Melamine on MDF

[Richardgregory]

I was at H.D. and noticed that they have melamine on MDF - black ones too.  Problem is, I don't think paint sticks to it, so in that regard, might not be a good idea for a build?

I've heard that to paint anything that has melamine as a layer, it's almost impossible?   I'm sure that's not the case...perhaps some sanding and some 'special' paint tailored to sticking to melamine would exist.

[Demon-Seed]

Hey
My wife painted over laminate cabinets with product called cover stain made by Zimmer. I believe it's oil based but once she painted the cabinets she could put any kind of paint she wanted on top. Worked great.
Jim

[shponglefan]

Why not use just regular MDF?  Wouldn't painting melamine coated MDF  defeat the purpose of the melamine? 

[Demon-Seed]

Hey
That product the wife used was made by Zinner not zimmer. Why do so many use Mdf? It's heavy and chips easily.
Jim

[Unstupid]

You sure it was on MDF?  I've only seen it on particleboard at HD.

[Rick]

You sure it was on MDF?  I've only seen it on particleboard at HD.

I'm sure you're right.

As for painting, I've read - but not confirmed - that you can sand or otherwise rough up the surface, and paint using oil-based primer first.

That should work fine. 

[kahlid74]

Roughing up the surface and Oil based will work.  Don't forget how nasty Oil based paints can be if you go down that road.  Just use plain MDF and then paint it to your hearts content.

We use MDF because it route's and cuts cleaner than any other.