Which acrylic paints?

[Wilder]

Hi everyone,

I am trying to make some simple mdf puzzles for my grandchildren, but am not having much luck painting them. I have read quite a few threads on here about whether to prime or not, and have followed both options, but the paint still seems to take four or five coats and even then has brush marks in it. I tried using a sponge but most of the paint simply disappeared into the sponge.

Perhaps I am using the wrong type of acrylic paints? I am using Reeves artists' acrylics, which come in very small tubes, and I seem to be using a lot of paint getting nowhere.

I read on here that craft acrylics are better, and elsewhere on the internet Delta Ceramcoat paint seems to be well recommended. However, not only do I live in France, where all I can find are artists acrylics, but it seems as if Ceramcoat is not even available in the UK (except on Amazon for nearly a tenner for each 59g pot, including delivery, which seemed a bit steep to me).

So, I am hoping that some of you kind folks can recommend what type of paint I should be buying. I really only want basic colours - bright red, yellow, blue, green, brown, black and white. I am coming over to the UK in a week for my Granddaughter's birthday and my Grandson's christening, so I could either buy some paint while I am there, or order it online for delivery to my daughter so that I can bring it back with me.

Oh, and a type of acrylic undercoat, too, please

Chris

 

[redmoorphil]

Hi Chris,
I searched a while for the right acrylics and didn't bother with the artists acrylics as they could not guarantee they were totally non-toxic and they were also a little thick.
Eventually I found what I wanted from Baker Ross. They deal in crafts, paints etc for schools (although you dont need to be a school to buy from them).
I got 6 large pots of primary colours as I reckoned i could mix whatever I wanted from them.
MDF will just suck up anything you throw at it, so if you want to use it you should get some quick drying white acrylic primer first - B&Q sell it and as long as it is quick drying it should be acrylic based and OK.
I use it for anything I make out of MDF and wouldn't be without it, although I tend to get mine from ASDA as it is considerably cheaper.
You will still need to sand the cut edges after priming them as the primer will raise the 'grain' and roughen the edges.
If you want to get the baker ross stuff then here is the link:
http://www.bakerross.co.uk/product.asp?pf_id=ET357

 

[stevebuk]

PVA mixed 50/50 with water will also suit as a basecoat sealer too, i paint quite a bit on MDF and other boards and its what i use first.
I use the Decoart range of acrylic paints as i find them to give good coverage, but not sure about non toxic though..

 

[Jensmith]

For MDF you are best to seal it first with either MDF primer or the cheap and perfectly good 50:50 PVA & water mix. That stops it soaking up the paint.

I find a white primer does give good coverage and helps give the 'colours' depth. I however am using emulsion rather than acrylic as my stuff doesn't need to be kid safe.

I use a mini gloss roller to apply the paint and that works pretty well. Normally a white coat and then 2 coloured coats is enough.

 

[Gill]

As I understand it, all paints sold in the EU are required by law to be non-toxic. Strike one up to Brussels (at last )!

Insofar as the acrylic paints themselves are concerned, I'm also voting for the Decoart brand.

 

[Chippygeoff]

Hi Chris. I do not like working with MDF and as you have experienced getting a good finish is a pain. Many people use it and have their own way of achieving a good finish. However, to save all the hassle why don't you get some birch ply to make the puzzles, its what I use and it is so easy to get a professional finish. Just 2 coats of acrylic paint, one in some cases. I normally varnish as well. I get all my paint and varnish from Hobbies. The other important thing is have really decent brushes. I use flat brushes, 50% natural fibres and 50% man made mix. If you use the cheap brushes found in supermarkets you wont get a good finish. Hope this helps.

 

[Wilder]

Thank you all so much for your replies. I will look into both makes of paint, and I already have some PVA, but used it neat, so I will 50/50 it next time! If I use the PVA do I still need to use a primer/undercoat under the acrylic paint?

Chippygeoff - I would love to be able to use birch ply, but so far I have been unable to find any wood here that isn't just 'plywood' (so not sure what wood that is made from), pine, oak (need a second mortgage for that) or MDF. Still trying to locate a sawmill/cabinet maker that might do offcuts. Someone said there is a chap near us who makes chestnut roof shingles, so I am going to visit him and see if I can get some wood from him, but I wouldn't use this for puzzles, I don't think.

Thank you all again,

Chris

 

[Chippygeoff]

Hi Chris. If you use the 50/50 PVA mix you will not need to use a primer but it may pay you to coat the MDF twice. After the first coat has dried give it a very light sanding and then you should be fine with 2 coats of acrylic paint. With regard to the guy who makes chestnut shingles. I hope your visit proves beneficial. If it turns out to be cedar he is using I would steer clear of it. I have a pile of it here and its difficult to get a good finish on it.