint will work so long as you prime it properly.

[Haterot]

go low/no VOC
Save the world, save yourself! 

[nickynooch]

Sweet I'll look for some no/low VOC stuff.

[paulscade]

I'm real happy with the paint that I chose:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=82241.msg877560#msg877560

(although I bought way too much for one cabinet)

Here are a bunch of photos that show off the results (and my cab  )

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=82241.msg870125#msg870125

[nickynooch]

I'm real happy with the paint that I chose:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=82241.msg877560#msg877560

(although I bought way too much for one cabinet)

Here are a bunch of photos that show off the results (and my cab  )

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=82241.msg870125#msg870125

Great links and props on the cab.  The paint looks great!

[pmowry]

Paulscade, your cabinet looks great!! mine is based off the same plans.

But I noticed from your picture that you used a water based primer.  I used Kilz oil based since it is going on MDF.  Then I had a hell of a time locating black satin oil based paint for the bottom half and inside.  Still choosing the color for the top's outside.

but anyway, did I just cause to much trouble for myself going with oil based since it looks like I did not have to?

[TOK]

Paulscade, your cabinet looks great!! mine is based off the same plans.

But I noticed from your picture that you used a water based primer.  I used Kilz oil based since it is going on MDF.  Then I had a hell of a time locating black satin oil based paint for the bottom half and inside.  Still choosing the color for the top's outside.

but anyway, did I just cause to much trouble for myself going with oil based since it looks like I did not have to?

Rustoleum in cans is oil based and they make a satin black. If you're looking for a finish that is authentic to what the games actually used, oil is the way to go. You made a great choice!

[ChadTower]

Rustoleum in cans is oil based and they make a satin black. If you're looking for a finish that is authentic to what the games actually used, oil is the way to go. You made a great choice!

I think that depends on what state you're in... some states have really cracked down on oil based paints.  You can't even get large containers of enamels in MA anymore without looking really hard.

[TOK]

I'm in PA, and this is one of the states that has rules in effect. What you say is correct, in that I didn't see oil based paint in 5 or 1 gallon containers. No problem finding it in quart containers, 2 of which are perfect for the average sized cab.

[pmowry]

I live in a very small louisiana town.  Finish and color selection in oil is very limited at the hardware stores near by.  The true paint stores a little north of me have a better selection of finish and can mix whatever color, but only in gallon size.  So  the extra paint will just give me an excuse to build another one 

After all it would be a shame to let it go to waste.