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Cracks in ready to paint particleboard finish

7/20/23       
Ken Morgan Member

Hello All,
The customer has a china cabinet made from "ready to paint" particleboard panels. One side of the cabinet has 2 cracks in the finish running from the top to the bottom. There are no cracks on the inside panel of the cabinet. There are no other finish problems with the cabinet. The finish is white lacquer. The side panel is 56 inches X 19 inches and 5/8 thick. The cracks are not deep and look like they follow a veneer line. Is this a finish or a panel problem (2 sided versus 1 sided), or both? Can this problem be corrected permanently?


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View higher quality, full size image (4896 X 3672)


View higher quality, full size image (4896 X 3672)

7/20/23       #2: Cracks in ready to paint particlebo ...
Bruce H

Looks to me expansion/contraction of the face veneer. If it was going to be painted a raw MDF panel would have been a better choice. You could re-paint it but I'd guess it will telegraph thru in time with changes in humidity. Ready-to-paint is typically a homeowner product. it's what happens.

7/20/23       #3: Cracks in ready to paint particlebo ...
RichC

With the panel all caulked in like that, I'm thinking the thick primer cracked. Particle board moves despite what many folks think.

7/21/23       #4: Cracks in ready to paint particlebo ...
Ross Wells Member

Website: https://fgtcabinetry.com/


The cracks in the finish are likely caused by a combination of factors, including:

Moisture. Particleboard is a hygroscopic material, which means it absorbs moisture from the air. As the moisture content of the particleboard changes, it can expand and contract, which can cause the finish to crack.
Temperature changes. Particleboard is also sensitive to temperature changes. As the temperature of the particleboard changes, it can expand and contract, which can also cause the finish to crack.
Poor construction. If the particleboard panels were not properly assembled, this could also contribute to the cracking of the finish.
The cracks in the finish are likely a panel problem, as they follow a veneer line. The veneer is a thin layer of wood that is glued to the surface of the particleboard. The veneer is more susceptible to cracking than the particleboard itself, so this is likely the main cause of the problem.

It is possible to correct the problem permanently, but it will require some work. The first step is to remove the old finish. This can be done by sanding, scraping, or using a chemical stripper. Once the old finish is removed, the cracks can be filled and sanded smooth. The final step is to apply a new finish.

Here are some tips for preventing the cracks from recurring:

Use a high-quality finish that is designed for use on particleboard.
Apply the finish in thin coats.
Allow each coat of finish to dry completely before applying the next coat.
Keep the particleboard in a stable environment with a moderate temperature and humidity level.
I hope this helps!


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