Painting is one of the most common home improvement tasks people do in their homes.
If you’ve ever decorated a property, you’ll probably be well-versed in how to paint walls and ceilings, but what about MDF?
Many properties will be full of MDF furniture and other applications, but what you may not know is that painting such objects requires a specific technique.
The team here at UK Home Improvement are experts in all types of home renovations, including how to paint MDF.
In this article, the team will outline how to paint MDF outlining everything you need to know about the process including best practices.
Read on to find out more…
What is MDF?
Medium-density fibreboard, more commonly known as MDF, is an engineered wood product that is manufactured by breaking down hardwood or softwood. It is a wood-based sheet material made from resin and wax and combined with wood fibres to create a smooth finish.
Large-scale production of MDF began in the 1980s and it has since become one of the most commonly used materials in the building industry. It is often found in the carpentry and joinery trades and can used to create a wide range of products including:
- Furniture: MDF is commonly used to make affordable furniture, including bookshelves, cabinets, desks, wardrobes and more.
- Cabinetry: Kitchen and bathroom cabinets are often made from MDF due to its stability and ease of customisation. They can be easily painted or veneered to match different styles and finishes.
- Wall panelling: MDF is frequently used to create decorative wall panels as it provides a sleek and uniform appearance.
- Doors: Interior doors, especially those with a flat or panelled design, are often made from MDF.
- Shelving: MDF is also a popular choice for shelving in closets, garages, wardrobes and other storage areas.
- Craft projects: It is also a favourite material for DIY projects including creating decorative or small home decor items.
- Countertops and tabletops: MDF can also be used as a base for laminate countertops and tabletops, providing a smooth, stable surface that can be easily finished.
Benefits of MDF
There are a number of reasons why MDF is favoured for a wide range of household projects, including its versatility and affordability.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the main benefits of using MDF.
- Smooth surface: MDF has a smooth, uniform surface without any knots or grains, making it ideal for painting or veneering.
- Easy to work with: Compared to the surface of natural wood, MDF is far less volatile to movement. This means it prevents paint from cracking and it can easily be cut, shaped or drilled without any splintering. This makes it a popular choice for detailed carpentry and furniture-making projects.
- Consistent quality: Due to the way it has been engineered, there is no visible grain in the wood due to its composition. This means it offers a uniform appearance and a uniform density and thickness which ensures consistency in all projects.
- A stable material: MDF is less likely to warp, crack or swell compared to solid wood products, making it a great choice for cabinets, shelves and other furniture.
- Cost-effective: Generally speaking, MDF is cheaper than solid wood or plywood, which makes it an affordable choice for various projects.
While there are several advantages to using MDF, there are also a few drawbacks you need to be aware of.
For example, working with the material often creates a large amount of dust so you should make sure you always wear the appropriate safety gear. As well as this, as it has no grain, it can be difficult to stain.
Furthermore, it is porous and can absorb water which is why oil-based paints are more effective.
How to paint MDF
Painting MDF is extremely straightforward, and if you follow the correct steps any competent DIYer can perform the task.
Follow the steps below to paint MDF.
Clean the MDF
Preparation is key, and you should take some time to clean the piece that you are working with. You can easily get a universal cleaner and degreaser online or at your local DIY store to help you do this. If you do not clean the MDF, any dirt or grime on the material will prevent the paint from properly adhering.
How to seal MDF before painting
As MDF has rough edges that can absorb moisture and cause problems, it should be properly sealed before painting begins.
If you do not seal the wood, the edges will struggle to receive the paint. To do this, spend some time sanding the edges with sandpaper. Wear protective goggles and a mask as you do this.
Once the sanding has been completed, apply some primer to the edges to ensure they have been sealed. This will help the MDF’s corners properly receive the paint.
Sand the MDF
While you may have already sanded the edges in the step above, after the MDF has been sealed you should sand the rest of the surface. This will ensure the wood is in the best condition for the paint to adhere.
Prime the MDF
Once you’ve sanded the MDF, you should apply a primer.
Make sure you do this as evenly as possible to ensure all of the MDF has been properly covered. This will provide the MDF with a solid base for which paint can be used to adhere to.
Paint the MDF
Now, your MDF will be ready for painting.
Using a brush or a mini-roller, apply a coat of your chosen paint to the wood making sure to cover it evenly. Leave this to dry as per the manufacturer’s instructions, and then give it a second coat.
MDF should always have two coats to make sure it has been properly applied. As MDF is porous, it may take more paint than you first think.
Finishing
If you’re intending for your MDF to be used in a high-traffic area, you should use a finishing product to prevent damage and unsightly scuffs.
