How I Make a White Gloss MDF Bookcase / Bookshelves

In this video I'm building a white gloss MDF bookcase. It's around 2.1m tall, just under 1m wide and about 30cm deep (1ft). It has adjustable shelves using shelf pin supports. The shelves are braced to avoid sagging under the weight of heavy books. The whole unit is made in 2 halves for ease of transport. Mostly made out of 18mm MR MDF. This is my first commentary vid so let me know what you think! Any questions pop them in the comments - thanks for watching!
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#MDF #Woodworking #Joinery

[@GosforthHandyman]

TOOLS & PRODUCTS I USE: gosforthhandyman.com/products-i-use

[@dlamb2840]

Very enjoyable project Andy and for me, the commentary added to the film in a positive way. Cheers.

[@iainmacdonald7034]

Really helpful....thank you. I'm about to build 3 bookcase units for my office so your example is really informative. Thanks for showing and describing so clearly.

[@chrisoldman295]

Thanks for the video! I am going to be attempting a bookshelf as my first project and this has really helped! 👍🏼

[@scottgeorge4760]

Look's great ! , I'm building a curio shelf out of old pallet wood . I work with M.D.F. daily at my job and we build many shelves , or tables and such .

[@stephenjeffares]

I just wanted to say huge thanks for this video. I adapted the ideas to make an alcove bookcase. It was super helpful. Thank you for your great work!

[@rjamsbury1]

Great video and build, thanks for sharing your experience. I find the commentary really helpful - there's loads of tiny details I'd miss without it. I'd definitely be interested in hearing more about the shelf support hole jig.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers Robert!

[@hoold01]

A very practical and effective masterclass. Water-based gloss....who knew? All elements covered. Terrific, thanks.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers Gareth! 👍

[@strollingjamesbeano2181]

Great video and the commentary makes for a much more enjoyable project. Love the Geordie accent. Keep them coming.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers dude! 👍

[@williammatley5016]

Really good video. I much prefer this video with the commentary. Its nice to hear the insider tips.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers William! 👍

[@NickDV007]

Another great video Andy, and a great bookshelf 👍👍👍

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers Nick! 👍

[@VapourTrailz]

Nice video chief, I've been subscribed for a bit but I've only just started paying closer attention to your stuff which looks excellent. Nice to hear a local accent for a change while I'm catching up on who's making what. Thanks again and please keep the videos coming.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Thank you!

[@chap160]

Great video. I have made several shelving units around the house all with various methods, compared to this they look extremely basic. You have given me plenty of ideas to make my units look more professional.

[@chriseagland]

Very smart. Well done.

[@rmhutchins7]

Very Helpful Video. Thank you!

[@NikosDIY]

I really liked the commentary!

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers Nikos! 👍

[@kipthecourtjester]

Pretty awesome video, mate. Much appreciated.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers Dan! 👍

[@chrisdoutre101]

I am just about to start on a small "bookcase" for some electronics and I was wondering if glue and brads would be sufficient. My last project was done with dadoes and I really wanted to avoid that if possible. So your video answered my question perfectly. Thank you.

[@GaryThomsonJoinery]

Commentary, yes makes for a good video edit and we can see what you’re doing as it goes on. How is the router table coming on? Or have I missed that video. 👍😄Thanks for sharing

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers Gary! 👍 New router table is all done but haven't had a chance to film it yet - hopefully next week! 😃

[@roberthatcher2773]

Great stuff, thanks!

[@GosforthHandyman]

🛠👍

[@PaliVCiernom]

I also have a little Stanley compressor. Uses proprietary technology, basically makes noise so powerful, that the shockwaves compress air.

[@MrOlipaulo]

Really nice detailed video! Congrats! I do wonder how you hide the joints between the pine trims and the MDF shelves? Do you apply filler then sand? Thanks!

[@Naiemaa]

Thanks for the video 👍🏻

[@Spiked2005]

Great Festool saw, use my everyday, so handy for renovation work.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Great saw! 👍

[@johnfrederickson3082]

Your best video!

[@GosforthHandyman]

Thank you John! 👍

[@samartin745]

Nice work Andy. Made a couple of similar matching bookcases awhile ago for a client with curved tops and lots of fancy trimming. Lovely area Gosforth. Worked on site 2 years ago on Great Park estate for a developer and most breaks we'd drive into Gosforth or Tynemouth. Your commentating on the vids is much better. Scott

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers buddy. Ha ha - I live in Great Park! What developer?

