Q.
Does anyone have information on what procedures (materials, sanding technique, etc.) to use to paint MDF. I must achieve a high-gloss, white finish.

Sand all surfaces with 320-400 No-fil paper, and all routed edges with 600. Apply two coats of catalized primer such as Clawlock, sanding between coats with 320 No-fil. Apply a wet coat of Resistant or Magnalac, followed by a coat of Krystal or Clearlite Plus Gloss (I have only tried Clearlite Plus over Magnalac).

Allow to dry for at least 24 hours, then sand with 1500 paper to remove any imperfections such as dust and orange peel, and follow that with 2000 (8 microns) paper.

Polish with a high speed-polisher and an automotive rubbing compound, followed by a swirl remover.

The system that is best for you depends on your spray equipment, skill level and production line. I prefer polyester primers because they are very high solids, produce no shrinkage, and there's no worry about mil thicknesses. Once cured it is not going to move anywhere! Also, you can topcoat polyester with anything you want; urethanes or varnishes. Urethanes will give you a higher gloss off the gun than varnish, but once again varnish will limit the build to 4 dry mil. If you plan to polish I like a little more there for safety reasons... like that rare slip of the buffer!!

Have you reviewed the related Knowledge Base areas below?

KnowledgeBase: Finishing: General Wood Finishing

KnowledgeBase: Finishing: High Speed Production

KnowledgeBase: Knowledge Base



Would you like to add information to this article? ... Click Here

If you have a question regarding a Knowledge Base article, your best chance at uncovering an answer is to search the entire Knowledge Base for related articles or to post your question at the appropriate WOODWEB Forum. Before posting your message, be sure to review our Forum Guidelines.

Questions entered in the Knowledge Base Article comment form will not generate responses! A list of WOODWEB Forums can be found at WOODWEB's Site Map.

When you post your question at the Forum, be sure to include references to the Knowledge Base article that inspired your question. The more information you provide with your question, the better your chances are of receiving responses.

Return to beginning of article.

Refer a Friend || Read This Important Information || Site Map || Privacy Policy || Site User Agreement Letters, questions or comments? E-Mail us and let us know what you think. Be sure to review our Frequently Asked Questions page. Contact us to discuss advertising or to report problems with this site. To report a problem, send an e-mail to our Webmaster Copyright © 1996-2009 - WOODWEB ® Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without permission of the Editor. Review WOODWEB's Copyright Policy. The editors, writers, and staff at WOODWEB try to promote safe practices. What is safe for one woodworker under certain conditions may not be safe for others in different circumstances. Readers should undertake the use of materials and methods discussed at WOODWEB after considerate evaluation, and at their own risk. WOODWEB, Inc. RR4 Box 265A Montrose, PA 18801 Contact WOODWEB