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Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: s_busby_uk on April 22, 2014, 09:31:53 am

Title: MDF edges
Post by: s_busby_uk on April 22, 2014, 09:31:53 am
What's the best method for making sure the exposed edges of MDF board don't look obviously "MDFy" when the thing is painted, or will the paint sort that out? Obviously I'm having T-molding on the sides, but currently the base of my machine - which is T-shaped - has two exposed sides, and I'd ideally like for them not to be visible when the thing is finished.
Title: Re: MDF edges
Post by: TopJimmyCooks on April 22, 2014, 10:29:15 am
get the edges smooth and sanded how you want them.  then use a putty knife and apply a thin but continuous layer of gypsum wallboard joint compound over the edge.  when that dries and you sand it smooth it will fill the "grain" of the mdf and make the edge smooth and able to take paint nicely  like the surface.  Just a thin layer.
Title: Re: MDF edges
Post by: s_busby_uk on April 22, 2014, 10:30:22 am
Perfect, thanks TopJimmyCooks


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Title: Re: MDF edges
Post by: Caparo8bit on April 23, 2014, 12:16:54 am
Other easy fix wood glue mixed with water (small amout) i use this to seal also sides of MDF ones is dry you can sand the piece to get a smooth surface.
Title: Re: MDF edges
Post by: kahlid74 on April 25, 2014, 08:18:28 am
If you follow the two coat rule you won't notice the MDF.  Two coats primer, two coats finish and you're all set.
Title: Re: MDF edges
Post by: leapinlew on April 26, 2014, 01:21:55 pm
Instead of their eyes being drawn to the MDF, you could make all the other work so crappy they never even notice the edges look bad.
Title: Re: MDF edges
Post by: matt4949 on April 26, 2014, 01:54:22 pm
Instead of their eyes being drawn to the MDF, you could make all the other work so crappy they never even notice the edges look bad.
Yeah, That's how I do it

No, really I use the water and elmers 50/ 50.
Title: Re: MDF edges
Post by: s_busby_uk on May 03, 2014, 06:46:37 am
Would this work with No More Nails glue?
Title: Re: MDF edges
Post by: jennifer on May 03, 2014, 03:52:00 pm
 Automotive glaze putty works nice too, thin coat then primer, more geared towards a solvent based finish... But I don't quite understand, You are going to put a T molding over it right??
Title: Re: MDF edges
Post by: s_busby_uk on May 03, 2014, 04:39:28 pm
No this isn't for the t molding sides - basically the base of my unit is more like a t shape so there are exposed mdf edges at the base if the "t"