Replies

1. 
   YesMaam27577 | Mar 12, 2009 09:53pm | #1

   If possible, look very closely at one of the edges of a door. It's likely that the white stuff is not paint. Generally, such doors use a heat-shrink-forming plastic layer.

   If that's the case, then you need to use a paint that adheres well to plastic. Talk to the folks at a point store (not a paint department, but a paint store) to get their advice on what to use.

   On the other hand, if they are painted now, scuff-sand them, then prime and paint with a high quality acrylic paint. Again, get advice from the guys behind the counter -- you need something that will show no brushstrokes.

   I use Duron's Plasti-Cote in such situations. It covers really well, and hides most of the brush marks.

   Politics is the antithesis of problem solving.
1. 
   rog | Mar 12, 2009 10:28pm | #2

   Thanks

   That is good advice. I will take a little time and go to a few local paint shops in the area. That will give me a good idea as to who is the most knowledgeable. I am just starting at this and I am sure that I will need good resources. I don't think they are plastic coated though as around the knobs on the most highly used, there is wear from where the fingers come in contact with the surface. I will check the edges for signs of plastic.

   I believe I need to go with oil sealers and paint as the mdf will swell if I use a latex based????

   Thanks

   Roger

1. 
   YesMaam27577 | Mar 13, 2009 03:38pm | #4

   I agree that oil-based primer is a very good idea, even though I didn't mention it in my earlier post.I use oil/alkyd paints a lot, but most people would rather not deal with the fumes and VOC's.In fact, if yo don't mind using oil paints, do the scuff sanding, then use an oil-based primer, then an oil-based topcoat. Oil paints level out MUCH better than latexes, not showing brushmarks except in the most extreme cases.But remember, the method for applying oil paints is different than with latex. With oil paint, you "flow it on, and brush it out" with longer, slower strokes. With latex, mostly what you need to do is get it out of the can and onto the surface.

   Politics is the antithesis of problem solving.

1. 
   rog | Mar 13, 2009 04:26pm | #5

   Hi

   I was in the Home Depot this morning and decided to run this past the paint guy. He looked and seemed quite knowledgeable.

   He said the most important thing to do is to wash the door with TSP as these are kitchen doors and most likely have grease build up over the years. He also suggested that I bring a door in and that he would suggest the proper procedure.

   I though the degreasing was a good point. He didn't think the oil versus latex sealer was much of an issue. I think I will go with the oil anyway

   Roger

   Roger

2. 
   Hilton | Mar 12, 2009 11:12pm | #3

   If the doors are indeed melamine covered then you are going to need a special primer for this. However the whole idea of melamine covered doors and cupboards is that the surface is designed for ease of use in the kitchen. It allows for easy cleaning and non staining. Painting is really a step backwards.

   YMMV