Replies

1. 
   SawdustSteve | Jun 07, 2009 01:50am | #1

   Two choices.....
   1 Time to learn veneering and
   2 learn how to do graining (decorative painting)

   MDF is not really structural, although I've built shop cabinets from it.

   SawdustSteve Long Island, NY (E of NYC)

2. 
   DonC | Jun 07, 2009 08:05pm | #2

   I would suggest coating with seal coat shellac. Probably 2 coats prior to painting. Spray coats will be smoothest.

   Glue size can be used on fuzzy and porous edges before the sealcoat. This is just tinned PVA glue.

1. 
   achmed | Jun 07, 2009 10:07pm | #3

   I have been using drywall mud for the edges and that works fine so far. What I am looking for is what is the best paint to use to get a deep looking coat. ie: laquer, acrylic or opoxy. and what is the best to rub it out with.

1. 
   GregoryPaolini | Jun 08, 2009 02:42pm | #4

   Finishing MDF isn't too much different from any other type of material that you may use.  I've used many different types of paint with it, and once the cut edges are sealed, you get great results.

   For the "deepest" look, I'll turn to automotive coatings.  Using the standard base coat / clear coat systems available today, you can get a very deep, rich finish, in any color imaginable - But these require significantly more skill than most wood finishes.

   Somthing else that works well for me is to spray waterbased trim paint.  You can get it in a gloss finish, and it dries harder than a standar wall/ceiling paint.  My brand of choice is Behr.  I thin it 10% with distilled water, and spry it using an HVLP gun with a 2.3mm tip (Very big hole).  Of course, a good brush in the hands of a skilled painter will acheive similar results.

   Hope this helps!

    Gregory Paolini

   http://www.GregoryPaolini.com

1. 
   achmed | Jun 09, 2009 01:39am | #5

   Thank you very much. I didn't even think of an automotive finish but that sounds exactly like what I am looking for. I am not a skilled painter so forget about the brush. I also don't have an HVLP yet so I don't get good results spraying latex or acrylic. The automotive paint sound like what I will experiment with. As I said I get the MDF for free so I can try my hand at spraying the finish before I put the work into the project and ruin it.

   Thanks again,

   achmed

1. 
   GregoryPaolini | Jun 09, 2009 02:48pm | #6

   Keep in mind, Auto paints are not cheap, so get some time in with a high quality spray gun before laying out the cash for the paint.   You're approaching the pinnacle of finishing.

   Good luck!Gregory Paolini

   http://www.GregoryPaolini.com

2. 
   sapwood | Jun 10, 2009 04:25am | #7

   Check out http://www.homesteadfinishingproducts.com/They have some very good water solvent finishes that can be purchased already pigmented. Jeff Jewitt, the owner, is a great source of information.