How to Paint MDF

 Summary

 – Which paint to use to paint MDF?

 – Step 1: Sand the MDF

 – Step 2: Clean the surface

 – Step 3: Apply primer to MDF

 – Step 4: Paint the MDF

 – Step 5: Clean Painting Equipment

 MDF is a resistant wood fiberboard used for interior design and furniture manufacturing. MDF can be painted, stained, or varnished, as long as the surface is prepared correctly to eliminate unevenness and increase its adhesion.

 Here are the materials and steps to follow to paint MDF.

 

Which paint to use to paint MDF?

 MDF can be painted with wood paint in the solvent phase (glycerol-type oil paint) or water phase (acrylic).

 MDF is a paint-absorbing surface, so it is preferable to apply a primer (also called undercoat or primer) before painting MDF.

 To paint MDF, choose a special primer for wood and MDF, adapted to the paint you are applying.

 – If you are using waterborne paint, choose a water-based primer.

 – If you are applying a ground-phase paint

 

Step 1: Sand the MDF

 It is essential to sand the surface before painting MDF to increase its adhesion:

 – Use fine-grit sandpaper or glass wool.

 – Lightly sand the MDF with circular motions.

 – Do not press too much and do not insist on the same spot to not dig into the surface.

 

Step 2: Clean the surface

 When the surface is sanded, clean it.

 – Remove dust with a vacuum cleaner or a feather duster.

 – Wipe with a damp, lint-free cloth.

 – Degrease the surface with methylated spirits or acetone.

 ◦ Soak a sponge with the product.

 ◦ Scrub the surface to clean.

 ◦ Rinse with clean water and dry with a cloth.

 – Allow drying entirely before applying a primer.

Step 3: Apply a primer on the MDF

 For an aesthetic and long-lasting result, apply a primer before painting MDF.

 The primer can be applied with a synthetic bristle brush or a short-bristle roller (8 mm).

 To apply the primer:

 – Load the roller or brush.

 – Apply the primer in vertical strips and then crossover by painting horizontal stripes.

 – Smooth the surface by running the roller or brush (not loaded with primer) from bottom to top and top to bottom.

 – Allow to dry and apply a second coat if necessary.

 – Lightly sand the first coat before using the second one.

 

Step 4: Paint the MDF

 Once the primer is perfectly dry, paint the MDF.

 You can paint the MDF with a brush, roller, or spray gun (painting a large area).

 – Sand lightly before painting with a roller or brush.

 – Protect the floor as well as the surfaces you are not painting.

 

Step 5: Clean the painting equipment

 Clean the painting equipment when you are finished painting.

 If you have applied water-based paint:

 – Clean the equipment with hot soapy water;

 – rinse with clear water;

 – let dry before storing.

 If you have applied paint thinned with the appropriate solvent, this is the solvent used to thin the paint:

 – ventilate the room and wear household gloves;

 – clean the equipment once with the solvent;

 – then clean with soapy water;

 – Rinse with clean water;

 – allow drying before storing.

That’s it. You are now done with painting MDF. Should you wish to read on something more specific, please jot down your comments below and remember to share this post with your friends.