PAINTING & PRIMING
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MDF is basically a pile of wood fibers formed together using heat, glue and high pressure. There are a few schools of thought regarding MDF painting.
Below you will find a description of the tools, and products to use, along with the best way to coat your MDF projects. More and more wood product are made from medium density fiber board or MDF.
There is also an HDF (high density) board made. Basically the higher the density the better the finish and with a better finish comes a higher cost.
For most of the projects I do, mdf works just fine. LDF or a lower density fiber board is commonly used as a floor underlay.
WHAT’S GOOD ABOUT MDF
One of the advantages regardless of painting or priming mdf is it's density and with density comes no grain. When you add these two features together, the woods surface ends up being smooth and unblemished when coated properly.
Other strong points for using MDF would be, it's lower cost, ease of use when cutting and stiff sturdy properties if used in building cabinets or shelves.
WHAT’S BAD ABOUT MDF
There are disadvantages when painting or priming mdf or using any type of fiber board. Number one is most MDF is made with a substance called urea formaldehyde.
Proper ventilation, face masks and goggles should be worn (due to the dust) when sanding, shaping or cutting MDF.
Especially when using an electric type machine to do the job. Gasing off of the formaldehyde is also a concern. When painting or priming mdf be sure to cover the entire surface of the wood with at least three coats of your chosen paint product (discussed below).
Smaller irritations may include the dulling of tool blades (because of the glue), it's excessive weight and tendency to split, chip, or bend and raising of the surface when nailing or screwing.
PAINTING & PRIMING MDF PROBLEMS
Even with MDF being one of the best types of wood products to paint, problems can still arise when coating it's surface. Moisture in the wood causes painted areas to crack, bubble or lift.
Having a dry, dust free, clean board is very important. Edges of MDF absorb coatings more readily than the flat or top and bottom of the wood.
Apply two coats of primer for the entire cut piece (emphases on the edges) to be used, will in most cases solve the problem.
Another thing to consider is, when looking for an ultra smooth finish, then sand, prime, and sand again. If the feel of your wood is not to your liking, sand and re-prime until your satisfied.
Remember you can't make a silk purse out of a pigs ear (who the heck would try to do that).
MDF PRIMING & PANTING PRODUCTS TO USE
Almost any type of coating can be used for your MDF project. Products that seel the wood, paint for instance as oposed to stain or a danish oil will work the best.
Clear coats like polyurethane or varathane can be used as a top coat over stains etc., if needed to finish your project.
Most recommendations when coating MDF are for two applications of an oil or alkyd primer, then an oil or alkyd based finish.
A sprayed coat of colored lacquer will give the most professional finish, but I find for most of the projects I do waterborne or a very high grade latex, is my best option. It has easy cleanup, durability and shows a beautiful finish when completed.
HOW TO MDF PRIMING & PAINTING ADVICE
First thing to consider when painting MDF, is to have a clean, sanded, dry and dust free piece of wood. If your looking for the ultimate finish, spray on colored lacquer, otherwise apply two coats of killz or binz (don't forget the edges) then use the best alkyd base paint you can find.
Sand the wood, and re-prime if needed. Feel the surface before you decide to add the final coating, if the wood is rough, prime it again, re-sand, feel, then apply the final coat.
When I paint MDF, a good latex wood primer works fine, then I sand the surface, sometimes I re-prime then sand again. In most cases though, I spray on two coats of high quality waterborne paint, after the first coat of primer.
If I'm doing closet shelves, three coats (extra for the edges) of good waterborne or a top of the line latex product works fine for me.
PAINT/PRIMING MDF COATING PROUCTS
Using a paint sprayer, like an HVLP, air assist or conventional system, will give you the best finish. I have also used my airless paint sprayer, especially on doors and shelving.
If you don’t have a paint spray and your project is to big for spray cans, then a small amount of brushing along with a very low knapped (fluffy) type roller, will give you a more than adequate paint job.
Looking for decorating solutions other than painting or priming mdf. Maybe a design idea for your kitchen. Click on the home link.
You should be able to find a decorating or painting idea by reading the text.
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