Replies

1. 
   rdesigns | Jun 20, 2011 09:39am | #1

   If paint is the finish, then I would use MDF, not plywood.

   It's cheaper, very stable, machines well, and takes paint better than plywood.

1. 
   jigs_n_fixtures@icloud.com | Jun 20, 2011 03:05pm | #2

   If you want painted plywood without grain

   Use MDO (Medium Density Overlay) plywood.  It is design for making exterior sign panels, void free very water proof, and completely smooth, so there is no grain to show through.   MDF, also take paint really well and has no grain, but is susceptible to water damage.  Combining the two, MDO & MDF would be the best bet in my mind.  Use the MDF for the sink and dishwasher cabinets, (where you know there will be water exposure), and the MDF for the rest of the cabinets. 

   If you want the grain to show use either birch, maple or even doug fir, cabinet grade plywood. 

   For painted face frames I would use western soft maple, or clear doug fir.  But, that is a matter of availability and price in my market.  What you have available will probably be different.  You want something hard enough that it doesn't ding up too easily, and has a good tight grain so it doesn't take a lot of work to hide it in the paint. 

1. 
   pino | Jun 27, 2011 12:09am | #4

   Thanks for the insight

   I've never worked with MDF or MDO; think I'll give one a try on my prototype.

1. 
   Piffin | Jun 27, 2011 09:01pm | #5

   we use pop;lar for face frames and baltic birch for the boxes

2. 
   sapwood | Jun 27, 2011 11:15pm | #6

   Just my opinion

   Use mdf if you're fond of making a lot of nasty dust and enjoy lifting very heavy objects. Use mdo if you are positive that you won't muck up the paper face when trimming edging or whatnot. Otherwise use any good grade of tight grained hardwood: birch, maple, poplar, etc that is found in your local area. 

   Both mdf and mdo have their place, but not in my kitchen.

1. 
   pino | Jun 27, 2011 11:33pm | #7

   Same advice as my father-in-law

   He just called and cautioned against MDF and MDO for the same reasons.  Of course he also offered a 4x8 sheet of 3/4" MDO if I want to use it on my  I think I'll price birch and maple plywood tomorrow before making my decision.  My kitchen is not that large, so material costs shouldn't really be a killer no matter what species I use.

   Thanks to all for your input.

2. 
   calvin | Jun 28, 2011 06:35am | #9

   pino

   When looking for hardwood veneer plywood I'd caution you to look close and ask.  As everything it seems, the veneers are getting even thinner.  I've found on my recent purchases that domestic made ply has a bit thicker  veneer than imports at least through my supplier.  The cost wasn't that much higher-5-10 dollars more a sheet depending on top finish.

   Also, if shop grade is offered and you can look at the sheets, you can better the price knowing how you can eliminate the imperfections.  Many are edges, some in the field.

   best of luck, good to see you back.

2. 
   DanH | Jun 28, 2011 01:46am | #8

   If, on the other hand, you'd like to see SOME grain, decent quality oak plywood is the way to go.  It has a visible grain (that will show through most paints) without being overpowering.

1. 
   coonass | Jun 29, 2011 07:17pm | #10

   Pino,

   Don't buy a China plywood. It may look like good ply on the face but it is junk. It warps, twist, bows and is full of voids.

   I vote for MDO for painted, second choice would be any USA ply.

   KK

1. 
   DanH | Jun 29, 2011 08:04pm | #11

   You'll note I said "decent

   You'll note I said "decent quality" oak plywood.

2. 
   calvin | Jun 29, 2011 08:54pm | #12

   Dan, most look "decent"............

   the change comes when you look at the veneer from the edge and/or cut into it.

   A good plywood distributor would be able to advise, at least that's the case here.

2. 
   pino | Jun 27, 2011 12:05am | #3

   agreed, but my wife prefers paint and I'm not going to win this one.