Replies

1. 
   Wilson | Sep 21, 2005 11:58pm | #1

   use a oil base primer - the stuff hate wet or you could use a 1/4 panel and it will swell to the 3/4 thickness after you wet it. Provides a good paint surface because it is free of surface defects and smooth. Will need to sand the milled surfaces after primimg to make appear as smooth as the panel field. Creates a lot of dust during milling. the R&S doors I made two years ago have not had a problem but 2 years is a short time spand when measuring durability

2. 
   lydensden | Sep 22, 2005 04:04am | #2

   I just built some frame and panel doors out of MDF. I think they'll be fine w/ hardwood frames, they're very dimensionally stable. I don't think weight is aproblem. As far as painting goes you'll want to fill the cut/milled edges with either spackle or drywall compound (I prefer drywall compound), sand smooth, prime with either shellac base or oilbase primer, then top withoilbase or latex. If you use a shellac base primer I'd avoid brushing it on because it dries so fast heavy brushstrokes are hard to avoid. Thinned oilbase will lay down smoother but will probably require more coats.

3. 
   denverwdwrkr | Sep 22, 2005 04:53am | #3

   I've built hundreds of doors using mdf raised panels and soft maple frames.  I have always had excellent results.  You will need to do a little sanding to remove mill marks but thats it.  As far as weight is concerned, it is not a problem if the door is hinged properly. 

1. 
   maxp | Sep 22, 2005 05:07am | #4

   thanks for the input everyone- denver, do you agree or have any additional painting tips?

1. 
   denverwdwrkr | Sep 22, 2005 07:27am | #5

   Sorry I can't help you on painting.  I have my doors professionly finished by someone else and he sprays them with either lacquer or a product call Polane.  I do know that you need to prime and sand them before you paint them no matter what kind of paint you use or how you apply it.

1. 
   maxp | Sep 22, 2005 07:41am | #6

   thanks again- anyone know anything about this "polane"?

2. 
   DonC | Sep 22, 2005 03:50pm | #7

   For MDF most guys use "glue size" as a sealer. It's just wood glue mixed with water.  50/50 is a good mix.  White (polyvinal) or yellow (alphatic) glue works fine. Use the least expensive.

4. 
   mudman | Sep 22, 2005 07:26pm | #8

   As others posted, MDF is a great material for paint grade raised panels. I'd say the best. If I want the best possible finish I pre-prime the panel (before door assembly) with a shellac primer. I but the stuff made by Zinzer or Killz. It is white and can be tinted. I prefer the shellac to glue size because it is very sandable. I apply a generous coat (sprayed) then sand untill level with a 220 grit, then repeat with a lighter coat. I then assemble and spray the final coat of oil base enamel. For a real eye-catching finish add a couple light coats of Lacquer. For me that produces a finish as good as any thing in the high end euro shops. I used to hate paint grade stuff untill I started useing this process. Now I just need to find a paint that is better than the stuff a Home Depot.

   Enjoy,

   MIke

1. 
   daveinnh | Sep 23, 2005 03:29am | #10

   mudman:

   I'm intending to make a frame & panel assembly above our brick fireplace (CMU block exposed right now).  A few questions:

   When you refer to "shellac primer" - is that the same product as "sanding sealer"? (I don't have spraying capability).

   As others have suggested, do you seal the edges of MDF with "glue sizing"? If not, what happens?

   I'm probably going to use poplar for the frame; but maybe soft maple as an alternative.  How much space (if any) do you provide for the assembly to shrink & expand?

    

5. 
   dustinf | Sep 22, 2005 07:54pm | #9

   I'll second the tip to paint the panel before assembling it with the hardwood frames.  It is possible that the real wood frames will shrink just enough to leave a brown line exposed at the dadoes.  I've never had it happen to me, but I always prefinish the panels.