What material - Painted Flat Panel Doors

[Semmons23]

I'm going to make a built in bookcase/tv stand for a friend of mine. He wants it painted so I plan to make the doors from Poplar with a flat panel to match the rest of the house. I was planning on using 1/4" MDF for the panels since its just going to be painted. Any concerns re: material and/or thickness? Will the "grain" on the mdf raise much when painted? I can put a seal coat before assembly if necessary.

Thanks
Steve

 

[junquecol]

After priming, MDF will require a light sanding, but so will you frames.

 

[Mark Gottesman]

Depending on the cost difference, you might want to look at MDO. Here is a wikipedia link. Medium density overlay panel - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I have used it for painted surface projects and been real satisfied with the results. Still used a primer. Surface is ready to primer and nothing telegraphs through surface.

 

[KenOfCary]

A trick I found when making a bunch of MDF shop cabinets. If you'll be painting any of the end-grain, use spackling compound to seal it first. I use the little plastic glue appliicators to spread a thin coat of spackling on the edges then sand it smooth. The paint will then look a lot smoother when applied.

It also helps to have tools with really good dust collection while working with MDF. You'll really appreciate Festool for this chore.

- Ken.

 

[red]

I would use the MDF as you stated. It works well, paints easily, is affordable and easy to find.

Red

 

[Bill Clemmons]

MDF for painted panels is good, but I'd try to go w/ 1/2" rather than 1/4". That's just a little thinner than I'd be comfortable w/.

Bill