Is blind dado the way to go

[Robert Prashad]

I've been asked to do an entertainment unit finished inside and out in high gloss white lacquer. I usually do blind dado frameless kitchen cases in melamine with particle board
core glued and clamped. This works great but since this unit will be finished inside and out with lacquer I'm thinking doing the same type of case construction with raw MDF, paint and then assemble. Does this order seem reasonable. Is assembling blind dadoed parts any different with painted mdf vs. particle board. Any thoughts appreciated.

[Leo Graywacz]

Just need to tape off the tongue and the groove when painting. That way the glue will stick and you can keep your tolerances tight instead to having to account for paint thickness.

You post this on WoodWeb too?

[Gary Campbell]

Robert...
We do this on a regular basis, although with plywood rather than MDF. All insides are finished with either a solid color or stain & sealer while a full sheet. We eliminate the masking this way, but finish more than needed. After assembly we finish exterior and then spray a satin (or gloss) clear over all and then slide in the backs. About 10% of our blind dado boxes are glued and clamped rather than stapled and screwed.

When I am "the assembler" I prefer to assemble witout the paint, however, when I am "the refinisher" I really appreciate not having to put all the color coats inside the boxes.