Finishing MDF

[squall_line]

Looks great.

You’re all done, but I thought I’d mention that there is colored MDF where the color goes all the way through.  So as soon as you are done machining, the job is done (though spraying a clear coat will probably keep it clean longer).

I’ve never used the stuff, but it looks cool.
https://cuttingedgecnc.co.uk/mdf-valchromat/

I'm not saying Valchromat / color-infused MDF is impossible to get in the United States, but I know a lot of people who have tried with very limited success and/or exorbitant pricing/shipping.  I think there is a single importer state-side, and I don't think it's for Valchromat specifically.

 

[koenbro]

YES! to Valchromat. Now were can I get in the US? I tried a few years ago and was unsuccessful, or at least not at retail level. Would love to get some.

 

[Vtshopdog]

YES! to Valchromat. Now were can I get in the US? I tried a few years ago and was unsuccessful, or at least not at retail level. Would love to get some.

I tracked some colored MDF down about 7 years ago. Purchased full sheet and they cut into 1/4 panels to ship via UPS. It was expensive material and expensive to ship the 80 pound oversized box.

Try using “colored MDF” for your search term instead of Valcromat

 

[woodferret]

YES! to Valchromat. Now were can I get in the US? I tried a few years ago and was unsuccessful, or at least not at retail level. Would love to get some.

Trinity Innovation out of CA.  They cut and ship too
  Also has sample packs.

Edited added image to match [member=63837]koenbro[/member] 's  'retail!' underline.

It's also listed on their online shop - which is a mix of all their different suppliers of which the bulk color choice is Valchromat.

 

[Packard]

Amazon (UK) sells the stuff.  I have bought some items from Amazon’s other sites, specifically: UK, Spain, Germany and Mexico and they all accept my USA account.  Shipping was quick and reasonable.

However, I have not attempted to buy colored MDF from them, so I don’t know the price or the shipping cost.  A big plus for me is that they are a proven and trustworthy vendor.

The German site allows an English translated version, the Portuguese site does not.  I don’t remember I’d the Spain site did or not.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

About 8-9 years ago, we did a big job that was comprised of a couple of hundred panels. They were made with black MDF and covered on the face with HPL in three different colors.
The panels were cut out of the full sheets on the CNC machine, which also cut part of the edge profile, but there was more complexity to follow. There were additional under-cuts of different sizes on some edges. I did those by hand on 3 different router table set-ups. This was to allow for the mounting grid in which it was installed.
The thing I remember the most about it was the mess. For some reason, regular brown MDF dust seems normal, in a cabinet shop. It's there and it just blends in, but that black stuff, wow is all I can say. It was everywhere, despite my efforts to contain it.
I think I could do better today, and I know for sure that the beam saw could cut them out, not only faster, but much cleaner too.

Point being that black is available in the US, but I have struggled to find other colors too.
I would really like to get ahold of some for my tool storage need too, if anyone figures it out.

 

[Packard]

I have tried staining MDF, and even light stains get very dark over the brown MDF.

I cannot fathom how they get the lighter colors.  I think you could replicate the black.

 

[woodferret]

I have tried staining MDF, and even light stains get very dark over the brown MDF.

I cannot fathom how they get the lighter colors.  I think you could replicate the black.

You're trying to stain/dye urea formaldehyde glue which is brown and doesn't accept it.  They would be using neutral/clear glue formulations so the only color should be from the fibers.

 

[Packard]

Ah, that explains.  Thanks.