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Discussion Forum

Is Poplar ok for Face Frames

Bpawb | Posted in General Discussion on November 25, 2008 03:20am

    Is poplar a good choice for painted cabinet face frames and stiles and rails cabinet doors?

   Would a oil base primer be the best choice?

 

thanks…paul…

 

Reply

Replies

  1. Jed42 | Nov 25, 2008 03:26pm | #1

    Poplar is fine for face frames.  Been making cabinets with them for a long time. I like working with poplar.

    I am not sure about the oaint.  I try to avoid painting.

    No Coffee No Workee!
  2. User avater
    Sphere | Nov 25, 2008 03:26pm | #2

    There is not much better.

    I like  Cover stain ( oil base)

    or Shellac based B.I.N.

    Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

    Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

     

    They kill Prophets, for Profits.

     

     

  3. Piffin | Nov 25, 2008 04:18pm | #3

    yes and yes

     

     

    Welcome to the
    Taunton University of
    Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
     where ...
    Excellence is its own reward!

  4. User avater
    SteveInCleveland | Nov 25, 2008 04:30pm | #4

    Poplar is an excellent choice.  Whatever primer you use, give it a very light sandinfg after it has dried.  Follow that up with a vacuuming, and then wipe it with a tack cloth.  Then you are ready for paint.

    Might I recommend Benjamin Moore's Alkyd "Satin Impervo" as you paint choice.  In my opinion, there is nothing finer to use on wood/trimwork.  It's pricey (around $ 40.00 per gallon), but well worth it.  On cabinet doors, I paint the rails and stiles first, then the middle panel.

     

     

     

    "Preach the Gospel at all times; if necessary, use words."  - St. Francis of Assisi

    1. Piffin | Nov 25, 2008 04:46pm | #6

      i'll second that 

       

      Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

    2. User avater
      Ted W. | Nov 25, 2008 06:57pm | #8

      I'll second that Satin Impervo is among the best for trim. For cabinets, I spray the paint whenever possible, to avoid the texture brushing leaves behind. but with Satin Impervo and a good quality china bristle brush, the brush texture is minimal anyway. Lay it on as thin as possible and plan on at least 2 coats. I prefer to do three.See my work at TedsCarpentry.comBuy Cheap Tools! BuildersTools.net

      If you haven't already done so, please update your profile. Since many issues are dependant on the region in which you work, we often look at your profile to see where you are writing from.

    3. rasher | Nov 25, 2008 06:58pm | #9

      I started using Satin Impervo a year ago based on advice here and now I wouldn't consider using anything else. It's great. Thin with floetrol and a little water and I spray it on with my HVLP conversion gun. Two coats. Flawless, durable, easy to clean surface.

      1. User avater
        mmoogie | Nov 25, 2008 08:55pm | #11

        >>Thin with floetrol and a little water<<I'm guessing you are talking about the water-based Satin Impervo. I use the water-based fresh-start primer under it though.I much prefer the oil for woodwork. I also prefer a brushed-on look to sprayed. "Hand of the maker" and all that...Steve

        Edited 11/25/2008 12:59 pm by mmoogie

  5. unTreatedwood | Nov 25, 2008 04:44pm | #5

    I use both poplar and soft maple. depends upon application. Maple is more expensive but takes the hits a little better. Poplar works very well and holds up fine too. Never had complaints about it, and have been happy with the results....

    “At its most basic level, capitalism offers people the freedom to choose where they work and what they do … the dignity that comes with profiting from their talent and hard work. … The free-market system also provides the incentives that lead to prosperity -- the incentive to work, to innovate, to save and invest wisely, and to create jobs for others.” -President George W. Bush

    In other words, free-market capitalism is the best path to prosperity.

  6. User avater
    PeteDraganic | Nov 25, 2008 05:01pm | #7

    Poplar is a great wood to work with but remember that it has a very short lifespan in exterior applications... fyi.

     

    I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish.        Pete Draganic

     

    Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day.          Matt Garcia

    1. Piffin | Nov 25, 2008 08:06pm | #10

      can't remember the last exterior face frame I did.in fact...;) 

       

      Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

      1. User avater
        PeteDraganic | Nov 26, 2008 12:44am | #15

        i didnt mean to imply that there would be exterior cabinets but just a reminder that poplar is a bad exterior wood so that anyone reading along on how great poplar is would know that.

