Evening gents,

Got given a slab of MDF to make into a custom desk and could use a little help on how to make the most of it!

I had a good look around on various internet sources and started by finely sanding it and using a primer to seal and protect it.

I have since applied a white spray gloss which has yet to dry.

I made the rookie error of leaving the window open to ventilate the room and dry the paint. However, bits of dust have blown onto it and whilst this isn’t the end of the world, it does look a little untidy.

I am aiming for a smooth, white finish. Would it be worth sanding down the surface now and re-spraying it with another layer?

I am not yet sure how it will dry, but currently it is a little rough and sticky!

Any suggestions?

Cheers,

Paul

Stop touching it for a start.. 🙂

Yes, leave it overnight to dry and harden. Flat it back with a sanding block and fine paper, then second, maybe third coat it.

Mdf edges suck up a lot of finish so tend to need a good few coats to build up a seal.

Scaffold poles, or footpath handrail poles plus MDF.
I’d have varnished it, giving it several coats with a sanding and wipe-down with tack-cloths between each coat.
But that’s just me, I find plain white too clinical.
http://www.edenproject.com/shop/Scaffold-Board-Desk-15997.aspx
http://simplifiedbuilding.co.uk/blog/pole-mounted-monitor-desk/

‘ere, cz – what’s that file holdery thing on the wall ?

Cheers gents. Will leave it overnight and see what it is like in the morning! Will probably have to have another coat but such is life!

Countzero, looks awesome man. Would have happily done something like that had I got the advice sooner. As it is, it is now white so no such luck!

Will a gloss finish give it a smooth coat, or will I have to varnish?

No need for varnish with gloss, and I would usually recommend two coats with fine sanding (say 320 grit or higher) in between coats.

In my experience you usually need 24 hours at the very minimum before sanding, even if it feels hard. so if you do have a go tomorrow start somewhere inconspicuous and stop if it doesn’t sand well – it should sand to a fine powder, if it gums together then it’s not dry enough for sanding.

‘ere, cz – what’s that file holdery thing on the wall ?

Christ knows, I just found the pic via Google, I’d seen something similar to that desk a while back, and looked for something similar.
Nifty file system, though. 😀
Not dissimilar to this:
http://www.wayfair.co.uk/Safco-Steel-Seven-Pocket-Wall-Rack-in-Black-3185BL-L3045-K~SAF1207.html?refid=GX51210266543-SAF1207&device=t&ptid=91671454332
Might be this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Buddy-Products-Mirage-Pocket-4810-4/dp/B0006VRMHW

How thick are we talking? You will need to think of some kind of structure to stop it bending. MDF is not really that good and heavy items or you leaning on it will distort it over time. Don’t just bolt a leg to each corner.

Search opendesk…..

Sea the underside, too, otherwise it’ll warp.

Does it have to be mdf?

sort the edges too, mdf is awful.