Painting my sub box

[Rayher12]

So I want to paint my sub box. I know that mdf absorbs paint so I know I have to put a layer between the paint and the wood. I was wondering if I should get wood sealant or a primer paint? If I should get a wood sealant can it be any kind?

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[GTSQ]

So I want to paint my sub box. I know that mdf absorbs paint so I know I have to put a layer between the paint and the wood. I was wondering if I should get wood sealant or a primer paint? If I should get a wood sealant can it be any kind?

I use sanding sealer. Two coats works good.

 

[THATpurpleKUSH 5,000+ posts]

If you paint mdf use a shellac base primer like BIN to seal the wood. Without using a primer you will need a good 5-6 coats of topcoat or even more depending on color and product you are using and if you try to use something with a high sheen it will dull because of the paint soaking into the mdf.

MDF is literally sawdust and glue pressed together with a lot of force. Its very porous and must be sealed.

Sanding sealer is for wood that will be clear coated with no additional stain or coloring step. I wouldnt use it on mdf.

 

[Popwarhomie 5,000+ posts]

I use Kilz Primer on MDF. BIN is great as well.

 

[Rayher12]

If you paint mdf use a shellac base primer like BIN to seal the wood. Without using a primer you will need a good 5-6 coats of topcoat or even more depending on color and product you are using and if you try to use something with a high sheen it will dull because of the paint soaking into the mdf.

MDF is literally sawdust and glue pressed together with a lot of force. Its very porous and must be sealed.

Sanding sealer is for wood that will be clear coated with no additional stain or coloring step. I wouldnt use it on mdf.

Will the mdf swell since it’s water based?

 

[Rayher12]

I use Kilz Primer on MDF. BIN is great as well.

Will it swell because it’s water based?

 

[Popwarhomie 5,000+ posts]

Will it swell because it’s water based?

I’m pretty sure it’s oil based.

 

[Rayher12]

I’m pretty sure it’s oil based.

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oh okay I was looking at getting this one cause the box is going to be in the truck the whole time

 

[hispls 5,000+ posts]

I’m pretty sure it’s oil based.

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They make Bin and Killz in water based these days and Sherwin Williams has their own version that is also latex. According to the fella at the paint store last time I shopped EPA or whatever has basically banned all the stuff that made oil based paints good so a lot of R&D has gone into improving latex.

 

[THATpurpleKUSH 5,000+ posts]

Kilz original is oil based that will work.

Kilz 2 is water based which you don't use on bare wood

Shellac based primers have the best binding and sealing properties on a wide range of surfaces.

Oil based primers stick well on wood and metal and can seal well too.

If you use a dark topcoat it's a good idea to tint the primer.