Painting MDF Doors [video 407]
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- Опубліковано 25 чер 2020
- In this video we go back to basics and I share my method for #painting #MDF #doors with a brush and roller to show how the simplest of tools can achieve a top finish. Enjoy!
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Graco Ultraax 12 months on • Graco Ultramax 12 mont...
Premium rollers - • Premium rollers #150
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Used/featured in this video:-
Mirka Deros 240v (NB better prices available elsewhere) - amzn.to/37DbmCH
Rota concave foam rollers - amzn.to/3epXQVn (US - similar: amzn.to/2Co93Yo)
Two Fussy Blokes rollers - amzn.to/3eBa2Tz (US: nope, sorry)
Hamilton sash brush - amzn.to/3fKLeZd (US - similar; amzn.to/3hSPibF)
Leyland acrylic primer/undercoat - amzn.to/3hPck3k (US: no idea, sorry)
Leyland acrylic eggshell - amzn.to/2YPNZ4w (US: nope, sorry)
Paint tray liner - amzn.to/2NlGoFA (US - similar: amzn.to/2NpiYPz)
Paintable edging tape - amzn.to/3110ZHv (US - similar:amzn.to/3drERIB)
Stanley edgeband trimmer - amzn.to/3fNPUgP (US - similar: amzn.to/2zRVoIe)
Cardboard corner protectors - amzn.to/3eoVTbU (US - similar: amzn.to/37NnDV9)
Festool ETS 125 - amzn.to/2RSAEDD (US: amzn.to/2JZy0t5)
Festool ETS 150/5 - amzn.to/2sapsq9 (US: amzn.to/2ssbZgq)
Festool MFT - amzn.to/2x49HHE (US: amzn.to/2J25aKy)
Festool Midi extractor - amzn.to/2tCIN3Q (US: amzn.to/2rKNIOx)
Festool lever clamp - amzn.to/2pOohLD (US: amzn.to/2pnFZIM)
Moldex 6810 in-ear defenders - amzn.to/2P2c5nP (US:amzn.to/2LgIsye)
Other useful gear…
Festool PDC 18/4 - amzn.to/2s3J0eq (US: amzn.to/2tWUHEL)
Festool CXS - amzn.to/2syMO8Z (US: amzn.to/2r0TZ7U)
Festool Kapex 120 - amzn.to/2oYOXeq (US: amzn.to/2o7D3zL)
Festool Granat abrasive - amzn.to/2A3c1vW (US: amzn.to/2gPAAUz)
Festool RTS 400 - amzn.to/2x6zGZW (US: amzn.to/2i84yXn)
Festool CTL SYS Bags - amzn.to/2G9eFVd (US: amzn.to/2GduBpo)
Trend Air Stealth Facemask - amzn.to/2zah0P6 (US: amzn.to/2T5ww6X)
Spax screws - amzn.to/2oYWydc (US: amzn.to/2oOjkDT)
Bahco 6” combi square - amzn.to/2oumhX4 (US: amzn.to/2ouSg9k)
Silicone brush set - amzn.to/2guo6Sm (US: amzn.to/2yEWbZI)
Silicone brush (single) - amzn.to/2l5rNTD (US: amzn.to/2zqFaQl)
Polyvine PolyTen PVA - amzn.to/2svT03N (US: amzn.to/2rmHYL3)
Mirock square - etsy.me/2MC0RT
Maxitek Storm D4 adhesive - bit.ly/StormD4PVA - Навчання та стиль
![Shaker-style doors in MDF [video 405]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/jwGvYsvdCg4/mqdefault.jpg)
I stand in admiration and indeed awe of the tool-lean approach you take to painting.
This guy is a natural at these videos. Warm, friendly, professional, sage. Good hosting.
Thank you! 👍
He's a natural broadcaster!
I frequently go back and watch your videos again when I need advice Peter and you've never let me down! Brilliant advice AND instruction. Thanks very much indeed! 👍
Thanks Peter for a very complete video, and for taking the time to assemble the matching shopping list! I see painting as a necessary evil as I've yet to find a satisfying solution for MR MDF doors, so your tips are much appreciated and will be put to the test!
