With the water-based primer of Dulux Trade Quick Dry MDF Primer, we would recommend opting for Crown Trade Fast Flow QD Satin as the best paint to use on MDF. This is for a number of reasons, the first of which being that satin is the most popular paint finish for furniture.
With so many pieces made of MDF, it follows that they will eventually wear down and become chipped, dingy, or just dated-looking. Fortunately, you can paint MDF and bring these pieces back to life. You can even build new cabinets, shelves, and furniture from MDF and paint them—resulting in a smooth, glass-like finish.
Oil-based paints are the most common recommendation for painting MDF. They're reasonably common, and they will be compatible with the solvent-based primer underneath. However, oil-based paints require the addition of paint thinner and the use of said paint thinner to clean up brushes and trays.
Do I Need to Apply a Primer Before Painting MDF? Yes. While MDF is versatile and easy to work with, it doesn't like moisture. If any gets into the wood it can swell and warp.
Seal the MDF with PVA Glue: You can seal MDF surfaces with thin layers of PVA (white or carpenter's) glue. Most PVA-based carpentry glues require dilution with water to get a thin sealing layer on your MDF (which can cause the MDF to swell).
Water based will be fine i use water based paint on mdf all the time! However make sure the edges of your mdf a sanded really well! Like to the point of it being smooth! The edges will suck the paint up so primer is always a good idea on mdf!
MDF can be painted with ordinary paint once it has been coated with a special primer, such as the one below.
Yes, you can paint MDF with emulsion which is very convenient if you're looking to paint your MDF wall panels. However, for a hard-wearing finish on objects such as display cabinets and storage units, it's better to use a self-priming satinwood or gloss.
apl Member. The dulux wood primer undercoat is a good choice of primer. You can also use it on mdf. The edges of the mdf will "fur up" when painted but rub down in between every coat to minimize this.
Prime the MDF with a solvent-based primer, such as Zinsser (buy online) or KILZ (buy online). Avoid water-based primer, as it may cause the wood fibers to swell, resulting in a surface that appears to have a raised grain (no matter how much effort you put into sanding).
The core of MDF is compressed sawdust, glue and resins so when you apply paint to those areas it soaks right up. Sand the edges and ends very well with 150-grit sandpaper, then apply a light coat of filler (such as Timbermate water-based wood filler or even joint compound).
MDF can be painted with acrylic paint of any quality. You can apply latex primer and latex paint to large surfaces such as bookshelves or cabinets made of MDF after rolling on a latex primer. You will ruin your hard work if you let any moisture in the MDF.
For a smooth finish, you need to sand the edges of MDF down, but first, lightly sand the surface. A lightly sanded surface will give the MDF board a 'key' that the paint can cling to. Then wipe away any dust with a soft cloth. I would avoid wetting the cloth as MDF sucks up water, which causes swelling.
Priming the MDF properly is very important for, as well as sealing it ready for painting, it prevents the compounds being released. It is always a good idea to wear a mask when working with MDF, even if not actually sawing it.
good advice, acrylic primer undercoat will give you a much quicker job, any cutting or sanding of mdf should be done while wearing a dust mask.
If you've ordered primed skirting boards from us, you'll need to sand, undercoat and then paint the boards. Read more about our finishes here. Make sure the surface is clean - if you're repainting old skirtings, be sure to clean them beforehand (a simple soap and water solution is sufficient).
Sealers are similar to primers, but their primary function is to make the MDF's surface non-porous. They're usually thicker than primers (but not always), with this helping to 'fill' and seal the MDF's porous surface, particularly on its cut edges.
However, if you prefer to let the bumps of the fiber show through your painting, then you can simply brush on the acrylic gesso as normal. Gesso can also be applied to any wooden supports, such as plywood, masonite, MDF, maple, birch, or other hardboards. If it is wooden, it will reliably accept gesso as a primer.
Specialist MDF primers, oil-based undercoats and acrylic-based paints all help create a barrier that will make MDF resistant to water. These are easy to apply with a brush or roller and once you have sealed your MDF you can start looking at adding your preferred finish.
Dulux Trade Quick Drying MDF Primer Undercoat is a water-based primer suitable for use on MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) surfaces both inside and outside. It is quick drying and low odour when compared to solvent-based primers.
Seal sides and back of panel with paint, gesso or polymer medium to guard against water absorption. Do not apply a very wet layer to raw board as this can cause it to swell and pucker. When sanding or cutting MDF, wear protective eyewear and a mask.” So it looks like gesso can be applied directly.