I'm going to construct a built-in cabinet in my guest bedroom. Since I was going to paint the cabinets, I was thinking of using MDF for the primary construction material to save on costs. Also after examining my Armoire that I bought from Pottery Barn, it appears it's made from MDF also.
But before I got started, I wanted to understand how to paint MDF. I know enough about painting to understand that the edge grains does soak up paint and sealing the material is needed in order to keep it from distorting in the future.
I've read threads that talk about using primer, glue size, drywall topping, caulk, or a combination of both.
But I still have a few questions.
At this point, what is still not clear to me is how to handle the butted edges.
What do I need to do to treat butted edges? Do I treat it first - with glue or any of the other recommedation - or do I not do anything, but simply treat the whole cabinet once it's assembled?
Is there any specific thing I do different when I treat the edges versus when I treat the surface?
Lastly, can anyone recommend exactly what I should do and what brand of primer, glue, or whatever that I should use?
Thanks.
But before I got started, I wanted to understand how to paint MDF. I know enough about painting to understand that the edge grains does soak up paint and sealing the material is needed in order to keep it from distorting in the future.
I've read threads that talk about using primer, glue size, drywall topping, caulk, or a combination of both.
But I still have a few questions.
At this point, what is still not clear to me is how to handle the butted edges.
What do I need to do to treat butted edges? Do I treat it first - with glue or any of the other recommedation - or do I not do anything, but simply treat the whole cabinet once it's assembled?
Is there any specific thing I do different when I treat the edges versus when I treat the surface?
Lastly, can anyone recommend exactly what I should do and what brand of primer, glue, or whatever that I should use?
Thanks.