Thanks! 👍👍
Love the sanding block setup!
what I love about your content is that you get all this really good work done in such a small space. A lot of youtubers have these wonderful shops but you work in something a little bigger than a closet and you turn out such solid work! Thank you for this!
Haha - I’ll have you know British closets are way smaller than my workshop!😂😂 Thanks! Yeah, I’d love more space, but the location and price is hard to beat! 😆👍👍
Remember the old formaldehyde MDF? Hard as nails, superb finish! I remember it every time I put on my breathing mask and switch my respirator machine on to sleep every night. But it was good stuff, though.
@@kabirjeremias6434 Yeah, I care. And yes, I'd like to hack her account, too.
Thank you for sharing this video. Great job
Another excellent presentation. I enjoy your methodical approach to your work. You are technical without being boring, taxing or pretentious and I appreciate that very much. Thanks for another quality video.
Thank you! 🙌👍
This guy is gold. Thank you for video 🙏🏻
I sure do wish I'd watched this a couple of days ago. These techniques are spot on.
Thanks! 👍👍
Very informative Peter. I'd love to see you spray paint the same doors.
Great tips, great presentation - thank you Peter.
👍👍
Some great tips there, I particularly like that little sanding block. Cheers.
Thanks! 👍👍
Love the videos Peter! They are so informative and great to watch. Hope your well 👍🏼
Thanks Simon, glad you like them! And yes, all well, thanks! 👍
Thanks for these videos Peter! I just finished my first Millardian (MDF, dominos, tracksaw) piece of bespoke furniture. Your videos inspired the plunge. I added the last coat of paint (per your instructions) today to the wall mounted bookcase I've built. I can say things came out pretty square, strong and professional-looking in the finish. The success first try is pretty much all down to your clear, straightforward instruction in all these videos. Thank you and merry christmas!
Sounds like a great project! Thanks so much for letting me know! 🙌👍
Thank you Peter. Useful.
Super video Peter - thank you! I've done tons of cabinets now and keep checking the changes in process online, was using Zinsser shellac primer but now only on small jobs as the cost is prohibitive also clean up would be different to top coats. I think the key is sanding sanding sanding, really as long using a good acrylic eggshell its going to be good. I do much prefer the edge banding now just don't have to sand and round-over as much on the edges. Love your channel!
Peter, as always your tips are appreciated! As considered by someone who hates to paint.
Thanks Steve! 👍👍
Thank you Mr Millard, sir. I would say you have saved my bacon! Having cleared out an apartment I own and getting ready for sale of the property, I found that one of the kitchen cabinet doors had the vinyl high gloss shrink covering half ripped off. As the cabinets were installed almost 20yrs ago, they are now discontinued items. No doubt any purchaser will want to update the kitchen units but the state they are in currently will not be appealing - pure white high gloss doors, all but one, which is down to the raw MDF. I will try your technique and use spray lacquer to attain that high gloss finish, hopefully. Your video is so very instructive and helpful. Thank you so much for posting Peter. Best regards from Northern Ireland. 😀👍☘️
Fascinating as ever. After watching this I understand better why you invested so comprehensively in spraying for the economies of time it represents.
Thanks! 👍
Learned alot that I really don't need spray painting when less massy easy way is there. Thanks a lot.
Great video. Very clearly explained and good references to the tools and materials used. I will be watching more!
Thanks! 👍
You are very good peter. Enjoy your videos very much. thank you.
I use a section of ply with 4 cut down pins to paint both sides of doors, and I find the mohair mini roll tubes are better than foam rollers
Thanks for this, Peter. I have some doors to paint and I'll use your tips.
