[floydian99]

Hello, long time reader, first time poster.  From Minnesota.  Found GR_Research via google searches for Kit speakers (needed a new pandemic hobby).  At any rate, after a bunch of time trying to figure out what I want to build, decided to put myself in line for NX Studio speakers, and bought the flat pack from Jay.  Got the flatpack all glued together following Peter's videos which went well (Thanks Peter!).  Now I'm to the finishing end, and things start getting confusing and leads to my post.

My general plan is to veneer the sides, back and bottom, and paint the front and top.  Seems like the typical plan among builders here.

Questions

Before I veneer, should I seal the entire cabinet first, or do I need to only seal the areas where I'm going to paint?  Not sure if the sealer will interfere with the veneer glue (using BetterBond Heat-lock glue, again following Peter's youtube video instructions).

Is using Zinsser SealCoat 100% Wax-Free shellac the appropriate sealer to use?

Should I veneer or paint first, or does it not matter?

Painting:  Plan is to paint the front and top black.  Can anyone point me in the direction of very specific products to use, and the order to use them?  I will probably shoot for a satin finish. I have very little experience painting MDF, and the projects that I've done have not turned out well.  Any extra guidance would greatly be appreciated.

Thanks for your help!

[NXSTUDIO-DRUMMER]

In regards to the Zinsser SealCoat 100% Wax-Free shellac, I personally used this product on my studios for sealing. Plus it is sandable. However,  I would not suggest, IMO, sealing the outside of cabinet where the veneer will be applied. The open pours in the MDF will absorb the HeatLock Glue better, which in return will allow for better adheasion between veneer & cabinet. In terms of sealing the rest of the cabinet? It depends on the region one lives in. For example, in higher humidity regions, I would consider sealing the MDF, to balance out both sides of the cabinet. However, I don't think Minnisota area would have such a problem? Therefore, I believe it's safe say, you could bypass sealing the insides of cabinet.

You'll probably have mixed opinions on paint process, I personally veneered my Studio's then Painted the cabinet up. Do you have a compressor and a paint gun?  ..... Or are you planning on painting by paint can.  As far as the paint work, message nlitworld, this is his specallty. His paint work on his studio's speak for themselves! Stunning!!!! He will suggest everything from tape to paint manufacture suggestions.  Lloyd is a great guy!

If your still in the market for veneer? 
This is a good resource:
https://www.veneersupplies.com/

As far as Spray paint out of a can, here is a good product suggestion.





If you have additional questions regarding your NX Studio's P.M. me and I'll be glad to help out.

[floydian99]

In regards to the Zinsser SealCoat 100% Wax-Free shellac, I personally used this product on my studios for sealing. Plus it is sandable. However,  I would not suggest, IMO, sealing the outside of cabinet where the veneer will be applied. The open pours in the MDF will absorb the HeatLock Glue better, which in return will allow for better adheasion between veneer & cabinet. That's if your using Iron on method. In terms of sealing the rest of the cabinet? It depends on the region one lives in. For example, in higher humidity regions, I would consider sealing the MDF, to balance out both sides of the cabinet. However, I don't think Minnisota area would have such a problem? Therefore, I believe it's safe say, you could bypass sealing the insides of cabinet.

You'll probably have mixed opinions on paint process, I personally veneered my Studio's then Painted the cabinet up. Do you have a compressor and a paint gun?  ..... Or are you planning on painting by paint can.  As far as the paint work, message nlitworld, this is his specallty. His paint work on his studio's speak for themselves! Stunning!!!! He will suggest everything from tape to paint manufacture suggestions.  Lloyd is a great guy!

If your still in the market for veneer? 
This is a good resource:
https://www.veneersupplies.com/

As far as Spray paint out of a can, here is a good product suggestion.


If you have additional questions regarding your NX Studio's P.M. me and I'll be glad to help out.

My plan is to use spray paint cans.  I do have a compressior, but do not have a paint gun.  I did order my veneer from the veneersupplies.com, and agreed they were great.  Would you suggest a clear coat after spray painting the satin black, or just leave it as is.  Is there a good rule to follow as far as how many coats of primer and paint to lay down?  Thanks for the info, really appreciate it!

[nlitworld]

If you decide you're going the paint route, send me a message and I'll walk you through the basics and then some. It's fairly simple overall, just a lot of elbow grease and paying attention to details. Ibuprofen helps. Most importantly just take your time and enjoy the process. The crossover is more stressful than the paint. Worst case scenario, just sand it down and spray it again.

-Lloyd

[NXSTUDIO-DRUMMER]

Your welcome, glad to assist,
As far as veneer, paper backed is easier to work with, even though I didn't use it on my project.

 I believe Lloyd will be the better person to provide expert advice with painting portion of your project.  The biggest thing is patience! Anything worthwhile, is worth the wait, just take your time and do it right.

[floydian99]

If you decide you're going the paint route, send me a message and I'll walk you through the basics and then some. It's fairly simple overall, just a lot of elbow grease and paying attention to details. Ibuprofen helps. Most importantly just take your time and enjoy the process. The crossover is more stressful than the paint. Worst case scenario, just sand it down and spray it again.

-Lloyd

Hey thanks Lloyd.  I think after this post is approved I'll be able to send a PM, and I plan to do so.  Really appreciate the offer to help!

[kickngas]

If you decide you're going the paint route, send me a message and I'll walk you through the basics and then some. It's fairly simple overall, just a lot of elbow grease and paying attention to details. Ibuprofen helps. Most importantly just take your time and enjoy the process. The crossover is more stressful than the paint. Worst case scenario, just sand it down and spray it again.

-Lloyd

I would love to receive your painting advice as well for when I get to that point on my NX-Otica's....Can you share in a PM?
Thank you!

[nlitworld]

I would love to receive your painting advice as well for when I get to that point on my NX-Otica's....Can you share in a PM?
Thank you!

Just trying to give back some helpful advice to the community who helped so much with my speaker build, so I'm glad to lend a hand. Send me a PM with your paint scheme ideas and general color choices and then we can work up a system for you. Just remember I like fancy colors and top shelf quality so I'll probably run up your materials bill a bit higher than expected. BUT, knowing the quality difference it is worth every penny. Lol. I don't expect people to go full bat shit crazy on color like I did, but we can at least make them a bit nicer than house paint slapped on mdf.