how to paint MDF?

[gychang]

I am building a yet another speaker cabinet, I have successfully veneered my last speaker, but now this time I like to try painting the MDF.

1. what kind of filler/sanding will be needed before primer?
2. what is the proper primer for the MDF? anything I need to know about the pain?

thanks,

gychang

[Cheeky]

i used joint compound, per the advice of a taunton press editor, and it worked nice.

for primer, i used zinsser bin (red label, spray can). after the 1st primer coat i used steel wool. 2nd coat, then sand again.

i used a spray laquer, and it worked great.

[whitecobra]

We use diluted dry wall spackle also
As for primer most of the time there is no need

Dr D

[lrr]

Joint compound is a great filler. As for primer, I swear by Kilz -- plenty of solids in it to give a smooth finish. You can use a cheap roller to apply, and it sands easily to give you a really smooth finish before painting.

[Alex Franke]

I also use joint compound, then primer, then sand and paint. Works pretty well for me.

[Cheeky]

Joint compound is a great filler. As for primer, I swear by Kilz -- plenty of solids in it to give a smooth finish. You can use a cheap roller to apply, and it sands easily to give you a really smooth finish before painting.

Irr,

how are things in Fort Fun? haven't been there since '99, after i graduated from CSU.

[jlm]

A note about primer - in my experience, it's best to use an oil-based primer, rather than latex. The water in latex primer can sometimes swell the MDF and spoil the smooth texture. After you've primed, you can use latex paint if you like, since the primer will seal the surface.

[gychang]

A note about primer - in my experience, it's best to use an oil-based primer, rather than latex. The water in latex primer can sometimes swell the MDF and spoil the smooth texture. After you've primed, you can use latex paint if you like, since the primer will seal the surface.

important to use the oil-base primer and then the latex can be used, very helpful thanks for all who gave their adivse.

gychang