Cheers Mark! 👍
Thanks Peter - very useful tips.👍
Thanks Norman! 👍
New sub. You are amazing. You explain things in the simplest form for people like me (who dont catch on to easy on handy things) can understand. Best of all, I think you've just saved a marital argument about a kitchen rehab. We've been watching your videos today on how to make the doors, hinge, paint etc. and I think we are going to try it. Thanks so much!
Thank you so much! Really appreciate the feedback - let me know how you get on! 👍👍
Great videos as always
I cant remember that I saw a youtube use a primer. Interesting subject. You make it look easy. Thank you.
Thanks Frits! 👍👍
You seem to do everything with the minimum of movement. It is so enjoyable to watch a pro do something that many people (including me) think they can do. Thanks.
Thanks! There just isn’t that much space to live in, lol! 😂😂👍👍
Peter Millard Your professional skill is obvious in every video you do and it is a joy to watch. Cheers from Alberta, Canada.
David Clark Well, thanks for watching, and best wishes from London! 🙌👍👍
@@clarkd1955 Make that 2 of us from Alberta!
Great video! And loved your work in Legends of Tomorrow!
OK, I had to look that one up, but you're right - me and Wentworth Miller, like brothers from another mother... 😂 And thanks! 👍
We have a Shaker community within an hour drive where I live. Not many of them left, most are quite elderly.
I was going to attempt the risky task of routing a pattern into my old, plain, flat laminated MDF cabinets and was dreading the inevitable chip-out and then you introduced me to 'faker shakers'! My whole project changed completely! This is a fantastic remedy that I can do with my table saw and some glue and clamps. I came to get painting tips and left with an entirely new concept. Many thanks!
Yep this opened my eyes to other ways it can be done
Another excellent video, many thanks!
Thanks! 👍
Hi peter, A tecnique i use is to clamp a few doors or panels together,where possible,then sand with festool 150 and give all edges two coats of primer and allow to dry.then you can work on fronts and backs easier.just my way ,but it does work.great video as usual.cheers.
That's actually a great tip.
I recently found myself making a lot of painted MRMDF stuff. One thing that used to kill my production time was once I paint, I can't carry on cutting due to the dust despite my dust extraction working its best. Lucky for me I had the space to set up a permanent spray booth. Good video Peter even if its the way I do it myself👍
Thanks! Yes, having a small workspace where you have to paint & work is a real production killer. 🤷♂️👍
Brilliant video thank-you so much
Excellent content and very relaxing
thanks for the videos, always good, wishing you great success
Thank you! 👍
Muy educativo y valioso tus videos, cada dia aprendo algo gracias a tus explicaciones ordenadas y objetivas. Gracias.-
Thank you!
look at the cloths, so clean, not a drop on him. Wow!
the last coat dose seem to go fastest. I liked the speed of the time laps.
Thanks for the info ☺️
Absolutely perfect timing Peter 😁. I'm just about to make an MDF radiator cover and am still deciding between spray or roller 🤔🤔. I think a combo is needed. I've been using packing corners for a few years as well and have used them for all sorts of applications.. there great. Thanks for the video. Stay safe 😁👍
Thanks Frank! Yes, I’m late to the ‘cardboard corner’ party, lol! Very useful though, for all kinds of things! 👍👍
Great stuff
Nice to see brushes getting used!
Always! 👍
Well Peter that video had me on the edge of my seat ,i always find spraying leaves a nicer finish and the drying time is cut in half ,but the mess and the cleaning of the spray guns or the grayco max is a lot of work
Thanks Syd. Yes, as I say, brush & roller is a very ‘contained’ way of painting, and I’ve had a few clients say that the sprayed finish looked too ‘manufactured’ they want a hand-made piece to have brushstrokes! 😂🤷♂️👍
Good video thanks Peter
Cheers Michael! 👍
The use of packing corners is a revelation Peter! :-) 'Why didn't I think of that'... I've got a whole stack of them destined for the bin... not anymore! `Great video as always!
Cheers Jason! Yes, only occurred to me recently when I saw the stack of offcuts that I’d (luckily) kept! 😆👍👍
Great video. For a better smoother finish using brush and rollers and without spray paint, I recommend adding Floetrol to the finishing paint before use. Also BIN primer sealer (shellac based) would give much better results than other primers.
