What Primer for MDF???
#1

I made an 8' x 8' cabinet for a 225 reef tank finiched in MDF. My question is ...... What can I use to primer MDF??
I have a 1 ltr spray gun that runs off my compressor that I would like to be able to apply the primer with.
Does if mater if it is oil based or not, what are the pros and cons of oil based paint?
thanks
I have a 1 ltr spray gun that runs off my compressor that I would like to be able to apply the primer with.
Does if mater if it is oil based or not, what are the pros and cons of oil based paint?
thanks
#2
I prefer latex paint due to the faster drying time and easier cleanup (water v.s. paint thinner). Others will probably disagree
I would use a good shellac based primer for your MDF. Spray on thin coats and allow some drying time between coats.

I would use a good shellac based primer for your MDF. Spray on thin coats and allow some drying time between coats.
#5
Probably not necessary if you spray it evenly. What kind of finish paint are you using? A good enamel should smooth things out nicely. 
prowallguy -
What part of StL are you in? I grew up about 40 mi west of there.
GO CARDS!!!

prowallguy -
What part of StL are you in? I grew up about 40 mi west of there.
GO CARDS!!!

#6
I have been doing some research, I think that Im going to use polyester primer, 2 coats sanding 220 thru 320 betren coats?
Im not sure of the finish paint and gloss, I would like as shiny as possible black. I have a spray gun, so all will be sprayed on.
Im not sure of the finish paint and gloss, I would like as shiny as possible black. I have a spray gun, so all will be sprayed on.
#7
Dave>> I'm in Florissant
Platapus>> Consider Benjamin Moore's Alkyd Hi-Gloss Enamel as a finish coat. It is very shiny and dries real hard after curing time.
I must admit I've never heard of polyester primer before.
Platapus>> Consider Benjamin Moore's Alkyd Hi-Gloss Enamel as a finish coat. It is very shiny and dries real hard after curing time.
I must admit I've never heard of polyester primer before.

#8
I will look into the Alkyd, is it easy to find?
Maybe Im misreading this...this is were I got the idea of polyester primer...
http://www.woodweb.com/knowledge_bas...er_primer.html
Maybe Im misreading this...this is were I got the idea of polyester primer...
http://www.woodweb.com/knowledge_bas...er_primer.html
#11
Platapus, I checked that link and it does look like the way you would want to go. It also said you can use any finish coat you want. Interesting stuff.
I would still say an oil finish coat would be more durable than latex, just make sure to give ample drying/curing time.
Alkyd is available everywhere, check with your local paint stores.
I would still say an oil finish coat would be more durable than latex, just make sure to give ample drying/curing time.
Alkyd is available everywhere, check with your local paint stores.
#13
Adhesion question:
Primer serves TWO purposes.
1) it seals the substance being painted - normally wood.
2) a primer coat adheres better and accepts paint better so it is less likely to peel.
So, since mfd has no bleeding properties, (tar, gum, tannins, etc.), your primer for mdf is mainly for adhesion of the final coat.
fred
Primer serves TWO purposes.
1) it seals the substance being painted - normally wood.
2) a primer coat adheres better and accepts paint better so it is less likely to peel.
So, since mfd has no bleeding properties, (tar, gum, tannins, etc.), your primer for mdf is mainly for adhesion of the final coat.
fred