MDF Interiors

Post by **kathyshack** » 02 Nov 2006, 15:45

Iknow some people have said that MDF Interiors can absorb moisture and so aren't the best matarial to use etc.
I'd like to know who has MDF Interiors, how long they've had them, and how they've faired overtime. What finish have they used etc. paint / varnish etc

It seems quite a few companies on the internet are advertising mdf interiors, so i wondered if they were primed and painted or varnished whether this would protect them or not?

As some of you know I am about to have a go at another interior for our van, but from what I hear plywood can splinter a lot, so i'm thinking the finish might not be too good, especialy from a diy-er....

your thoughts appreciated,
Kathy

Post by **Georgedog** » 02 Nov 2006, 16:05

KS .......... MDF !
There is a guy on FleaPay at the mo' doing this ....
Item No .... 170045471947

Painted - Varnished MDF will not splinter like ply tends to, but if not sealed up will absorb moisture... but then chipboard - ply - and all of this type will absorb water + damp if not sealed properly !
Even marine ply has its prob's.. mdf turns to a blown cardboard effect .. and chipboard explodes at the edges if not sealed !
They all fine material if varnished - sealed - painted up ..
Its like having the muppets round to fit a new kitchen.. if they dont seal with varnish [3-4 coats !!] the back edge and cuts around the sink area, it all blows up as it soaks the water up .........

MDF's cool ..... Laurence Lewellyn Bowen cant be wrong !!!!!

[If you cut or router MDF wear a mask... the yanks hate the stuff, for its supposed danger to health when worked on !!!]

Post by **kathyshack** » 02 Nov 2006, 16:38

so we reckon if we varnish it then its fine..... cool! loads easier to work with too.

Post by **Georgedog** » 02 Nov 2006, 16:50

Easy to work with, WITH A MASK ON !!!!

Just make sure the edges where damp is likely, get a few good layers of varnish... [like the back edges nr' the fridge, and the edges against the floor...]

Carol Smiley .. Dances like a diva AND Queen of the MDF people

Post by **jed the spread** » 02 Nov 2006, 16:55

its heavy stuff.you could easly use up 5 sheets.

jed

Post by **kathyshack** » 02 Nov 2006, 17:31

yeah it is heavy your right. I'm only having small units though as gonna maintain use of both my twin sliders. mm, lots to think about.

Post by **sixsprings** » 02 Nov 2006, 18:08

i'd just like to add a thought about the strength for a given weight
i don't know what thickness of MDF you may consider using, but ply of the same strength would be a lot thinner, and so a lot lighter. lightweight ply lighter still.

if you bought quality ply, whilst it would swell in enough damp, this threshold would be well after the MDF has all but collapsed.
as for the splintering, then if you sanded down every exposed edge the problem wouldn't be there

westfalia, karmann & tischer all use ply

good luck

Post by **kevtherev** » 02 Nov 2006, 18:29

and Autosleeper with solid wood for the units.
The bunk is ply and only 1" thick hardly moves with the kids on it

Post by **DiscoDave** » 02 Nov 2006, 18:44

if your going to use mdf then as mentioned seal it well, for colour or finish i woudl advise getting it sprayed, i'm sure a local body shop would do it if you asked nicely, gives a really good finish!

i'd still advise using ply, if you get the wood yard to cut it to size then you should have very few splinters! or if you get the right trim you won't have to work about edges. fablon is good stuff too if you don't like the colour or effect of wood, and will easily adhere to ply!

Post by **kathyshack** » 02 Nov 2006, 20:03

whats this fablon you mention dave?
actually i'll go look it up. thanks

.. didn't know about that stuff.... just found it on ebay....anyone used this in their van? can i see some pics if you have?
cheers
kathy

Post by **toolsntat** » 02 Nov 2006, 22:57

There is a moisture RESISTANT MDF available, MEDITE is one brand and there is more info here on mdf----
http://sres-associated.anu.edu.au/fpt/mdf/toc.html
Hope this is some help....

Post by **Georgedog** » 03 Nov 2006, 14:11

Guys Now Joined Forum ....
Mattygreg05
http://archive.club8090.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=13079

Post by **terryvanman** » 03 Nov 2006, 17:15

if your budget will go to it
Use vhoringer [spelling]
its light and works well and comes in 8X4 sheets
and comes already covered in a thin plastic cover

Post by **DiscoDave** » 03 Nov 2006, 17:38

if you are on a budget you won't be able to use vohringer Or what ever you spell it like! lots of brss and a daft min order!!!

kathy, fablon is like sticky back plastic, can get it from diy places got mine from wicks.

pic one

pic two

pic three

i did a write up for the wiki with pics but i don't think it made it to the wiki! it's really easily to do and really easy to clean. i would however advise not to do your interior and then use your van to carry materials about in for work for 3 months!!

Post by **rogbodge** » 03 Nov 2006, 21:08

I'm curious Kathy about how you're planning to join the material (whether mdf or ply).

B & Q will cut stuff to size on a panel saw while you wait if you go with a cutting list. And the cuts will be dead straight.

In your case I would tend to opt for mdf & endorse points made above about it. I would hand-paint it, rubbing down between coats (150 grit paper). Fablon or its clones look awful when they start to get scruffy - it's only skin-deep stuff that was new & wonderful in the 50's!

How you join mdf determines the thickness needed somewhat. But 18mm is bloody heavy!

Myself I do like my birch plywood with a clear finish. It's woody - more real, more relaxing, somehow. Do B & Q do it ??? More expensive than mdf!!!

Club 80-90 Forums

MDF Interiors

MDF Interiors

MDF int

MDF Interiors