Thanks. As I think I say in the vid, using a decent quality MR MDF makes a huge difference, and while I'm a big fan of BIN, I can typically use regular primer/undercoat with MR without any issues. 👍
Ditto on both 👍Fletrol will lay as flat as a spray once you get used to the best mix ratio with your paint of choice.
Thank you for a superb video as always.
I've recently followed your tips and (using the Leyland Acrylic Primer) managed to paint some MDF sections in a new kitchen, that were used to box in the top of the units.
The sanding between coats is certainly an essential step.
Fantastic, good to hear Neil, thanks! 👍
At last a Good sensible vid: just doing some MDF shaker doors for the first time ever so a very useful and and informative vid: Thankyou.
Glad you liked it! 👍
Ótimo canal, e as dicas são inspiradoras.
Muito obrigado! Muitas felicidades de Londres!
Was like watching 'Bob Ross' (without the hair) Happy little shaker doors... ;)
😂👍👍
I was thinking the same :D
@@10MinuteWorkshop "Big 'ole" spoke here...
Excellent. Thanks
Thanks! 👍
Peter try 1 primer, 1 undercoat and 1 top coat using a decent paint like Sikkens, also try laying off with a dry roller for a more even texture, buying cheap paint is a false economy as you put extra coats on, also having the extra layers will make it more prone to chipping, I prefer the pure bristle sash brush over the synthetic one, but I use the same sponge rollers though.. good job
You can get wire loops that clip into the 35mm hinge holes, and make it easier to handle and hang the doors up to dry. Good for spraying too.
I can't remember where I saw them ( might be Rutlands) but the innovative amongst us could probably make some from wire coathangers.
Thanks, yes, I’ve seen some on UA-cam, neat idea if you have a lot to do. 👍👍
My advice for painting mdf doors is to build a good relationship with a professional painter and pay them to do it!
Agree, but also look into good paint if doing it yourself.
Paint and primers with hardners make a huge difference to work with, drying time is also incredible. Pre catalysed stuff is dry to touch in 10 and you can sand in about 30min
Matthew Smith noooo we dont want any part of your mdf
@@olegserstjuk2232 Shellac based primer is my only go-to on MDF anymore. It dries ridiculously fast, doesn't raise the grain of the edges, and leaves a smooth bulletproof finish.
@@acerjuglans383 do you have any experience with epoxy paint/primers undercoats like the one by Stone Coat Countertops company?
Professional painter are a joke when it comes to painting cabinet doors. Water based paints suck. Solvent based are MUCH better. Having a professionally refinisher is going to give you much better results
Peter ,great stuff .Just found your channel ,very inspiring .Greetings from Ireland .
Thanks Adrian, and welcome! Best wishes from London!!👍
Yep I've got the fancy Graco gxff machine but sometimes just can't face the set up and clean down! You need a dedicated room or booth to make it worthwhile, which I don't have!
Yep! 👍
Fantastic Peter. Really enjoyed that. Had thought of using that tape, won't bother now lol. Video was superbly put together, really nice. End music was a nice change. 👍👍👍👍
Thanks Barry! Yeah, playing around with a bit of Muzak - not always appropriate, but fun to skip some in now and then. 👍👍
I Like your videos.
My top tip is line the paint try with tin foil saves having to clean it out.
Just screw it up and bin it when finished. I always buy an extra Turkey roll at Christmas for the big trays. 👍
Keep up the good work 👍
Thanks! Yes, fool’s a good trick - I use tray liners as you can swap them out more easily. 👍👍
I do that with roasting tins but never thought to do it with paint trays. Brilliant idea!
This (and last week’s videos) couldn’t be better timed as I’m about to have a crack at building and painting my first mdf doors this weekend.
