Pbmaster11 Posted October 12, 2011 Report Share Posted October 12, 2011 My father wants a garbage unit in the kitchen. He wants the base white (matches the molding) and the top a maple butcher block. I am thinking of using birch plywood. Does it paint well? Any tips or tricks? What type of paint to use? Do I have to edge band or can I paint right over the raw edge? my alternative route was to make out of pine or oak but I like working with sheet goods. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bombarde16 Posted October 12, 2011 Report Share Posted October 12, 2011 Sure, it paints just fine and birch will get the job done no problem. You can paint the raw edges provided you a.) use high quality, void-free plywood, b.) use a very fine plywood blade, c.) sand thoroughly and, d.) be prepared that it'll take a few more coats to get past the uneven absorption of end and face grain. Or you could just use end banding. Any paint will stick to plywood just fine. If you're trying to match an existing trim in this kitchen, just use what is already there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwacker Posted October 12, 2011 Report Share Posted October 12, 2011 It depends on the end result your looking for. If your looking for the painted plywood look then it paints well. If your looking to match the smooth look of newer white mdf type cabinets then you need to do more work. What end result are you going for? Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pbmaster11 Posted October 12, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 12, 2011 Nice smooth paint. White. What about MDF. That paints nice... edges can damage easily. I think I might go the solid wood route. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duckkisser Posted October 12, 2011 Report Share Posted October 12, 2011 honestly i know a guy who does sighn carving on high quality ply. it is stronger then most hardwood over time as long as you get it sealed and keep it dry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulMarcel Posted October 12, 2011 Report Share Posted October 12, 2011 A good "thickness building" primer will hide the plywood grain. For the plywood edge, paint glue on it then sand it smooth before the primer coat. MDF would likely work well for you, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pbmaster11 Posted October 12, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 12, 2011 Do i want to apply glue to MDF edges as well? I will pry do 3/4 MDF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulMarcel Posted October 12, 2011 Report Share Posted October 12, 2011 You can, although the high-build primer should take care of the pinholes you'd get otherwise. Sand the primer with 320 or 400 to get it very smooth before your white coats and everything will come out smoother. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwacker Posted October 12, 2011 Report Share Posted October 12, 2011 Plywood, just use a grain filler. For the edges you can band in hardwood or even use hot glue on veneer. Use grain filler on all surfaces, then more grain filler, then prime with grey automotive primer then paint. If you can spray then it will be smoother. I started dong that "California white lacquer" furniture a few years ago and the customers seem pretty happy with the piano finish. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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