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  1. 18th February 2011, 03:06 PM #1
    kjs
    kjs is offline New Member
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    Default Finishing MDF (don't shoot!)

    I've browsed this forum looking for answers to my specific MDF question - haven't found it but have noticed that MDF isn't the most popular material! However, it's the best material available for my needs and I need some advice on finishing it.

    So... I make a range of journals and notebooks with wooden covers. I have been using pine ply which I finished with an eco-varnish but have had problems with warping. My cut boards range from 110mm x 155mm up to 300mm x 310mm. I'm planning on switching to MDF which will be laser engraved with various images or text. MDF is the best solution I've found in terms of price, weight and strength. I will also be using pine veneered MDF shortly.

    I want to finish the MDF boards to ensure that the books don't become marked with oil/water stains through use, but whatever I use on the covers can't leave greasy marks as it rests on the paper inside. I'm experimenting with Danish Oil at the moment, but would love to know if there are any other good alternatives out there.

    I don't want to use anything that will leave a strong odour and am not keen on using the eco-varnish again as I want a mat effect and it only comes in satin. Any ideas?

    Thanks!
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  3. 19th February 2011, 09:09 PM #2
    fdecaria
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    Default Paint

    I suggest you prime and paint with a spray gun.
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  4. 19th February 2011, 09:35 PM #3
    artme
    artme is offline Skwair2rownd
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    A good quality "varnish" applied all sides will do the job. The Polyurethane types used for flooring would be particularly suitable.
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  5. 22nd February 2011, 09:17 PM #4
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    Harry72
    Harry72 is offline SENIOR MEMBER
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    Default

    If you dont want the covers to touch the paper glue on an inner layer of material like leather/vinyl or decorative cardboard etc etc.
    ....................................................................
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  6. 22nd February 2011, 09:25 PM #5
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    Welcome to the Forum kjs.
    You might try a water based clear varnish. It does not have the strong smell, but I don't know if it comes in a matt finish. I feel that any oil based finish runs the risk of staining the pages.

    EDIT> Oops - just realised MDF might not like the water - better do a test or two first.
    Last edited by beer is good; 22nd February 2011 at 09:27 PM. Reason: Oops
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  7. 25th February 2011, 08:26 PM #6
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    munruben
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    MDF and craftwood are man made fibre boards, they contain a lot of resins and waxes. These resins and waxes tend to react with turps or solvent based coatings, mainly affecting the drying properties to the extent that the coating sometimes takes days/weeks to dry. Always seal MDF off with a water based clear or a product specifically designed for MDF first.

    I have never had problems using water paints on MDF
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  8. 24th October 2012, 03:29 PM #7
    rustynail
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    Car paint and primer does a good job on MDF.
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