Thread: Buffet to be painted white OMG!

As suggested by Alkahestic, the spec might still allow you to sneak in some real timber?
This commission.....

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..... started as a request to make a white painted cabinet using a pair of old Queenslander windows as the doors!

Do you have your design nailed down?

I've no idea why everyone disparages MDF, is a fantastic material when used appropriately.

The timber top is my favourite. I've made many chests like this (pictured). The main body was of pine, but I'd make them of 18mm MDF next time. Paneled sides are fake - they were pine, but movement was a hassle (caused a return to fix) and instead are 12mm MDF with fake board lines routed in. Tops are ash, finished in livos kunos. Body was white, Dulux Aquanamel.

Painting can be fun. There are some excellent recent threads here discussing various methods.

Fletty's cabinet is great!!

Thank you all so much for the ideas.
She wants something approximating this but the design has not been decided yet.



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Ah, is that all. Just polished alabaster, gold leaf filigree and embellishment, with hand-carved feet.

A pushover....

IKEA is more upmarket than I suspected.

A rough sketch to get you started

paint the floor white, problem solved.

This is so sad...

The photo is not from IKEA. If I am going to custom make something, that is the style she would like. The photo is one that is valued at more than US$5,000.
Also I don't even know what alabaster is.

That's awesome Ian. Thank you.
I don't have a biscuit joiner. What if I use rabbets and dados instead? Or are rabbets on the outside corners going to look naff?

BTW she doesn't want this design literally. She doesn't want the gold metal trim for example.
It is just to give a rough idea of the look she is wanting. Plus the fact that it is painted white.

Sorry to Woodpixel if I failed to grasp some sarcasm. I'm in a hurry today.

Beware of me! I am very sarcastic

Maybe have a look at Peter Millard on YouTube for ideas. He builds cabinets and shelves using MDF and paints it.

Originally Posted by DaveVman

That's awesome Ian. Thank you.
I don't have a biscuit joiner. What if I use rabbets and dados instead? Or are rabbets on the outside corners going to look naff?

For what your wife wants, MDF is almost a no brainer.

Whilst I understand your disappointment in not being able to use real wood, building with MDF has many advantages, and in terms of developing your skills
1. you need to create a set of plans, using Sketch-up or another drawing / CAD program. Just developing a design and drawing each of the components and working out the appropriate joints is a major learning all in itself.
2. cutting square and to the correct dimensions is another valuable skill.
3. finishing might be the most valuable learning of them all

If building with board material I would advise against using dados. Better to invest in a biscuit jointer.
For the top I suggest it overhang the sides and front by 20 to 40 mm, which will allow you to use construction rails, flush mounted doors, and not have to worry about the side to top joint -- which in solid wood would need to be dovetails or a finger joint.

This dude has a groovy way to cut dados https://www.instagram.com/joe_thiele/

Below is the downloadable MP4 (I can't find out how to embed or display a video I've uploaded).

And this is the link to the Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/BoUwDqAH...on_share_sheet