taylord Posted January 5, 2015 Share Posted January 5, 2015 Hi all, I am about to start building a set for our production of Little Shop. Any tips or advice on what to use to make Mushniks shop? MDF, Hardboard etc? Many thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerry Posted January 5, 2015 Share Posted January 5, 2015 Hi all, I am about to start building a set for our production of Little Shop. Any tips or advice on what to use to make Mushniks shop? MDF, Hardboard etc? Many thanks.Whatever material you can afford and have experience in using.On the two occasions that I have designed and built the set I used standard canvas covered flats, mainly because that is what I had in stock and what I am used to using.CheersGerry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the kid Posted January 5, 2015 Share Posted January 5, 2015 Depends on budget, Hardboard is going to be pretty good. Thin ply is pretty nice as well. Canvas is good as well. Each to their own. Also depends on your skill set as well. I would avoid MDF unless you can do a good few layers, MDF is like a sponge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerry Posted January 6, 2015 Share Posted January 6, 2015 I would avoid MDF unless you can do a good few layers, MDF is like a sponge.MDF is normally available in thickness of 2 mm to 20 mm, so why do you need "a good few layers" and in what way is it "like a sponge"?CheersGerry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kitlane Posted January 6, 2015 Share Posted January 6, 2015 One of the best things about MDF is it provides a nice smooth surface to paint. I can't say I've ever found any problems with it acting like a 'sponge'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IRW Posted January 6, 2015 Share Posted January 6, 2015 One of the best things about MDF is it provides a nice smooth surface to paint. I can't say I've ever found any problems with it acting like a 'sponge'. +1. I've found 6mm to be adequate for a flat- Although I generally prefer working with ply, MDF gives a decent surface if you need a 'plastered wall' kind of finish! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulears Posted January 6, 2015 Share Posted January 6, 2015 Painting ply often leaves the grain visible, and then you need a second coat. MDF does seem to 'suck up' paint - the water content seems to soak in leaving a denser patch on the top? Especially the MDF with the shiny surface. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin D Posted January 6, 2015 Share Posted January 6, 2015 One or two coats of acrylic Gesso should do the trick. Other brands and retailers are available. It leaves ply dead smooth and the result is a whole lot lighter than MDF. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the kid Posted January 6, 2015 Share Posted January 6, 2015 I missed out the words "of paint" with regards to the MDF :P To be fair I have never not whited out before painting either but even then I have found MDF is absorbant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taylord Posted January 7, 2015 Author Share Posted January 7, 2015 Thanks for all the tips guys! Opted to make MDF and White wood flats - seems to fit within my budget best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
d_korman Posted January 7, 2015 Share Posted January 7, 2015 Thanks for all the tips guys! Opted to make MDF and White wood flats - seems to fit within my budget best. Moisture resistant MDF is much less absorbent than the ordinary stuff and easier to paint. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave m Posted January 7, 2015 Share Posted January 7, 2015 Wear a mask if cutting MPF A mate who worked in a university fine art dept was not allowed to use or cut MPF or allow it in the building unless it was sealed on all edges Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerry Posted January 7, 2015 Share Posted January 7, 2015 Wear a mask if cutting MPF A mate who worked in a university fine art dept was not allowed to use or cut MPF or allow it in the building unless it was sealed on all edgesOh dear, not that old "elf & safety" chestnut.Have a look at http://www.norbord.co.uk/sites/default/files/downloads/EURO_MDF_MSDS.pdfMDF is no more hazardous, and less hazardous, than many other materials.CheersGerry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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