Making Display Plinths - Preparing MDF for Painting (Part 2 of 3)

I'm making some exhibition display pedestals / plinths so I thought I'd step you through how I go about making these. This is Part 2 of a 3 Part series. In this part I'm preparing the MDF prior to painting. Here's a few products similar to what I'm using in this vid:
Part 1 - Building the boxes: • I'm Making White MDF D...
Part 2 - Preparing for paint: • Making Display Plinths...
Part 3 - Painting: • Making Display Plinths...
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#MDF #Joinery #Carpentry

[@paultay23]

Thanks Andy, all makes sense now.. fairly simple.. but that's me in it... :) Cheers Paul

[@GosforthHandyman]

👍😀

[@alanmullock381]

If you want the best results the prep work is more important than the application of the chosen finish!👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@GosforthHandyman]

Exactly! 👍

[@matthewwhitley]

Nothing more satisfying than a video exactly 10 minutes! Have a word with @10minuteworkshop!!

[@GosforthHandyman]

Ha ha - completely by chance, didn't even check!! 😂😂

[@SirBenJamin_]

9:59 ...

[@GosforthHandyman]

😂 Hold on... 9m 59s & 20 frames. Dammit.

[@matthewwhitley]

Gosforth Handyman still says 10.00 on mine and that's what I'm going with!!

[@GosforthHandyman]

😂 Too right.

[@juliangardner3357]

Thanks Andy, great video

[@GosforthHandyman]

Julian Gardner cheers! 👍

[@whitedoggarage]

Enjoyed the video, got a few tips there thank you, I don't mind sanding, but I hate painting and yet that seems to be my lot of late, so can't wait for part 3. Thank you.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers! Not a massive fan of painting either. 😀👍

[@GaryThomsonJoinery]

Great advice Andy and nice to see you wearing a mask, 👍Thank you for sharing and keep them coming 👍😄

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers Gary! I'm being much more strict with the mask etc. these days. I know if I don't I'll regret it! 👍😀

[@jakefallon2335]

Yes, even if it's just Peter nagging at you. ;)

[@GosforthHandyman]

😂😂

[@jakefallon2335]

Nice one Andy. Ever thought of making a vacuum clamp as you do a lot of sanding and painting? Have a good weekend.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers! I've thought about it... whether it will ever happen is another question... 🛠😂

[@wotyacollit]

Andy, I work with alot of mdf and I do a full mitre wrap for boxes like that, including the two end pieces. It means I do not have to sand the dreaded end grain and the paint finish is always mint. Have you ever tried it?

[@GosforthHandyman]

Yes - sometimes do it that way too. Entirely depends on job costs etc. End grain won't be a problem with these. 👍😀

[@SMee67]

That's one hell of a job you've got on your hands there, mate.👍 Tedious repetitive work drives me bonkers, man.... How goes the elbow? Keeping up the stretching exercises? Did they help?

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers Bill - all done now! Arm is still knackered at certain angles - started in elbow and now mostly forearm... weird. 👍

[@SMee67]

Gosforth Handyman can take 2 to 3 months of doing the exercises even if it's not sore, before you are pain free for good.... or till next episode, lol Good luck with it, man👍

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers dude! 👍

[@reidy186]

Have you tried experimenting with general purpose fillers? I’m thinking mdf is stable so you may not need to use a dedicated wood filler which requires mixing, thanks for the video great job

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers - the stuff in the tube doesn't need mixed. The 2-part is for bigger areas that I need to dry quickly. 👍

[@jakefallon2335]

I've found Tetrion Ready Mixed Fine Surface Filler to be really good. (www.tetrion.co.uk/index.cfm?product=62)

[@GosforthHandyman]

👍

[@hythewoodworkdesigns]

I agree with Matthew. Have a word with Peter. Good video Andy, thanks. As I have an mft type top, bench dogs work just as well. I've only ever used a primer / undercoat combo, but the results have never been as good as I want. Would primer then undercoat then top coat be better?

[@GosforthHandyman]

I use primer / undercoat combo and the results are perfect - difficult to say without seeing a pic what the problem is. 👍

[@hythewoodworkdesigns]

Morning Andy. No pic to hand, but I have made some additional enquiries. If using a darker wood, 2 coats of primer / undercoat combo will be required, with a light sanding in between, then 2 coats of top coat, again with a very light sanding in between. I'll let you know how I get on with the architrave.

[@GosforthHandyman]

👍

[@TakamiWoodshop]

Oh yay! been waiting for this video - thanks m8 - the end grain bit! (waiting for Peter to finish his paint job as well) If you have time for a question - you guys talked about MDF on the podcast - and you mentioned 'fluffy' MDF. Aside from avoiding the big-box cheap (fluffy) stuff, how does one further ensure that they are buying MDF that at least has the potential to finish up looking a picture? Does that stuff come in grades ? or something else to ask for? thank you.

[@GosforthHandyman]

In all honesty I've never had a problem with fluffy end-grain! Even with stuff from Wickes & B&Q. Might have just been lucky. 👍

[@TakamiWoodshop]

re: fluffy mdf - good to know - thanks. Look forward to the next part of this series.

[@michaelevans1658]

Do you use a pad saver on your sanders Andy ?

[@GosforthHandyman]

Michael Evans nope! 👍 😀

[@strobie42]

How do you know which is the top and which is the bottom, and does it matter?

[@GosforthHandyman]

Craig Heath I pick the most perfect side as the top but if there's no difference it doesn't matter. Depends on the design too sometimes. 👍

[@danielscott63]

if I don't have an electric/air nailer, what would you suggest I use instead?

[@GosforthHandyman]

Good question! You can tape it until the glue is dry or CA glue is another good option to hold the joint while the wood glue dries. 👍

[@novlettebeech6502]

Is mdf board heavy?

[@dan7777]

Mdf is probably heavier than you'd expect but nothing major

[@coma-body-stilllife]

I'm confused, aren't you supposed to avoid the use of water based primers on mdf?

[@GosforthHandyman]

No - that's a myth.