Replies

1. 
   JohnWW | Sep 15, 2004 05:47pm | #1

   MDF doesn't move as much as real wood with humidity swings but it doesn't hurt to leave the panels unglued so that they can float, especially on the larger panels.

   John W.

1. 
   coolbreeze | Sep 16, 2004 12:05am | #3

   Thanks John.

   I had not planned to glue up the panels but since the joinery on these will not be M & T, I want to make sure there is a good application of glue where the S&R cuts are joined. I was just wondering if a little squeeze out on the MDF panel is anything to be really concerned with.

   Cool

2. 
   jackplane | Sep 15, 2004 07:05pm | #2

   A good shellac based,tinted primer like Zinnser or Kilz would be my first choice. It dries harder than latex, and therefore it's easier to sand the fuzz off. I am assuming this is paint-grade work since you're mixing mdf with maple.

     For a finish coat,there's a big variety, but I'd use a glossy oil based paint, for durability and ease of cleaning.

1. 
   coolbreeze | Sep 16, 2004 12:07am | #4

   Jackplane,

   The doors are paint grade.

   Thanks for your suggestions.

   Cool

3. 
   bill_1010 | Sep 16, 2004 06:58am | #5

   Id use a glue size on the MDF panels then sand and prime.  I used to use shellac to seal up the "end grain" in MDF but found glue sizing to work better and seal up the edges and provide a better base for the primer and paint.  Ive used Titebonds gluesizing with great results.  

   Glueing panels to your R&S isnt adviseable, MDF still swells and shrinks.

4. 
   TomT226 | Sep 16, 2004 01:36pm | #6

   Sherwin-Williams ProClassic 100% Acrylic paint, and ProClassic primer.  Dries hard as oil, with no odor.  Brush or spray.  Thin both 20% to spray. 'Nuff said...

5. 
   mudman | Sep 17, 2004 07:47pm | #7

   Cool,

   I agree with Wmp. Gluesize or a sandable sealer, followed by sanding. I usually do it twice. Use an oil primer so it wont loosen the fibers (latex will), spray all the paint, no brushes. This leaves my doors looking perfect. Unfortunately MDF does still expand and contract a little and this can cause the paint to crack at the panel/ frame line. Latex remains more flexable than oil so that is what I try to use as the top coat, if I can. With Latex I have not yet had any cracks develop in the last 3 years. After about 10 years though latex also begins to get brittle. In order to look good latex MUST be sprayed, and it is a lot harder to spray than oils, so it is hard to find a good painter that can handle it.

   Mike

   please excuse my spelling.
1. 
   coolbreeze | Sep 18, 2004 04:53am | #8

   Thanks for your suggestions. I have printed them, and will suggest that  my sister-in-law pass them along to the person who will do the finish work.

   Is this a great forum or what!!