The Best Way to Paint MDF
Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is an engineered wood product gaining popularity as a construction material. MDF manufacturers grind wood into fibers and combine them with wax and resin to form panels. It is a stable product and is a good option when building anything where expansion or contraction would be a problem. Painting it is very simple, and there are ways to make the job last and look great.
Instructions
1. Sand the MDF lightly with a light-grit sandpaper (120 or 150). This will remove dirt and provide better adhesion when you put on the primer.
2. Seal the edges with drywall compound. The edges of MDF are "open" and more porous than the surfaces, so if they are not sealed, moisture can be absorbed, causing the material to warp and crack. Spread the compound evenly on the edges with your finger. Allow the material to dry.
3. Sand the drywall compound on the edges with a light-grit sandpaper. Do not remove all the material, just smooth it out.
4. Wipe down the area with a tackcloth. Tackcloth is mildly sticky and will pick up any dust or dirt left on the material.
5. Apply the solvent-based primer (oil-, alcohol-, or lacquer-based) evenly across the material with a paintbrush. It is important to use solvent-based and not water-based because MDF fibers will absorb water-based primer and raise the grain of the material. This will result in a lumpy paint job. Allow to dry for 24 hours.
6. Apply a coat of paint, using a paintbrush. Use any type of paint (latex, oil, or lacquer) because the MDF should be sealed and will not absorb it. Paint it on evenly and allow it to dry completely. Repeat with a finish coat of paint.
Related posts
Sheetrock can be painted any color.Sheetrock is installed onto the studs in many homes. Since Sheetrock is only available in white, painting it is common. Painting Sheetrock is just like painting...
If you have dark walnut kitchen cabinets and tire of the dark finish, painting them is a simple way to brighten and redecorate your kitchen. With new cabinets costing thousands of dollars, paintin...
Painting rooms yourself has become a popular project. It requires some supplies from your local home improvement store and time. Each coat of paint will take about one hour to dry. New drywall doe...
Many vehicles come from the factory with sleek paint jobs but dull, unpainted black or gray trim. The dull trim is usually found on the mirrors, windows, the lower portion of the front and rear bu...
Painted TileUpdating old wall tile by replacing it can be an expensive and time-consuming project. As an alternative, you can paint the existing wall tile to bring it back to life. It can easily m...
