Glossy doors

[DiscoStu]

I'm considering making my own kitchen doors. MrsStu is keen on the high gloss finish. Is it possible to achieve this in my workshop? It would need to look perfect so no paint marks etc. Our current kitchen seems to be "wrapped" MDF so something like that would be good. Can I get any sort of film that I can put on and heat shrink or anything like that.

As you can tell I have no idea. I'd be happier making oak panelled doors.

 

[Scoffy]

I am not sure what 'wrapped' MDF is, but I think you might find it is a 'catalysed' laquer finish. You will need spraying facilities to apply this 'perfectly'. Mylands in London do a good range of Laquers that would be suitable, they could even give you some advice.
Hope this helps and good luck with the doors.

 

[mailee]

Yes, you will need spraying facilities and something to polish the finish with. I have done these a few times with 2 pack paints (Morrells) but you will need to be set up for it. HTH. :wink:

 

[kostello]

Probably be alot quicker to get them made to measure....

 

[DiscoStu]

I could do some nice raised panels in oak, but not sure about all this spraying business.

When I said wrapped I was referring to wrapping cars. The doors seem to have something similar. They appear to be MDF with a sticky back plastic type covering that has been printed to look like Birch. It's not a laminate but it's the same concept.

 

[Scoffy]

Why don't you get a can of spray laquer and try it? If you are OK with that then you can quite cheaply get a compressor and spray gun, a little practice and you will be fine - remember Stu ' Feint heart never won fair lady'

 

[DiscoStu]

I'm definitely up for playing! Still not sure what I need though. I assume I need some sort if primer, then a colour and then laquer? Is it just a case of one after another? Do I need to do anything at the end ie buffing etc? How many coats of each (assuming I've got the layers right?

 

[mailee]

My method for high gloss MRMDF goes like this: Brush on one coat of Zinnser bin on all of the edges. When dry sand down with 120 grit dry. dust off and then prime or first topcoat. When this is dry and cured sand down with 320 grit, dust off and apply two top coats. once this is cured wet sand with 600 wet n dry. One more top coat and then allow to dry and cure overnight at least. (This is using Morrells 2K solvent based) Wet sand with 1200 grit wet n dry using a squeegee to check surface is smooth and matt. Dry off panel and apply G3 rubbing compound buffing in with a machine polisher to raise the shine back. Finish off with a light compound/swirl remover again polishing by machine to give a high gloss finish. HTH. :wink:

 

[DiscoStu]

Wow that sounds very full on. I guess it's a little more involved that I thought. It looks like it might come down to my will power - oh dear!

 

[DiscoStu]

By the way what is MRMDF?

 

[Andy101]

You could ask a local spray shop to paint them for you once you have made them to the correct size
Andy R

 

[RogerBoyle]

By the way what is MRMDF?

Moisture Resistant Medium Density Fibreboard
Usually green in colour but it machines and stands up to everyday use and abuse much better than standard MDF

 

[DiscoStu]

Ah! So less chance of it enlarging and fluffy!

 

[RogerBoyle]

yes LOL

 

[RogerBoyle]

I follow the same method as mailee posted ( Not surprising as I asked him via PM LOL)
Its not that much of a faff to be honest when you get used to it and it does give extremely good results