Best finish for MDF

[garfield]

Garfield,

If you want a painted finish, stick with MDF. It is hard to get a good surface with chipboard. It can be done.... but requires more work, especially if you are going to fill the edges. (Alternative nail/glue on a edging strip) Atleast MDF can be routed to shape on the edges. While chipboard may make less dust, it is still an issue. If I had a choice between MDF and Chipboard for what you are doing, I would choose MDF.

Have you considered using melamine with an iron on edge? If you go this way, use melamine on chipboard.

Have you considered using Plywood (a more expensive option and better for a varnished finish)

Chipman

Thanks Chipman.... I was only joking with the chipboard comment

But with what you say about MDF is why I thought of using it in the first place as I thought I could rout it and shape it as that is what I would do if I decide to get something other than pine.

[KorDes]

I would go the Lacquer option, its fast drying so you can spray on the next coat and build it up. You could have it sprayed and finished in a day instead of 3 days. Of coarse with any finish, best to leave it about a week to achieve full cure before putting anything heavy on it.
Good luck with your project.

[garfield]

I would go the Lacquer option, its fast drying so you can spray on the next coat and build it up. You could have it sprayed and finished in a day instead of 3 days. Of coarse with any finish, best to leave it about a week to achieve full cure before putting anything heavy on it.
Good luck with your project.

Kordes do you mean lacquer as in I should do it in pine?

[KorDes]

You can use a clear finish lacquer if you were to do it in pine or you can choose a color of your choice if you do it in MDF. If you do it in MDF, use the appropriate sealer. This is specially important on the ends of MDF as its very porous. But Lacquer can only be sprayed, so unless you have spraying equipment, you might have to resort to spray cans or use a brush on polyu type finish.

Im only just starting to use lacquer as I found that Polyu takes to long to finish. I got pretty much all the information from my local paint tradeshop. Im no expert, just passing on the information I learnt from the dealer. I use Mirotone products, this is a link to the aus website. Theres several dealers in NSW, would best to contact them if you decide the lacquer route.
http://www.mirotone.com/Australia-Home/default.aspx

[garfield]

You can use a clear finish lacquer if you were to do it in pine or you can choose a color of your choice if you do it in MDF. If you do it in MDF, use the appropriate sealer. This is specially important on the ends of MDF as its very porous. But Lacquer can only be sprayed, so unless you have spraying equipment, you might have to resort to spray cans or use a brush on polyu type finish.

Im only just starting to use lacquer as I found that Polyu takes to long to finish. I got pretty much all the information from my local paint tradeshop. Im no expert, just passing on the information I learnt from the dealer. I use Mirotone products, this is a link to the aus website. Theres several dealers in NSW, would best to contact them if you decide the lacquer route.
http://www.mirotone.com/Australia-Home/default.aspx

anks Kordes