"MDF board - are there different types?" Topic
7 Posts
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| baz the engineer | 15 Nov 2009 9:49 a.m. PST |
I'm sure someone out there will be able to answer this one. I wandered into my local Homebase DIY store and picked up two sheets of 4' x 2' x 3mm MDF which I use for my scenery basing. As I was going through the sheets on the rack I noticed there were two distinct types of the 3mm MDF. Type 1 is what I will call the typical MDF board. Pale in colour and smooth (but not shiny) Type 2 is best described as hardboard finished. Both sides are like the dark shiny side of a typical piece of hardboard and totally different in finish to type 1. I bought one of each (they were the same price) and I was wondering if anyone can point out the difference (if any) between the two. I was wondering if type 2 would have better anti-warping properties but the smooth shiny finish could result in the surface being difficult to hold glue or filler. Scoring it with a knife for a better grip will break the smooth surface and it's properties will probably be the same as type 2. Anyone out there who can throw any light on this for me please? Regards
Barry |
| Ravens Forge Miniatures | 15 Nov 2009 10:26 a.m. PST |
Type 1 is regular MDF – sawdust held together with some type of adhesive Type 2 is MDF, but is tempered hardboard – it is heated during processing. Makes it stronger. I've used both in building terrain. The regular MDF can be bad about soaking up glue and paint and warping. The tempered stuff will too, but less so. I prefer tempered hardboard. To get paint/glue/etc. to stick better, scuff it up using some 180 or 200 grit sandpaper. |
| tchristney | 15 Nov 2009 10:33 a.m. PST |
Could be hardboard. Some types are "shiny" on both sides. Sometimes DIY store employees are, shall we say, clueless about what they are putting on the shelves? |
| Connard Sage | 15 Nov 2009 10:37 a.m. PST |
More boards. Lovely no wait |
| bruntonboy | 15 Nov 2009 12:19 p.m. PST |
I've noticed the two types too. The shiny stuff tends to cut better and the shiny surface seems to man less soak-in ergo less warping. |
| Cerdic | 17 Nov 2009 4:45 p.m. PST |
Connard….I was thinking the same. |
| baz the engineer | 20 Nov 2009 5:59 a.m. PST |
Thanks very much for the replies – it has answered my questions. It never ceases to amaze me just how much collective knowledge on just about every subject imaginable is out there! Happy gaming and thanks again.
Regards
Barry |
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