[@samartin745]

***** Persimmon. Worked all over the country but too much away from the family wasn't the best. I'm self employed now but some great times.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Would love to quiz you on that at some point. I do a lot of work in the new builds around here - some of the workmanship is lovely, some of it is shockingly bad though. The houses are going up at a rate of knots! 😃

[@samartin745]

***** hi Andy, I worked for a subcontractor mostly second fix. At least one of the chaps is still working there for a different contractor and another, a Geordie, bought a house there and now works in IT. I was visiting last year and came across a bit of gossip about residents talking of problems. Worked alongside the kitchen fitters and some were inexperienced apprentices and don't know if it was a common practice but P,s got a bad reputation for cost cutting and hurrying development. Scott

[@stevenbignell]

Voice over worked well enjoyed the video

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers Steve! 🛠

[@feehanfan9079]

Beautiful job. I really wish you would have shown how you joined the two halves though.

[@alext9067]

Nice job putting this video together. I liked the music.

[@aidsvh]

Hi Andy. Very nice video. Can you please share some info on your shelf pin hole jig? Maybe a video?

[@GosforthHandyman]

Will do! On the list 👍

[@bockersjv]

Another great video. One question, why not do the shelf holes last? Saves worrying about paint getting on the holes.

[@oldbush74]

Great job. Love the pin jig idea. I have a very similar bookcase to build soon although it's more of an L shape and being built into a corner. it's in a 1880s house and the walls are out of plumb and out of square. Any ideas how I'd achieve a tight fit to the wall? I was thinking about leaving a small overhang on the back edge of the side panels and somehow scribing in situ?

[@blackbulldog4897]

Nice video, really enjoyed it and all the others on your channel that I've watched too. I noticed there was an old school 'dado rail' behind the bookcase when you were installing it so I figured it couldn't sit flush against the wall. So wondering how you fixed it to the wall?

[@GosforthHandyman]

Off-set bracket on top I think on this one. 👍

[@guyboulay9900]

Merci pour la réponse.

[@tomowen]

Excellent video - whenever I am looking for inspiration for a project it brings me back to your videos! Why do you drill the shelf holes before painting? Wouldn't drilling after painting avoid the need to be so careful with the paint?

[@rawlr9066]

I was thinking the same thing

[@russveinot5754]

first, i really enjoy your channel for its informative content. after watching you man-handle that sheet of plywood, i got to tell you about my recent video "cutting plywood in a small shop". i am not plugging my video or channel, but i think you might find this video useful in your shop. keep up the great videos :>)

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers buddy - love it! You have a great channel - subscribed! 👍

[@andylogan3718]

Flippineck. I wish I could do all this stuff. Got all the gear though.

[@davidbambrough5962]

fantastic

[@tulagarden2955]

Appreciate its getting a bit old, but still really nice and relevant- do you have a source for the profiler to drill the shelf supports used at about 8.50 mins?

[@river4495]

Hi andy, great video. How wide do you tend to make the wooden lipping on the front edge of your shelves? cheers!

[@mrk.a.mcquilkin4840]

Excellent video. Loved the end product. Question....why not paint and then drill the shelf pin holes after?

[@Njao6q4vrv73]

Thanks!

[@cooldaddy2877]

Good job, looks really neat. But why no sealer before a primer?

[@rado1339]

A good video! Is it really going well with nails and mdf and no screw?

[@podman63]

Great video & commentary Hard to achieve a good finish with MDF can you explain how you made your template for pin positions thanks - Alan

[@GosforthHandyman]

There'll be an upcoming vid on the shelf pin template - cheers for watching! 👍

[@ChristopherClaudioSkierka]

Hello, nice bookshelf. Do you add the vertical trims also to add strength and stop the vertical sections of mdf from bending outwards because of the weight of books or the mdf is strong enough? Thanks in advance, ps what is the trim made from and by the way do you sell plans at all? I really like to contribute to you for all your hard work giving advice :)

[@chrismoore9997]

Have you tried to do the painting with a sprayer? I like your jig for the shelf pins. Can you make a video on how that is made?

[@gageless]

+1 on the pins jig! Great vid.

[@trev1801]

Hi what router bit do you use when rebating the back in ,and is there a guide on the router it's self .keep up the good work I really enjoy watching .

[@GosforthHandyman]

Yeah it's a rebate bit with a bearing - think it's this one... www.screwfix.com/p/erbauer-rebater-bit-31-8-x-13-1mm/45022

[@vistron888]

I'm going to make something similar but have to make all the cuts with a circular saw on trestles which isn't always easy! Do the strips you placed on the shelves really make it much stronger? I was going to put vertical pieces in the middle to reinforce them.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Yes - a glued strip like this makes it much less likely to sag over time. 👍

[@richardnelson2702]

Hi. Do you find the dust extractor works well with cutting mdf .?

