Need a bit DIY Advice

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PR.

PR.

PR.

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Had a MDF desk built a few years ago, over that time it's got stained by drink spills etc as I've never painted it.

Last week I decided to paint it so treated it with MDF primer, painted it a nice colour and then read I needed to apply a protective layer as the paint wouldn't last.

This site says to use Polycrylic but it's not for sale in the UK. I found a similar product in a DIY store but it came in a spray can, after applying it last night it's come out all blotchy with varying dull and shiny areas, no doubt my dodgy skills when it comes to DIY.

Currently I'm thinking I might just sand it back, repaint it and use a clear varnish.

Anyone got any experience with this kind of thing?

Thanks :)
 
That was the exact link I used to help me make my desk. What I ended up doing was to use a primer first, then paint it in a black MDF paint. Once that was done I used a tin of Ronseal Diamond Hard clear satin. Does the job for me, I've spilled bits of drinks on there and it all just wipes off, no marks or anything yet!
 
Thanks Street, will see if I can get some of that one the way home.

Can you apply varnish with a roller? I would like to avoid any brush marks if possible.
 
if you are using a roller get a foam roller, they are designed for Varnish/Gloss
 
PR. said:
Thanks Street, will see if I can get some of that one the way home.

Can you apply varnish with a roller? I would like to avoid any brush marks if possible.
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Use a decent brush and you won't get brush marks, mine was all brushed on and I've got no marks on it what so ever! :)
 
Hank_Marvin said:
Spraying requires a few slowly built up layers, you won't get a nice shine otherwise.
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Spray it with laquer and it'll look lush. Quite time consuming though. No idea how much it'd cost to have it done professionally though. Other alternative is to just get some MDF that's already vynil wrapped/veneered/sprayed and plonk it on top.
 
I never varnished my desk and the paint still looked new after 5 years of heavy use. Wife turned my office into a dining room so the desk had to go :(

Applying varnish with a brush will give a brush strokeless finish.
 
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BennyC said:
Spray it with laquer and it'll look lush. Quite time consuming though. No idea how much it'd cost to have it done professionally though. Other alternative is to just get some MDF that's already vynil wrapped/veneered/sprayed and plonk it on top.
Click to expand...

I did think about some kind of veneer but the desk is U shaped and has routed curved edges so would be well beyond my abilities to apply, plus the desk is already a bit too high so wouldn't want to try adding more layers.
 
Could you use some plasticoat spray on laquer? Available in aerosol from large DIY stores and pretty fast drying, shouldn't be to much hastle to apply, I used it before and was happy with it. It will give a glossy finish though. Keep the layers light for a better and it will also dry quick that way. Leaving maybe 5-10 mins between layers depending on temperature/how fast its drying.
 
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