Thanks! Timing is everything, I’m told. 🤷♂️👍👍
Thanks for the top tip about corner protectors, Peter. I kept about 50 metres of them as I knew they’d come in useful....only having not thought of anything useful in the 4 months I’ve had them I threw them away (recycling, of course) last week. Only have 7 shaker doors to paint next week. Typical!! 🤣🙄. Noted for the future though.
Always the way Ian, always the way... 🤷♂️😂👍👍
Cheers Peter
👍👍
I feel a disclaimer is needed for this video. Many people will think painting will go this perfectly and mess-free. In reality, the doors will be dropped as they are moved about, the paint will run copiously into the hinge pockets and then like a river across the door, etc. You made it look superhuman Peter. lol
Yeah, Peter Perfect, that’s me! 😂😂 I think I did mention the dropped door, but sure - everyone has to learn the hard way, I just aim to make it a little easier, is all. 👍👍
I like to bevel the mission door panel edges 15 degrees to make it easyer to clean especially with white doors
Fantastic video thanks!
Thank you! 👍
@@10MinuteWorkshop I watched about 10 videos before I finally saw this and could know with confidence what I needed to do, as I saw your success. As my MDF is NOT MRMDF I think I'll use some sealer beforehand as well.
It’s sometimes difficult to find the voice of reason, but Peter is just that. Many YT videos proclaim that a water-based paint should not be used on MDF, but they’re almost always referring to the edges of MDF. In my case, I was about to embark on painting 40 or so brand new Shaker-style cabinet doors consisting of maple rails and stiles with MDF panels, so I wasn’t faced with painting the edges. Peter’s video gave me the confidence to use a water-based primer, and it has worked out beautifully. I double checked with my local paint supply store, Sherwin-Williams, and the most knowledgeable person there also recommended a water-based primer. Their top coat recommendation was their Emerald product, which is also amazing.
Great video as normal Peter, Couple of things to mention on painting MDF (and other materials) to others less skilled than you.
1. "Knock of the arris" as my dad always used to say. Paint can't and won't physically stick to a sharp corner. It is therefor important to sand all sharp edges. Only needs a tiny flick over when doing your de-nibbing but makes a massive difference.
2. Fat edges. Most common mistake by novice painters is leaving fat edges (excessive amounts of paint) on the adjacent face. You were clearly knocking your fat edges off with the roller but didn't mention this technique. It's a simple thing but often overlooked. Pain to remove once dry as when sanding them you end up going back to bare wood.
3. First coat layoff. When you put that first primer coat on always be mindful of not leaving big splodges anywhere, even if you will be going over that area again in 30 seconds. MDF sucks that first coat straight in and if it's to thick in areas it can be a pain to sand out later. You do have a little more 'work time' as the coats progress but just be mindful.
4. Water/shellac/oil. This is aimed more at high end finishes but the water based paints can cause other issues. Sometimes something a little more robust is needed, a shellac based primer is a good alternative. Quick drying but a little more hard wearing and seals the fibres a little better.
5. Last one again is difficult to control but drying area is important. Although the water based paints are quick drying there is nothing worse than taking your time building up layers of paint and sanding between all coats to have the final coat ruined by some dust or other debris blowing all over your wet paint. Try keep the airflow controlled and free from crap, clean your work area before painting and be mindful of other jobs whilst things are drying nearby.
We spray when we can but still do loads of hand painting where the sprayer isn t a viable option.
Good luck.
Hope that
Great info, thanks John! 👍
John - Thank you for the detailed explanations. They are very helpful. Appreciate you taking the time to write them. I read every word!
Great info thanks John - can ask about the corners again? I am going to get some mdf slab kitchen doors made, not shaker just plain. Should I ask the guy who cuts them to round all the edges slightly? Or just do it by hand? Thank you!
@@lizziebarker8399
Hi Lizzie,
No need to ask, its something you can do yourself. I presume you're getting plain MDF slab? Are you painting them yourself? 18mm? Best to get them all primed then when you sand just gently go over the edges with something like 120g or 150g just to knock the sharpness off.
