Vapor barrier coating for particle board

Mail Man Bob · 2007-07-29T19:45:34+00:00

I am going to install some kitchen cabinets. The structural parts areplywood, front are solid, but most of the rest is particle board. The mfrcalls it something else (furniture board?), but it's plain old particleboard as far as I can tell.The particle board pieces are cover with something - either laminate orplastic - except any places that are not visible.I know of 2 people personally who had dealings with new kitchen cabinets -one in apt , other in a house - and both suffered allergic reactions to thebinding chemicals - formaldehyde or other.Going to all-plywood or all-wood construction sends the price to a differentorbit, since this would essentially be doing a 'custom' job. So for cost,we have to use as standard a material as we can.My thought is to coat the uncovered surfaces with some kind of sealer -either a primer or water seal product - to seal in any vapors inside.Long story, I know.... but 2 questions...1 - Can someone recommend the best type of sealer? I have seen water- andoil-based at Home Depot, as well as various primers, etc.2 - I heard something recently about the govt outlawing carcinogens inparticle board. Anyone know about that?Whew! That's a long one. (The longer the better. :O)Thanks.Bob

Jul 29, 2007 20 Replies

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B A R R Y 19 years ago

Woodcraft, Homestead Finishing, or other better woodworking finish suppliers. It comes as dry flakes or buttons, which need to be chopped up for faster dissolving.

Personally, I've been very happy with fresh Zinnser Seal Coat, available at GOOD paint stores, but not necessarily the big home centers.

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