MDF

[TOM]

How do I prepare the edges on mdf for painting so that they don`t end up with a rough or fluffy finish.

TIA.....

[Mungo "two sheds" Toadfoot]

Router?

Si

[Lobster]

Talking of MDF....

A joiner friend mentioned to me recently that he'd heard that MDF contains rat poison.

Eh? He couldn't elaborate, and I'm wondering whether it's just another way of saying 'care needed cos the dust is dangerous'. Or does anyone know if there is any substance whatsoever to this?!

David

[Mungo "two sheds" Toadfoot]

The dust is obviously very dodgy because it's so fine, but...rat poison? I suppose it's possible if only because the factorys might have rats...?

Si

[Clive Summerfield]

I think you find the danger is also from the formaldehyde used in the bind agent.

Cheers Clive

[Mungo "two sheds" Toadfoot]

And that. Lovely stuff, isn't it?

Si

[mrcheerful]

and when I pointed out that mdf gave off fumes and you need a special primer , people poo-pooed me!!

mrcheerful

[Lobster]

So does that get used for poisoning rats then? David

[Richard Faulkner]

I thought rat poison was generally warfarin, which thins the blood to the point where they die.

However, warfarin is also given to people with "thick" or "sticky" blood, (in small doses), to thin it down. Quite effective against DVT's AFAIA.

So if there is a small amount of warfarin in MDF, it could actually help before a long flight () - (this is in jest, dont do anything with it without discussing it with your doctor)

[The Natural Philosopher]

seal them dear lisa, dear lisa, dear lisa...

[Rob Morley]

Plane or router. If you prime the edges and let them dry thoroughly you can sand them without making fluff, as the paint binds the fibres together.

[Richard Porter]

Aspirin might be better!

[Andy Dee]

Seal the cut edges with PVA diluted 4:1, when dry, lightly sand,

A

[Steve Jones]

Lots of info here:

[TOM]

Thanks folks for all of your input. Regards Tom.....

[Lobster]

AFAICS.

Just had a google about this and came up with the following

describing the discovery of anticoagulants (ie = rat poison) formed in mouldy hay, due to the presence of formaldehyde. Sounds a bit obscure, but maybe it's given rise to an urban legend about MDF containing rat poison!?

David

[Paul Mc Cann]

I would have thought anything water based would not be suitable for use on mdf.

Seal it with shellac, or there are specialised products out there if you have a lot to do.

Incidentally knotting is almost pure shellac so a bottle of that would also work though, it will colour it slightly.