@@JohnSmith-qv3db thanks John! I was thinking 22mm MDF and yes I’m going to start with a small kitchen island and see if I can paint it myself, then do the rest of the doors if I get a good enough result!
Love it. I'm literally watching paint dry.
Me too! 😂
Hi Peter, love your videos thank you for sharing! I always struggle a lot cleaning up the brushes and the stuff related to painting, I did see you kept the painting tray with a plastic bag and that is a tip I picked up already but it’d be great to know (hint for a video :-) if you just throw away the roller or clean it, same with the tray and any brushes. In my case I always try to clean and reuse but cleaning is such a chore that most of the time I end up not painting because I hate to clean and I am sure I am doing something wrong so it’d be great to learn. Keep up the great content!
Hi, and thanks! I don't do anything like as much painting as I used to, but I basically kept the brushes and rollers 'active' for the duration of the painting session by keeping them wrapped up/covered ie in the tray and under the same bag, or in clingfilm , and then I'd clean the brushes at the end of the session, and usually throw the rollers away. The reason for chucking the rollers is two-fold; firstly, at the end of a painting session they're often not in great shape anyway, and secondly I don't really want to wash that much paint down the drain. That's worked for me, anyway! HTH, P.
Great , informative, to the point , iv been painting for 30 odd years always use Leyland primer undercoat 1hr redcoat time and I have never got it to cover like that in one coat , amazing , made me laugh out loud with the bit about keeping the door further on the work surface and not to ask how you know , looking forward to your next video
Thanks! 👍👍
thank You very much!
Hi Peter - I use the exact same rollers. I have found that, once rolled, very lightly going over with a dry roller reduces the orange peel significantly. Thanks for the videos... and thanks to you I've been forced into buying a Domino... can't wait for it to arrive! Please do a Domino video!
Thanks David! And yes, there’s a ‘Domino Workshop’ series planned. 👍👍
Precisely using two rollers as one can be slightly dryer as it's not to heavy loaded with paint won't leave orange peel and leave it factory Finnish flat, personally I like to use synthetic mohair rollers, obviously washing out any loose fibres and even doublely making sure any loose fibers are run out by using them on scrap wood/walls ,you then have a broken in ready to fine Finnish as essentially the nap fibre roller sleeve whips the paint flat. Fast backrolling also uses less paint if you happen to be short of paint and time ,on a new build full panel door should take no more than 15 minutes either side ,I like your attention to detail and we can and some times take too long to .... unless on a price to keep that momentum up so every stroke matters
I use 1 coat MDF primer (to stop MDf bleeding through) & 2-3 coats top coats finish of choice. Edge banded all round. Bigger doors need painting all in one go else they curl !
Try a LVLP spray gun I use mine with a 8 gallon 1 1/2 hp compressor. I have an Graco airless and a HVLP but the LVLP is the best by a long long long way. Over spray is almost nonexistent, it sprays at a reasonable rate, clean up is the easiest by far and it is inexpensive.
Personally I use either a polyurethane or shellac based sanding sealer before paint. It seals the MDF beautifully without causing any rough surface, then the paint goes on smooth as glass especially when sprayed. Reduces sanding and provides a far superior finish, even on cheap MFD.
Everyone needs to know that shellac based primer on MDF is the only way to go!
Paul I’m a bit confused. Is sanding sealer same thing as a primer or different? Is it white or transparent? What does the “sanding” part mean…that it needs to be sanded after? Why is this much better than the white primer in the video? What does this allow you to do that normal primer doesn’t?
Industry secret for you, use button polish. It’s much much cheaper than anything labbled MDF sealer. Shellac based. Dries incredibly fast. Nearly instantly. seals and takes less coats to get the same finish.
Loving the videos. Im a painter by trade and I recommend you try "Sheild" undercoat. It flairs up cut edges and timber grain. It may seem very rough at the start but after its fully hard and dry, it can be very easily sanded smooth almost like Glass. Much like a high build primer for automotive.
