Painting MDF

[Anonymous]

Hi All

In the 'magic' TV makeover shows you always see them painting straight onto raw MDF - no primer.

Is this possible? Will gloss or emulsion really go straight onto MDF without a primer?

Dave

 

[Jake]

It will go on.

Probably fall off just after the cameras are gone, though.

Never see them doing any prep of any kind, at all. On anything.

MDF needs a primer as much as anything else, if not more so, as it cut edges are porous. Sealer first, then whichever proper paint system you choose, which generally includes a primer.

Jake

edit: emulsion, of course, doesn't need a primer...

 

[DaveL]

Hi Dave,

Welcome to the forum

Well yes you can paint MDF without a primer, but it will suck like mad on the paint making it difficult to get good coverage or finnish. In the past I have sealed MDF with a coat of waterbased poly worked quite well, the paint went on much smoother 8)

 

[Bean]

I was given a tip the other day by a mate who makes hotel furniture (mainly veneered mdf). To get a good finish upon the edge of the cut boards they use apply wall paper paste, leave to dry then sand back to a smooth edge. He claims to be able to get very close to the smooth finish seen on the face of the board this way. :shock:

Bean

 

[Alf]

Welcome to the forum, Dave.

Good tip for the edges, Bean. I'll have to remember that if I'm ever unfortunate enough to have to paint MDF again.

Cheers, Alf

 

[Anonymous]

Hi All

Thanks for the info. I've bought some MDF Primer - guess what? It was twice the price of normal primer! It works though!

Dave

 

[Gill]

Emulsion paint thinned 50:50 with water makes a good primer too. Once it's dried, give a light sanding and apply paint. It worked fine for me on the computer table I made last year and which I'm using right now.

Yours

Gill