badger
07-24-2008, 07:02 AM
Alot here like to use the MDF for one reason its cheaper. It also stands up really nice comparable to most real woods. Ive searched the forums because I thought I saw it once before but could not find it so Ill explain what I have learned to do with MDF to make it look like wood.
Its a process of painting it first with a cheap (because it really doesnt make it look any better with expensive paints) latex mustard yellow.
Then seal it with a thin layer of satin shellac or thin poly coat so the stain doesnt soak through. Then pick a stain. Usually any stain works but I prefer the darker ones. Using a brush or foam applicators. I like the foam applicators specially if you use centerline. No need to do anything with the letters except let the stain go on heavy in those areas and they will stand out. Then finish up with whatever finish you decide.
Practice on a scrap piece of mdf first to see the look you can obtain.
A couple images of people that have used MDF and the above procedures and what the final process looks like.
I had already finished one but on the next one Ill take pics of the process and post them.
Its a process of painting it first with a cheap (because it really doesnt make it look any better with expensive paints) latex mustard yellow.
Then seal it with a thin layer of satin shellac or thin poly coat so the stain doesnt soak through. Then pick a stain. Usually any stain works but I prefer the darker ones. Using a brush or foam applicators. I like the foam applicators specially if you use centerline. No need to do anything with the letters except let the stain go on heavy in those areas and they will stand out. Then finish up with whatever finish you decide.
Practice on a scrap piece of mdf first to see the look you can obtain.
A couple images of people that have used MDF and the above procedures and what the final process looks like.
I had already finished one but on the next one Ill take pics of the process and post them.