[@jackflash5659]

You do very good work. How much would this unit sell for? Cheers from Canada!

[@aimsical285]

Those definitely aren't Ikea shelves. I'm a fan! Your videos are very well done and of course the wood work is amazing! Have you done a video for the hole spacing tool yet?

[@GosforthHandyman]

I haven't yet - still on my list! 😂👍👊

[@felixreali7101]

another great video :) a little tip for that tricky part at 4:06 using a clamp on each side as a support shelf would be handy (saw April doing this I think) :)

[@crimsonwoodworking9609]

Is the Sketchup available for download?i would love to build one like this.

[@GosforthHandyman]

I think it's an online tool now - I'm using a really old version. 👍

[@nikfish1]

you had me at MDF

[@ChinskiChat]

Nice. Question from a newbie: how do you decide when to take this approach (pins, glue and supports) vs dados vs tenons vs ...

[@GosforthHandyman]

Generally if it's being painted then it's easy enough to fill nail holes etc. so they'll never be seen. Plus I think on this one the nail holes are covered by trim anyway... I think. If it was solid wood I'd probably use biscuits instead. Dados etc. certainly an option too depending on how they'll be covered on the front etc. 👍

[@ChinskiChat]

Gosforth Handyman that’s really useful - thanks.

[@wlodell]

Well done! I wish my work could look as good! Some MDF bookshelf projects tend to be weighty. Depending on the desired finish, I might prefer to use standard plywood. I missed the part where you cut the recess that allowed the fit of the back panel. Was the shelf support drill jig made by yourself or purchased? (Never mind, I’ll look at your equipment list) Seems that drilling the shelf holes could wait until after the second coat of paint, therefore be less fuss of paint filling holes. Again, great work and thank you!

[@peeyushc]

nice video. 1. you dig lot of holes for installing shelf, but how exactly fixed shelf's on hole? didn't see you using screws for fixing shelf. 2. how good is pasting Printed sheet on MDF in terms of durability, price, finishing?

[@GosforthHandyman]

1. Shelf pins similar to these: www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/product/ion-metal-shelf-support-nickel-pack-50-462545 2. What sort of printed sheet?

[@KevinWebb2015]

Great video! Thank you. How long did you wait for paint to dry between coats? On some acrylic it says to wait four hours, but I don't know if people actually wait that long. I know I am too impatient to most of the time.

[@GosforthHandyman]

I think on that one I left it overnight between coats but I've re-coated in about an hour when I'm really pushed and never had any problems. Once it's touch dry I normally give it at least another 30 mins or so, only if I'm pushed though. 👍

[@KevinWebb2015]

Gosforth Handyman thanks! Always like to see how other people work.

[@DhakaMusicOmar]

video was good

[@ChristopherClaudioSkierka]

your comment about matching the mouldings, is a very very good idea, small details matter a lot and I guarantee the woman of the house (if there is one) will notice and appreciate it more than you think. PS can I ask you something? the trim at the front of the shelves and underneath of them for support - what wood is it? also do you think its ok if this unit you made was in the kitchen ? ( thinking of steam etc). Do you think the holes in the mdf for shelves will last and not wear out being mdf?Thanks in advance sir.:),

[@marklloyd3536]

Just sketching my own bookcase project [3 no. x 1500 x 300 x 1000] otherwise very similar to yours except I spray glue and screw BUT I was going to use recessed library strip rather than pins. Is there a particular reason you chose pins? Really Good video by the way, and I may change my plans to glue and nail as its obviously a lot quicker. (A long distance subscriber from Forest Hall)

[@daverowe4566]

i enjoyed the comunree

[@LondonStuff.]

Nice work - do you find the shelves strong enough with holes in the MDF? What’s the span on these?

[@michaeleinstein7097]

Hi Gosforth Handyman can you tel us what software for drowning you use ? Please

[@barryroberts6470]

Unless i have missed a load of videos, i see you have a new toy and a Festool as well. I never thought you would join the Festool club with their prices, oh well a great video as always and the voice over commentary is good. Barry (West Kirby, Wirral)

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers Barry - I think the new toy is in this one! kzbin.info/www/bejne/noWUe31pedWYgJI 😃

[@barryroberts6470]

I saw that video as well because i made myself one of those dust catches, i think this is the first video since then that i have seen you use it. Unless i have missed again. Barry.

[@marconeill9510]

Suggestion mate, Paint first, then drill the holes? I’d do that coz I’m shite at painting and would fill all the holes 😂

[@GosforthHandyman]

I normally do - can't remember why I didn't on this one! 👍😂There was a good reason though...

