MDF

[northan]

It was only a matter of time before somebody bought it up, so why not me

The new lounge build is going ahead in a month and i've just finalised my design drawings. Mdf is going to be my weapon of choice.

I have used mdf for years and I'm very comfortable with it's characteristics and dangers of use, but the only thing i never mastered is edges.

I realise that with mdf you need to seal them, as the edges soak up paints, also water based paints could puff the edges up.

I want to use an eggshell for my final coat, so does anyone have good experiences with non water based primer/ sealers out there?
Also any tips to get that perfect finish, spraying is not an option for me, but I certainly want the look if possible

[elootos]

(01-28-2010 06:52 PM)northan Wrote:  It was only a matter of time before somebody bought it up, so why not me

The new lounge build is going ahead in a month and i've just finalised my design drawings. Mdf is going to be my weapon of choice.

I have used mdf for years and I'm very comfortable with it's characteristics and dangers of use, but the only thing i never mastered is edges.

I realise that with mdf you need to seal them, as the edges soak up paints, also water based paints could puff the edges up.

I want to use an eggshell for my final coat, so does anyone have good experiences with non water based primer/ sealers out there?
Also any tips to get that perfect finish, spraying is not an option for me, but I certainly want the look if possible

The only MDF I've used was on my projector screen pelmet, and I'm afraid to say I didn't seal it before painting. In fact I was in such a rush to get it done and start using it, that I just applied copious layers of emulsion to it

It the end it worked out ok and being on the ceiling you can't see any joins etc. The edges didn't swell either. Luck more than anything I guess Just browse B&Q for an MDF sealer I guess just to stop destroying all your hard work.

The finish of MDF though should be good enough just to paint straight on and get a smooth look. I'd recommend trying a small foam roller. I painted a naff internal door recently that has a laminate finish with one of these rollers (can't remember the paint type), but the finish is smooth as anything I've ever come across. It just requires plenty of patient coats.