Finishing construction on some MDF Cabinets for my niece who wants them painted a satin black color like some pottery barn furniture she has. I have a HLVP system and was wondering what type of primer and topcoat i could spray.Thx in advance for the advice!!
Jimmy
Skim-coating with joint compound covers texture, renews old drywall and plaster, and leaves smooth surfaces ready to paint.
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Replies
Don't use a water base finish, especially for the primer. It'll raise the grain of the MDF.
I'd consider using the shellac-base BIN for the primer. Tint it so its not so white. Then you could use a water vbase finish if you like.
OR
I like Crystallac finishes. I've sprayed them quite a bit, and have been impressed with them. And there's a black undercoat and finish available. They're water base, but barely raise the grain.
I get them from McFeely's ( http://www.mcfeelys.com)
You'll get some hands-on advice from pros experienced with HVLP and waterborne finishes, by going to the Homestead Finishing forum.
Not that the advice here won't be good, but the pond over there has many more fish with the direct experience.
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"A stripe is just as real as a dadgummed flower."
Gene Davis 1920-1985
This should help you along.
http://www.josephfusco.org/Tips/MDF.html
http://joes-stuff1960.blogspot.com/
Sprayed a lot of Sherwin-Williams Pro Classic Acrylic and never raised a whisker on MDF. Two coats of Pro Classic primer. Sand the first.
A little tip. You can roll the interiors with a smooth roller and you can't tell the difference...and you won't be in "black-face" after a couple of units...
Thanks for the info. I went to Sherwin Williams and they say they dont have a pro classic primer. So I guess an oil base primer of some sort but would the topcoat be oil or water base?
It's just an acrylic-latex primer. Like I said before, I've never raised the grain on MDF with SW Pro-classic. Actually, you can skip the primer and just spray another coat for the prime. The primer sands easier and doesn't gum. Kilz would be a good substitute, or even "Gripper" from Glidden. Never sprayed those. I usually thin 10% with water. I've even shot 20% thinned primer and latex with no MDF problems in cold weather. Buy a quart and roll some on and check it out. A smooth roller will give you great results.
Water base is always my choice. The ProClassic White doesn't yellow at all, and is IMHO, just as durable as oil. Did all my cabs in my kitchen with it.
If you can get Ben-Moore stain impervo enamel oil based has worked for me. Thin it with Naptha and you're good to go.