I’m an amateur woodworker building cabinet doors for my new kitchen cupboards and would appreciate any comments.
I would like to know if it’s O.K. to glue MDF panels in shaker-style MDF frames. I’m using 3/4″ MDF for the frame and inserting 1/4″ MDF panels in a continuous groove. My concerns is movement with humidy changes during the year. I made a few doors as a test and sprayed painted them with melamine paint, and I must say I’ve had a lot of compliments. I also made some with maple frames and can’t tell the difference once the door is painted.
I would also appreciate any comments on the preferred type of paint to use for kitchen cabinet doors. I’m thinking of using Sherwin-Williams water-base lacquer system (Kem Aqua Pigmented Lacquer) for fire and health safety reasons.
Replies
Hi,
Congratulations on your new found skills. It's fun stuff isn't it?
Anyways, I'd go ahead and glue up the MDF without any concerns. As long as constant moisture isn't an issue, you'll be fine. MDF does move a little but glued into more of the same, the whole door should move together just fine. It's such a small amount as long as the door isn't sitting in water.
Now all bets are off if you glue a solid wood panel into an MDF or maple frame. Solid wood has to be able to move across the grain.
Have fun.
Gary Rogowski
Director
The Northwest Woodworking Studio
Portland, Oregon
Thank you so much Gary.
Oh yes, this is a wonderfull passion. I have been a handyman for more than 40 years and woodworking has always been my favorite trade. I'm retired now (66) just finished building a new house (took 2 years) and I'm having so much fun doing the finishing and detail work. I really appreciate your input. I will go ahead now without worrying too much.
How much clearance shoul I leave between the doors? I like fine clearances (makes the job look professional) but do not want sticky doors in the summer months.
Paul, Ontario, Canada
Paul,
Now you're pushing me out of my comfort areas. I haven't work with MDF so much that I know it's potential for movement. You do however plan to paint the doors so I would think the movement issues should be minimal.
Unless of course you plan to hose the doors down occasionally. Go with a skinny 1/8" and you should be fine throughout the seasons. Have fun. Gary
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