Painting MDF

[radone]

An incredible resource of information.
I have researched the painting of MDF. (recognition sports plaques 11 and 12 year old boys football) Most of what I have found requires what appears to be extensive equipment. As much as I want to do a high quality product these would be good will.( minimum cost) Any thoughts as to paint and or possibly laminent. There will be some tight and close details. Thank you

[brucehiggins]

I just did this sample sign out of mdf and was pleased with the finish. I used Sikkens Cetol Log and Siding finish (Cedar color) - brushed on 2 coats. Letters were cut separately and glued into pockets.

35519.jpg

[njandpa]

Very nice sign. Great job!!

What was your process finishing the letters?

Very nice!

[brucehiggins]

Thanks! The letters are painted with Modern Masters Metallic Paint (Pharaoh's Gold). I got to try that paint at Joe Crumley's sign workshop.

[radone]

Thanks for the respones Bruce. I will second the very nice work. Are the letters also MDF? Did you brush the letters? And are they primed? I like the stain process and wonder if I might find something in shade of green (odd maybe). Looking to produce a green field with white letters in relief by using a mask. By the looks of your sign the Sikkens provides a nice sheen.

[brucehiggins]

The letters are MDF, primed and brushed. The Sikkens finish doesn't come in green - just several brown shades. The Modern Masters paint comes in shades of green and brushes on nicely but I am not an expert on what is the best paint to use. One-shot brand seems to get mentioned a lot. Good luck!

[larry_r]

Bruce

That sign is really incredible. MDF, never would have guessed that. Did you prime and sand the MDF before you put on the Sikkens?

Thanks for posting the pic

Larry

[brucehiggins]

Thanks Larry. No, I put the Sikkens directly over unsanded, unprimed MDF. I am hoping I get similar results over exterior MDF which I am going to get next week.

[bill1]

That really looks great, excellent job.

[john_l]

Bruce,

Did the MDF "fuz up" at the routed areas with the Sikkens product?

I love using MDF for all sorts of painted signs and components. It's inexpensive and machines very well. The biggest problem I have had has been sealing it. I tried the sealers mentioned in other posts and it just drinks it all up and looks like I never sealed it, even after several coats. This is evident also because the paint coats always seem to give me "standing fuzz" which is very difficult to sand off many times.

Any advice on how you addressed these issues if you had them? Thanks.