Thanks, I’ll take a look. 👍
Try drywall mud on edges for painted panels in MDF. Works like a charm. Old timer taught me.
👍
great video
Thanks! 👍
My own favourite painting tip is MAKE SURE YOU HAVE EXCELLENT LIGHTING. If you see a missed bit, you can't fix it.
Thank you very much, very interesting for me…I am from Quebec, Canada.
Thanks you! Best wishes from London. 👍
I can’t believe you painted over all that beautiful wood!😂. Great video thanks.
It wasn't wood. I thought Peter made it clear, he was painting MDF - there are very good practical reasons for doing so.
(I'm assuming you weren't joking).
😂👍👍
Pretty sure the 😂 made it a joke. 👌👍
Ha ha yes definitely a joke!
Shouldn't joke about something so serious.
I've painted lots of MDF, with lots of edges (I made all my house's millwork with MDF). Things I've found out: (1) use the highest quality MDF you can get hold of (2) use a SHARP blade when cutting & get the cleanest edge off the saw that you can (3) prime--preferably 2 or 3 coats w/ a quick-drying shellac-based primer--in the States, Zinsser BIN 123 is a great choice--it dries incredibly fast, seals well, and is compatible with any top coat (4) if you have a little inside lip like on these doors, a little painter's caulk quickly and properly applied will make it perfect (5) take your time painting, sand lightly between coats, and control dust. That's it. Painting MDF isn't magic by any means, but it is critical to seal with a good primer, IMO.
Darin - do you know if the Zinsser (which I have and agree - it's fab) will seal knots?
@@davidbuchan2224 I do not know. I haven’t tried it for that. I suspect that it will, but might need more than 1 coat. And certainly you might need filler also, depending on the knot. I would fill it if needed first, then use a couple coats of the Zinsser as a sealer. My gut tells me that should work.
@@davidbuchan2224 hi David the bin primer does seal knots
@@davewright9312 Thank you for taking the time to reply - yes, have painted some particularly knotty pine... no sign of them coming through - it's worth the money!
If you use a coat of sanding sealer, ether shellac or polyurethane based first it seals the MDF surface ready for painting and is really inexpensive. The paint then goes on smooth as glass especially when sprayed and doesn't soak into the MDF at all even the cheap none moisture resistant stuff.
Thanks for your postings. You may want to consider putting your paint tray into a plastic carrier bag before filling. when your done, throw the bag away and no cleaning up to do. Also, if you make a couple of 35mm discs, cut them in half and fix to a small sprung 'scissors', you can use the hinge holes to hold the doors. You can use a wood or steel bar, or a length of string to hang them. You can the do all four edges each time.
With respect, that’s a terrible idea - the plastic bag sticks to the wet paint and lifts away from the tray every time you prime the roller. Tin foil is better as it tends to stay put, but best of all is a cheap tray liner that’s virtually unnoticeable - I’m using one here - but does the job with out any of the above disadvantages. Also means that you can keep the liner active with eg primer, and still move on to topcoat without tying up another tray. 👍👍
I have never been satisfied with a final coat done with a foam roller. Using a high-gloss latex enamel, treated with Floetrol or similar latex paint extender solution, I can use a fine brush and 1/4" nap microfiber roller. No foam roller "rash", just a beautiful, smooth finish, which doesn't look "raw", but has a very pleasing patina.
Looking to actually setup a workshop like this
This is very clear and informative thank you! I’m about to embark on a diy job on my mdf cabinet doors - they’re plain, with bevelled edge. I’ve peeled off the gloss plastic coating and the mdf underneath looks like it’s been sealed (slight sheen.. maybe that’s the adhesive?). No idea whether it’s MR MDF ☹️ So I think I’ll use the Zinsser shellac primer (brush/roller) so many people recommend. I’m using a water-based eggshell for top coats (Little Greene intelligent eggshell). My neighbour is going to help and says spraying will produce a better finish. Having seen you roll and brush your doors I’m wondering whether my neighbour is right..?? Spraying looks incredibly messy and I’m guessing uses more paint.
