PLATING PROCEDURE FOR MDF:
- SAND – 1000 GRIT
- SEAL WITH A WOOD SEALER (What is this exactly? Examples please. Google shows things for wood decks)
- APPLY EPOXY (Is Epoxy Primer the only option? Doesn’t the primer act as the sealer?)
- SAND (To what grit?)
- APPLY BASECOAT
- PLASMA TREATMENT
- PLATING STEPS
- TOPCOAT
Medium density fiberboard before and after chrome plating
MDF to Chrome
Cosmichrome can be applied to nearly 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 plating MDF.
MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) is a composite material that takes wood fibers and mixes them 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.
Steps Involved in the Plating MDF
In our example, we have several objects that are made from MDF. To ensure a true chrome 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 1000-1500 grit sandpaper. Doing so ensured that the surfaces were even throughout the pieces so that the plating was smooth.
Not sure this step is separate from the primer. Next, we sealed the sanded MDF with a generic wood sealer. Any wood sealer will do. The MDF has to be sealed. Otherwise, it will absorb too much of the products that are applied later on in the plating procedure.
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 for plating. Polyester or urethane primers can also be used. After that, another round of sanding is done to ensure the smoothest surfaces.
The Cosmichrome Basecoat is the next step for preparing MDF to be chromed and is the first basic step for the Cosmichrome plating 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’s 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.
Final Thoughts
MDF may take a couple of extra steps to prepare for plating, 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. Keep it in mind as an option the next time creativity strikes!
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