Twoball Cane | 06 Feb 2016 4:10 p.m. PST |
Hi guys I've been using mdf for my miniature buildings and have a method for sealing those connections between walls…..layered paint w ballast… I've use wood glue and a few other sealants and besides the ballast/paint method I am not happy w the results….anyone have any tips? |
skipper John | 06 Feb 2016 5:03 p.m. PST |
A great question!! I just primed some MDF pieces and the edges took no paint. What's with that? Am I stuck with brown edges? Would shellac seal the edge? |
pigasuspig | 06 Feb 2016 5:15 p.m. PST |
About the brown edges: I found two coats of fairly thick acrylic paint worked, letting the first dry fully. And the liquitex black gesso I usually prime with definitely works. |
Editor in Chief Bill | 06 Feb 2016 9:22 p.m. PST |
I think the edges are more difficult to prime because they are 'sappier' – at least, in hot weather, that is where you sometimes can see or feel sap in the wood. I can usually get a thin primer coat on the edges, then I follow up with brush paint, and seal everything with matte. |
Martin Rapier | 07 Feb 2016 2:48 a.m. PST |
I just slap a thick coat of PVA over everything, that seems to work. |
shaun from s and s models | 07 Feb 2016 3:38 a.m. PST |
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RavenscraftCybernetics | 07 Feb 2016 6:57 a.m. PST |
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TheBeast | 07 Feb 2016 10:39 a.m. PST |
Anyone try light sanding first? I hadn't gotten to that point with my screw galley, but coming up. Doug |
normsmith | 08 Feb 2016 2:46 a.m. PST |
Pre bought MDF bases come as either sawn or as laser cut, each gives a different surface. Laser is very smooth and seems to take paint fine. In the 'real world' MDF in construction is prep'd with an acrylic (gesso like) first then lightly rubbed back before other paints are applied. Note sanding MDF requires a dust mask. |
Lfseeney | 08 Feb 2016 10:45 a.m. PST |
Sanding sealer works as well. But from my laser never needed it. Primer took fine. But the makers change the glue in MDF at times, got one sheet the laser struggled to cut, something in it was causing problems. Maybe glue maybe some metal in the mix. It left rough edge. Mostly nice clean and smooth cuts. Good Luck. |
Lfseeney | 08 Feb 2016 10:47 a.m. PST |
Also I have made trim to hide where the sides connect for some buildings. |