A couple of questions: should I fill handle holes with wood filler before priming? And what grade(s) sandpaper is best for sanding between coats?
Thank you 😊
Hi Peter, once again invaluable advice delivered clearly and concisely. I don’t know if perhaps I’ve missed it but wondered if you have already covered painting and finishing doors/drawers with the finger pull/ovolo scribe that you recommend? I’m currently at that stage of a project now and finding them difficult to sand and paint. Any help on this would be great, thanks again for the amazing content 👍🏻
Thanks! I’ll take a look at the back catalogue in the morning and see if I can find a specific video, but I remember I used the foam-core Mirka sanding pads to get into the finger-pulls and gently taking the sharper edges off. 👍👍
I'm actually surprised by how much knowledge is involved in a "simple" door painting 🤔
👍👍
Very interested to see the lack of difference between edgebanded and non. I definitely find that a good quality MR MDF doesn’t need edgebanding.
Re drying times, do you stick to manufacturers guide or just repaint when dry to the touch? Something I’m never sure about!
Depends on the schedule! Where I can I leave it overnight, but I’ve found around ~4 hrs between redcoats is often enough. 👍👍
I'm really curious when it comes to painting MDF, with regards to the edges, that the primer you're using seals the cut ends sufficiently because I was always under the impression that you had to use a specialised MDF primer! That was thanks to someone I used to work with a long time ago who was a retired painter & decorator. I'm seriously going to have to take a better look at this stuff now as I've always been put off using MDF for this reason.
I'm also interested to know what vacuum cleaner setup you have as it sounds like you're using a standard vacuum cleaner.
Lastly, those cardboard corners - I work at IKEA and we recycle more than enough of those every day.
The MDF we have now is much better generally than what was available even 10 years ago, and as I think I say in this video, use decent, branded eg Medite, MR MDF as the starting point and you won’t need any special primers or sealers. For the vac setup, the main one’s a Festool CTL 22, with others around for specific tasks eg the mitre saw. There’s an old workshop tour video here - ua-cam.com/video/Ce_gMwIQQsk/v-deo.html - need updating, but that’s the general setup. 👍👍
Guess I'm lucky to have access to a very nice Homag automated edgebander machine. I've been spoiled.
Some great info to take on board there, going away from doors though, would you only recomend MRMDF if you was making radiator covers for instance.? Great video....!!
Thanks! I only ever recommend MRMDF as it’s just a better quality board for not much more money over regular MDF, and the time you save in finishing/prepping over standard MDF easily pays for the difference. 👍👍
Use OTEX oil based primer on cut edge of MDF . 2 coats with a find sand
Nice vid Peter, (as always) I love your easy to follow style with none of the gimmicky, daft editing that other makers seem to use. Do you have any tips on painting hollow core panel doors, as I’ve just fitted a few in my house and I’m struggling..😩 Thanks..
Thanks! You mean like a hollow-core flush door - a entranceway door, not a cabinet door, yes? Yeah, a large flat area is always tricky. I had good results with a 6” mini-roller, either HD foam, or a short-pile ‘gloss’ type roller. Best results were sprayed, but, you know - cost, mess & cleanup. 🤷♂️ HTH👍👍
Most of the MR MDF available in the US (if you can even find it) doesn't have the green color. It looks like regular MDF, so super hard to know what you're getting unless you really trust the supplier. The Medite is hard to find, at least here on the east coast. My local supplier carries the Medite FR, but not the MR.
I like the spray finish but it does make touching up on site if something 'happens' during the install more difficult than roller!
Hi, Peter. I was enthusiastic about taking off our chipping and peeling MDF from our kitchen cabinets and drawers....HOWEVER.
I have taken the vinyl wrap from one panel and discovered that it's coated in a dark orange residue. When you try to sand it, it gums up.
I've spent days trying to take the glue from one panel!!!
Do you have any ideas?
Stumped. 🥺