Then, use water or solvent-based paint to paint your MDF with long, overlapping brush strokes. Make sure to let each coat dry completely before applying the next one for the best results.
For tips on how to sand down your MDF before priming it, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. No account yet? Create an account. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy.
Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts. Tips and Warnings. Things You'll Need. Related Articles. Article Summary. Part 1. Apply joint compound to the edges of the MDF board. With your clean finger or an applicator, like a putty knife, apply a thin, even layer of the compound to all edges on the MDF. Sand the edges after the compound dries. Allow the compound to dry completely. When dry, put on a mask and googles.
Use a medium grit silicon-carbide sandpaper, like grit. Use light to moderate pressure to sand the areas with compound until it is smooth and even. Use a clean rag to wipe all dust away. Do this carefully; any leftover dust will negatively impact the finish of your paint job. Sand the remainder of the MDF board. With your dust mask and protective goggles still on, use a fine grit sandpaper, like one rated grit, to lightly sand all the surfaces you will paint on the MDF board.
Sanding will produce fine wood dust. Clean the MDF. Use a clean rag to wipe away dust and any other dirtiness from the MDF. If your MDF is especially dirty, you may need to dampen your rag with water. For MDF that is particularly dusty, use a vacuum to suck up any that remains following your rag wipe down. Part 2. Apply primer to the MDF. Take your paintbrush and dip it into the primer. Wipe excess primer onto the inner lip of the paint can.
If the edges are going to been seen, you will want to keep the edge as smooth as possible. You can fill it with wood filler and rub it down. But this is time-consuming, especially if you have a lot of edges to prepare. Alternatively, invest in some MDF edging tape. This is also time-consuming but it will give the best finish. If the edges are not going to be seen you just need to rub them down so they are smooth.
If any gets into the wood it can swell and warp. Once you have applied a primer and sealed the MDF you can use any paint you like. However, it is best to avoid emulsion. If you want a strong durable finish, add a layer of undercoat and finish with eggshell, satinwood, or gloss, depending on what type of finish you want.
If you are painting furniture you could use furniture paint such as Rust-Oleum Satin Furniture Paint to get the finish you want. MDF is quite an absorbent material and typically you will need to apply at least two coats of primer. You may need to apply a third, especially on the edges. After the second coat, rub down lightly with a fine-grade sandpaper grit will do. Make a judgment call on whether you need a third coat or not. If the paint is patchy across the board you need another coat.
Ideally, you want to paint both sides of the MDF. But if one side will never be seen it can be left. This will act as a double layer of sealant. This product can adhere to nearly any exterior or interior surface without sanding needed beforehand. It also covers uneven colors and seals and penetrates all surfaces, so it really is a go-to for us.
This Zinsser primer can, however also be used with ease in personal projects. It penetrates exterior surfaces fully and results in a smooth end result. It is available in a tin as well as a spray can, so it depends on how much you need as well as your personal preference of how to apply it.
For painting your MDF, you really have numerous options. Now, the real fun begins! Look around at your different options and what is best suited to your item and needs, before you start.
Oil-based paint is usually best for painting MDF because it is most compatible with a solvent-based primer. However, you will also have to thin the paint with a paint thinner.
Remember, no water! When using oil-based paint, remember to use protective gear like goggles and a mask as they often emit strong fumes which could be dangerous to your health. We recommend that you apply this paint in an open-air environment. Another option is to use acrylic paint, which dries very fast. Remember to use a non-water-based acrylic, as you do not want your MDF to get any moisture. You can also use latex paint. However, these are water-based, and should only be used after careful consideration.
Your board and edges will need to be sealed very thoroughly. One small area that is not sealed properly is enough to cause splintering or swelling. Latex paint is still popular though because of its fast drying time and low fume emissions. After settling on your type of paint, you will start by applying the base coat.
This should be a very thin layer, and it should dry easily. Then, sand it down again gently, and continue doing this after each coat and after making sure it has dried properly. If you rush between coats, some layers might never dry properly and will result in smudges or dents. For the base coat, use a roller, brush, or a spray gun, whichever works the easiest and most convenient for you.
Apply two or three coats of paint for a neat, finished-off look. Depending on your item, you might need a final sealing coat or topcoat. Household furniture like cabinets or shelves that are used frequently usually does need sealing or topcoats. Again, it depends on your vision for the end result. INSL-X is an enamel paint ideal for products that will be used indoors. This paint gives an ultra-smooth and shiny finish. It adheres specifically well to MDF, meaning you might not even need a primer in some cases.
However, unless you are fairly experienced, we recommend that you still apply the primer first. It also has very good leveling and flow properties and is easily cleanable from stains. This product is high-quality and resistant to chipping, making it one of the more durable paints on the market.
The ideal condition to apply the paint in is when the room temperature is between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This paint is, however, not in the low-budget range and is relatively expensive. A sealer or topcoat protects your board from water rings, scratches, discoloration, and is especially helpful for furniture that is handled a lot. It also makes the board very easy to clean, as you can just wipe any dirt or stains with a wet cloth.
This could come in very handy with furniture such as kitchen tables finishes or coffee tables. If your board is painted a dark color that can show dust stains and smudges easily, a sealer is a must. If your MDF is used in an area where it may be exposed to moisture, like a bathroom, the sealer is very important as it will add another layer of protection.
Some say that latex paint does not require a topcoat, but we disagree. They can form bubbles if they get exposed to moisture, so the topcoat will prevent this. Remember to also seal your edges as well as the surface when applying the topcoat. In other words, yes to a sealer! The Minwax Finish has a very clear and shiny look. This can be applied with a brush, roller, or spray can. It is not toxic and only needs water to be cleaned.
However, it does not behave well in extremely high temperatures, so it might not be ideal for an item placed near a stove, for example. If your item will be placed in a room or environment that is only exposed to neutral room temperatures that do not fluctuate too often, like a table or bookshelf in a living room, this sealer is perfect.
This sealer is available in a range of options including semi-gloss, gloss, satin, and matte. It takes only one to two hours to dry, and within three hours, you can handle it.
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