        <!----><!----><!----> 

        I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish.        Pete Draganic

         

        Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day.          Matt Garcia

        1. brucet9 | Nov 27, 2008 03:43am | #16

          Why is poplar bad for outside trim?BruceT

          1. calvin | Nov 27, 2008 03:30pm | #17

            Old poplar seemed to hold up here in NW OH when it was detailed properly.  'The new stuff not so much.  But, alot of it is in the detailing.  I'm guessing it's propensity to suck up moisture (seems to grow around here alot in the wetlands) has something to do with it.  Sills for instance are a real bad place/along with side casings.  Something that works like it that is much better exterior is Cypress.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

            Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

            http://www.quittintime.com/

             

          2. User avater
            Sphere | Nov 27, 2008 04:00pm | #18

            It seems it has to be old growth heart wood to last, my rake trim, and shingle mold is still good, from before the civil war.

            It's also common around here, to see poplar that are beams and such under old churches and schoolhouses, that as long as not in ground contact, are still sound beams..bugs leave it alone, but get it in the dirt and it rots.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

             

            They kill Prophets, for Profits.

             

             

          3. calvin | Nov 27, 2008 04:10pm | #19

            Isn't fun to be old enough to know and yet young enough to still remember?

             

            I'm still trying for rez's oneliner thing.  A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

            Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

            http://www.quittintime.com/

             

          4. User avater
            Sphere | Nov 27, 2008 04:24pm | #21

            "If you're tryin', you're lyin', either you is, or you ain't" (G)Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

             

            They kill Prophets, for Profits.

             

             

          5. MisterT | Nov 27, 2008 05:38pm | #22

            Good luck he uses a combo of the BCS, the electoral college and the Survivor systems...even HE doesn't understand...not that that is an indicator of ANYTHING!!!:).
            .
            "After the laws of Physics, everything else is opinion" -Neil deGrasse Tyson
            .
            .
            .
            If Pasta and Antipasta meet is it the end of the Universe???

          6. calvin | Nov 27, 2008 05:43pm | #23

            I'm just going to keep at it.

            Some day, I can only hope.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

            Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

            http://www.quittintime.com/

             

          7. brucet9 | Nov 27, 2008 10:47pm | #24

            Well, that's a relief. I just made a mailbox out of poplar for my MIL. It's mounted under a porch roof in SoCal, so it won't ever get wet.BruceT

          8. calvin | Nov 28, 2008 02:34am | #25

            You'll be fine.

            Shouldn't cause any problems with your marriage.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

            Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

            http://www.quittintime.com/

             

          9. Piffin | Nov 28, 2008 02:15pm | #28

            My guess would be that the old polar would stand up better than the new pine anyday, when detailed right.... 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          10. calvin | Nov 28, 2008 03:01pm | #29

            Old growth I think was pretty area specific in the 1800's.  Woods used here from that era include poplar.  It is not unusual to see it from frame to finish/inside and out.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

            Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

            http://www.quittintime.com/

             

  7. User avater
    mmoogie | Nov 25, 2008 08:58pm | #12

    Paul,

    As others have said poplar works very well. It is fairly soft though. It will get dinged up by pots and glasses and plates going in and out of the cabinets and mops at floor height and such. I know because my own cabinets after 8 years have developed a little patina. Maple is much harder, and a pleasure to work with as well.

    Steve



    Edited 11/25/2008 1:00 pm by mmoogie

  8. TomT226 | Nov 25, 2008 09:02pm | #13

    Works great.  However it'll fuzz on cope and stick joints, but a little sandpaper will cure that.  Soft maple is, IMHO, better as it takes paint better.  Watch the real dark areas as they can blow out when planing or running joints.  Pretty similar in price down here for 4/4 or 5/4 S2S.

    I like Sherwin-Williams ProClassic 100% pure acrylic.  And their primer.  No smell like oil, and it holds up just as well with no yellowing.  Sprays great thinned 10%, and can be rolled with a smooth roller so it looks just like sprayed.

     

  9. User avater
    CapnMac | Nov 26, 2008 12:11am | #14

    Yes.  I find it better than the white ash we can get locally (which seems to be half-bred to balsa some days).

     

    Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)



    Edited 11/25/2008 4:13 pm by CapnMac

  10. User avater
    loucarabasi | Nov 27, 2008 04:15pm | #20

    We starting using European Beech, We like it

    Lou C

    As the twig bends- So grows the tree!!
  11. mrfixitusa | Nov 28, 2008 02:40am | #26

    I think poplar is a popular wood for situations which call for painting.

    We have it at our home depot

    I don't think they sell maple

    So you would have a choice of buying poplar, oak, or pine at our local home depot if I remember correctly

    .

    "My wife ran away with my best friend and I miss him"

    1. calvin | Nov 28, 2008 02:52am | #27

      Yet another reason to support an independent concern that would afford you some "exotics" that might hold up to the elements with proper detailing.

      When the box stores are all that's left I hope  the bargain hunters are satisfied.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

      Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

      http://www.quittintime.com/

       

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