[@resultcarpentry5869]

Andy, did you use 18 gauge or 23 gauge pins on this project ? 👌🏼😎

[@srs26]

Really nice work! What did you charge to make this?

[@terencecaven1485]

Hello, great video very well explained. I've been following your advice and all is going well. I have a query about painting the MDF. I'm using Leyland primer and the water based gloss, applying the paint with a little foam roller. The problem for me is that when using the roller the paint finish isn't smooth, it's slightly dimpled (if that makes sense!). Have you came across this? I've tried less/more pressure on the roller. Using less/more paint but the end result is the same. Can you help? Cheers T

[@GosforthHandyman]

Yes - this is called roller rash. I find if I let the paint dry for 30-60 seconds and then lay it off very lightly (hardly any paint on the roller) this can help to pop any bubbles and leave a smoother finish. Another option to try is a paint additive such as Floetrol. Water based paints dry VERY quickly so the paint doesn't get a chance to flow out before it dries - the Floetrol can help with this. 👍

[@terencecaven1485]

Thanks so much for your swift response, I've ordered some Floetrol now. I have to say, your video tutorials are brilliant and they give people who aren't so skilled (like me!) the confidence to tackle jobs. I'm loving it and I've already got some other jobs planned!! Cheers mate! T

[@ezekielbenavides2740]

Hey there, Painter here. Like he said when using a sponge roller on smooth surface make sure it's not soaked in paint. When the paint is soaked it always causes that really extreme stippling. Very, very little paint on it. If you plan to make lots more similar projects then think about learning to use a spray gun. A Gravity gun is harder to use in my opinion, but all you need is a cheap (~20$) gun and an air compressor and many hobbyists/DIY'ers already have one of those, you probably do if you're using a brad nailer! :^) . If you feel like spending a bit more money you can get an airless sprayer. My company uses GRACO pumps. A spray gun can make unimaginably nicer texture on smooth pieces like trim and mdf.

[@stevereed5776]

Great video, question for you. What do you fill the nail holes with? I make a lot of MDF furniture and I'm a bit of a novice. I tend to use general wood filler when hiding screws/nails etc but once painted (with water based paint) the areas that have been filled tend to rise a little. Do you have any tips for this?

[@GosforthHandyman]

2 part filler - have a look at this vid: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHmziXmqo9t0epo 👍

[@stevereed5776]

Cheers Andy

[@ezekielbenavides2740]

At my company we fill them with putty, and then use a light bodied spackle before sanding smooth. We use the crawfords brand.

[@james6609]

very nice job but would it not be easier to paint the panels before you put them together and give a final coat of paint when assembled i know from experience that every one has their own ways of doing things as i worked as a kitchen and bedroom maker and installer before having to give up work due to health issues i really like the moulding idea to cover the joins in the side i lookforward to watching more video from you even though i can not work now myself i still enjoy watching crafts people at work and see what you do now the job i loved doing for a living keep up the great work and videos regards james

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers James! I can't remember on this one but it was probably to keep the glue joints free of paint prior to assembly... or it could have been a timing thing since paint dries quicker than glue and I was probably running late as usual. 😂👍

[@ronh9384]

Andy you said you use CA glue and activator for the molding.... Do they have the Titebond Molding and Trim PVA glue in the U.K. yet? You don’t have the running and drip issues like you do with regular wood glue as they use significantly less water in it.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Is it this? www.axminster.co.uk/titebond-wood-moulding-glue-473ml-16floz-600202 Haven't tried it!

[@rokpodlogar6062]

did you do any test pieces on gluing end grain to face on these mdf pieces? i tried some laminated particle boards and the glue just got sucked up in the end grain.

[@GosforthHandyman]

I don't often use particle board / chipboard but I wouldn't trust it with superglue for the reason you mention. MDF glues really well on face and edge / end grain.

[@ronh9384]

Rok Podlogar Rok, one way to avoid it sucking up the glue (if you are using PVA/Wood glue) is to size the particle board or mdf “end grain” first. Brush glue on the end grain joint and let it sit for 5 minutes or so after wiping off the excess. Then apply more glue to the end grain and put it together. The second coat of glue reactivates the first coat but doesn’t absorb as much as the first coat.

[@hocineted7594]

Which is better for bedroom Mdf or plywood ?

[@Poopsy1970]

What software do you use for drawing up plans ?

[@anitamwikali]

What measurements did you use for the shelves?

[@jimblack2331]

Andy - I'd love to know how you knocked up the spacing jig for the pin holes. Probably a quick mark out and drill, but what spacing did you use and why?

