PROCEDURE:
- SAND – 1000 GRIT
- SEAL WITH A WOOD SEALER
- APPLY EPOXY
- SAND
- APPLY BASECOAT
- PLASMA TREATMENT
- PLATING STEPS
- TOPCOAT
Cosmichrome can be applied to ANY surface material. That said, certain materials need to be prepared accordingly before the Cosmichrome Basecoat can be applied. In this article, we will be discussing the methods of preparation for MDF.
MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) is a composite material that takes wood fibers and mixes it with glue to then be pressured together with a hot-press machine which compresses the mixture and forms it into boards. The boards have a smooth surface as they are made with wood fibers of uniform sizes.
In our example, we have several numbers that are made from MDF. To ensure a true mirror finish, the surface of the MDF must be made to be as smooth as possible. To start, we sanded down all the rough edges and surfaces with a 1000-1500 grit sandpaper. This ensured that the surfaces are even throughout the pieces so that the plating is seamless.
Next, we sealed the sanded MDF with a generic wood sealer. Any wood sealer will do. The MDF must be sealed, otherwise, it will absorb too much of the later products that are applied.
After the MDF is sealed with a wood sealer, two layers of epoxy must be applied. This will add a layer to further seal the MDF, and it additionally will ensure that the surface is as smooth as possible. Polyester or urethane primers can also be used. After that, another round of sanding is done to ensure the smoothest of surfaces.
The Cosmichrome Basecoat is the next step for preparing MDF, and is the first basic step for the Cosmichrome process. Two layers of Basecoat are added to sufficiently prepare the surface for the plating procedure. After the Basecoat has sufficiently dried either naturally by air in your booth, or in an oven, it is then time for the actual plating procedure! Follow the steps as the selection button indicates, dry off your part, and the final Topcoat will be awaiting your skillful application.
MDF may take a couple of extra steps to prepare, but it is a cost-effective alternative to wood, and is a strong and easy substrate to work with, depending on the project you have planned. MDF additionally has good resistance to cracking and warping. So, keep it in mind as an option the next time creativity strikes!