A customer of mine wants me to build a 3/4 scale playhouse for her grandchildren. The playhouse will be a reproduction of another one she used as a child in the early thirties. The old playhouse has an almost unbelievable level of detail and my customer wants to replicate as much of it as possible without breaking the bank.
The existing structure has real plaster on the interior walls. I’m thinking about using 1/2″ MDF for the interior wall covering because of the way it takes paint, and I believe it will stand up very well to the abuse it will certainly see from 12 grandchildren!
I plan to screw the MDF to the studs, after pre-drilling pilot holes and countersinks. My question is about filling and hiding the screw holes and joint seams. There won’t be many seams because of the ceiling height and window placement. I’m afraid if I don’t do this correctly, they will show up through the paint. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Jeff Swanson
Replies
Jeff,
Is this play house going to be outside?
If so I would suggest using MDO not MDF, MDO is often used for highway signs and such very durable and resistant to moisture. for the seams and screw holes regular old bondo will do you
Neil
Bondo!
Excellence is its own reward!
I've used MDF for a number of projects and used joint compound to fill the nail holes and screw holes. It's quick and works great. Let it dry, hit it with some sandpaper, a little primer, some paint, and you're golden. I've never had a problem with shrinkage (regrets to Seinfeld) or cracking. For the deep holes, mix a small batch of setting compound.
i agree with the mdo and bondo does wonders
BONDO
Thiis is is a SECRET, but for the BEST "on the wall' results, hire the world renowned drywaller, JAMES BONDO. ( or car detailer, et. al. )
I first heard this in 1965 in queries similar to this thread, any other recollections like this?? Was this an early BONDO commercial effort>?