[@GosforthHandyman]

Will do a vid on it - hopefully soon! 👍🛠

[@shaneoneill6293]

@@GosforthHandyman Hi Andy, Just about to embark on a similar project and have really enjoyed your video, so thanks very much for putting it together. I know you've been asked this already but did you make a video about making that jig? No worries if not! Wish me luck! Shane

[@mizanrahman9666]

I was wondering if this book shelf will be ideal for a wine display

[@jamesosullivan5096]

Very good video, easy to watch and informative, who inspires you?

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers! Do you want me to cover this on the 10k Q&A vid coming up? 👍🛠

[@jamesosullivan5096]

Gosforth Handyman Yes please

[@GosforthHandyman]

👍

[@chriseagland]

What is the approximate cost for a bespoke piece like this? Thank you.

[@PapaGleb]

Another superb video. Whats that nifty mutli button remote control? I have my shop vac on a simple one button controller but yours looks much better and cooler lol.

[@GosforthHandyman]

It can just do multiple sockets - very handy! kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5yunXWmmquGjpI 👍

[@michaelchapman4269]

Brilliant again mate, commentary video works really well, though I’m gutted I didn’t spot any choppers drawn! 😂 Are you completely self taught? It’s something I’d love to do but when you see videos like this, I often think I’ve got a lot still to learn, but to be fair some work I’ve seen the ‘pro’s’ turn it is terrible! You clearly take a lot of pride in what you do.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers buddy. Yeah, I've seen some pretty shoddy work in my time too. If a job's worth doing n'all that! 😃 Self taught - yes and no, long convoluted answer that I'll explain in a vid at some point! 👍

[@paulmcgeoch2603]

You should invest in a HVLP spray gun.👍

[@GosforthHandyman]

Would love to but just don't have the space! Don't often do the painting so don't mind the roller now and then. 😃

[@brskcool]

What program do you use to design the product dude

[@GosforthHandyman]

Sketchup 👍

[@LondonStuff.]

How well have the shelves held up? Any sagging?

[@guyboulay9900]

Beau travail. Quelle taille de clous utilisez-vous ? Merci.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Mostly 18ga 35mm 👍

[@lanceflanagan]

Come build me some slidey door wardrobes mate. I'm only down the road..... in Birmingham! :P

[@GosforthHandyman]

Ha ha - I'll be there in May for Makers Central! 😀🛠

[@sve6439]

what size of brad nails did you use on this project?

[@Poopsy1970]

Where do you buy your mouldings?

[@shadesworkshop5213]

What brad nailers do you use Andy? 18 & 23??

[@GosforthHandyman]

Just 18 (mostly 25 & 35mm brads). 👍🛠

[@leeedwards3783]

Hi. Thanks for the video. I am looking at building some built in bookcases and was wondering if I could use brad nails like you Do? I have a tacwise 500el pro angled 18 gauge electric nailer? Would this be strong enough? I guess really it is just there until the glue goes off hey?

[@jesterraj]

SO why didnt you use pocket holes as well?

[@michaelgardner4318]

What program do you use for designing

[@GosforthHandyman]

Sketchup 👍

[@DhakaMusicOmar]

u spray painter or just a roller?

[@Naiemaa]

Could one drill the blind holes after the unit is completely painted? Is there any downside to that?

[@GosforthHandyman]

Totally, yes. Probably preferred tbh. I think I had to get this job out the door so didn't have time to wait for the paint to dry before drilling, if I remember rightly. 👍

[@ItsMe-xr3bq]

What's the yellow glue that you use .see it loads on the American videos

[@rntr200]

Titanbond

[@givemeakiff]

Great video. Is nails and glue a strong enough joint ? Are pocket screws any useful for mdf joint technique ?

[@GosforthHandyman]

Yes, incredibly strong once glued. You can use pocket screws but no real need in this project. 👍

[@Naiemaa]

Did you have to sand between coats or after the primer?

[@GosforthHandyman]

Just a light de-nib between coats 👍

[@MrBigMalT]

Great vid, thanks for sharing. I see you used a Brad gun for most of the fixing together. Did you then punch them in and fill before paint, or is the 3 coats of paint enough to hide them?

[@robcole332]

How durable is MDF vs plywood

[@GosforthHandyman]

Good question! MDF takes paint better but is more prone to sagging. Plywood is stronger but paint grade ply can be very expensive. Might cover this on a vid as there's lots of pros and cons. 👍

[@Tephnos]

@@GosforthHandyman IMO the best thing about MDF to me is while MDF can sag, you can always brace it to prevent that in design. Anything real wood can warp unpredictably and that's always a bugger.