Inbuilt MDF bookcase - 2pac or painted

[nobloodyidea]

Hey guys

I'm getting two large book cases (3.2m by 2m) made in 25mm MDF.

The bookcases will end up being "inbuilt" into alcoves in our house.

I'm having someone else to make these as I really don't have the skills, space or time to do it myself.

I want the book cases to have a high quality smooth, glossy white finish.

They company making the bookcases have quoted me an extra $1300 for a 2pac finish.

Otherwise they will deliver and install as "primed, ready for painting"

My question - Is 2pac worth it? Especially at $1300 more?

Could I achieve a similar result using paint/lacquer. Keep in mind the book case will be fully constructed by the time I could paint it.

If so what should I be using? What tips have you got?

Thanks in advance.

[Master Splinter]

Two pack is 'sort of' worth it.

You'll get a hard gloss finish with no brushmarks or rollermarks, which will be difficult and time consuming to achieve by hand (especially if it has a number of fixed shelves that you have to work around).

However, once two pack is damaged (chipped or dented - minor scratches can be buffed out), its not an easy fix.

To see if you are interested in doing the finishing yourself (and how well you'll do it), I'd suggest that you nip to Bunnies and buy a few shelf-sized pieces of MDF (just 10mm thick, you don't need to go all the 25mm way for these), then nip to Super-Cheap Auto and grab a spray can of enamel undercoat, and a few of enamel and have a go. These don't have to be the $15 per can ones - I've been quite happy with the results you can get from $3 cans.

You'll need 1-2 coats of undercoat, then 4-6 of topcoat. Once the last coat is on, leave it for a few days, then polish with car cut&polish to bring up the gloss a bit more (mistakes can be taken out with wet and dry - 120 and 240 grit, or up to 1200 grit if it is supposed to be the final coat).

Personally, doing that on a big area would put me right off; but then, I'd be getting the compressor and spraygun out and doing it before assembly to make it easier on myself!

[jmwilliams]

what is 2 pac?

[spectre]

what is 2 pac?

Strictly speaking a 2 pack product is any product, lacquer, epoxy, polyurethane or other more obscure resin, that requires a seperate catalyst to be added prior to application for it to dry.

A lot of automotive products are two pack, a lot of floor coatings the same, there are also 2 pack spray lacquers which are usually furniture finishes.

[Dengue]

Personally, I find MDF too soft for cupboards and shelving, it damages too easily.

Have a look at these links for threads on finishing MDF.

http://www.woodworkforums.com/f9/sanding-sealer-waterproof-76886/#post784968 (http://www.woodworkforums.com/f9/sanding-sealer-waterproof-76886/#post784968)

http://www.woodworkforums.com/f9/painting-mdf-glossy-finish-101943/

http://www.woodworkforums.com/f11/mdf-sealing-priming-painting-advise-please-105362/


regards,
Jill

[Chipman]

Paint will work. I have done enclosed fish tank cupboards, hi-fi stands and kids furniture.

Seal/fill and sand (can use several coats of sealer/undercoat)
Spray top coats before final assembly...much easier
leave atleast a week in warm weather before putting books on it!!!!

If you are going this route, why not just use melamine and edge it?


Cheers,

Chipman

[Dengue]

Hey Chipman, did you use oil or water based paint?

How did you get on when some screws or nails have to be added during the final assembly that are exposed on , say, the outer carcass of a bookshelf. Does this mean puttying, sanding and then another final coat?

regards,
Jill

[Harry72]

With built ins the screws go in the sides and back where you cant see them, if a side is exposed a outer cover is added or in this case hidden by the alcoves :)

[Chipman]

Hey Chipman, did you use oil or water based paint?

How did you get on when some screws or nails have to be added during the final assembly that are exposed on , say, the outer carcass of a bookshelf. Does this mean puttying, sanding and then another final coat?

regards,
Jill

Sometimes I use a water based sealer/primer but always an oil based top coat as it is usually harder wearing. I always spray so sometimes I use one of the rapid dry enamels.

Cheers,