MDF, short for ‘medium density fibreboard’, is a cheaper alternative to wood. MDF is made of wood fibres combined with resin to form a fibreboard. The surface of MDF is smooth, but the edges are rough when cut.
It’s not difficult to paint MDF, but you must sand between each stage to keep the edges smooth. Using an MDF primer helps achieve a great finish, as the primer stops the MDF from absorbing the paint.
Read on to discover more important tips when painting MDF.
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Why use MDF?
MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) is an engineered wood that combines wax and wood fibres. Under high heat and pressure, the wax and fibres are pressed together to form MDF.
MDF has several benefits, such as its smooth surface, lack of visible grain and relatively low cost.
However, as you’ll learn below, MDF is not always a great fit. For example, one major drawback is that MDF doesn’t mix well with liquids or moisture. I.e. When MDF gets wet, it will expand significantly, so it’s best to avoid using MDF in kitchens and bathrooms or any other high-humidity areas.
The table below provides more detail on the pros & cons of using MDF in your DIY projects:
MDF — Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fine wood fibres give MDF a smooth surface that is easy to paint. | MDF can be hazardous when not treated properly or when cut open. |
| There is no visible grain in MDF. So MDF is great for building furniture when you don’t want to deal with pattern matching. | When exposed to water, MDF can permanently change shape. Water damage risk can be mitigated by preparing the surface using an MDF primer and appropriate paint. |
| MDF is cheaper and denser than other options, such as plywood. | Many consider MDF a ‘cheap’ and unattractive wood, especially unpainted MDF. |
Best Primer and Paint for MDF
Using the right primer and paint is crucial for a professional finish on MDF. Consider the points below before you head to your local DIY store.
Primer
The MDF manufacturing process uses chemicals and adhesives that can react badly with the wrong primer. Therefore, you need to use a primer suitable for MDF, as this will prevent the MDF from breaking down. Poor primer choice can make the finishing paint peel off and look terrible!
Never use a latex primer on MDF, as it will cause the MDF to expand and affect the material’s texture. You’ll get the same issues from water-based primers, so ensure you avoid these types of primers at all costs. You also need to be careful with so-called ‘multi-purpose primers’.
So, what is the best primer to use on MDF? We highly recommend a solvent-based primer, ideally one that is specifically sold as an ‘MDF Primer’.
Paint
As you now know, MDF and water don’t play well together. I.e. water causes the fibres of the board to rise, which is hard to remedy.
In theory, painting properly primed MDF with water-based paint shouldn’t cause any damage. However, in practice, you risk severely damaging your MDF.
Therefore, Oil-based paints are a much better option when you paint MDF. However, oil-based paints have a much stronger odour than water-based paints. When using oil-based paints, we recommend opening your doors and windows for at least 7 hours after you’ve finished your paint job.
Latex and acrylic paints are also good options for MDF painting projects. If you’re a beginner, you’ll probably find these paints easier to use than oil-based paints. For example, you can thin latex and acrylic paints using water instead of oil-based paint, which needs paint thinner.
To find out more about thinning paint using water, check out our painting new plaster guide. In short, a ratio of around four parts of paint to one part of water always works well.
The last thing to consider is what kind of finish you are after. Various types of paints offer varying levels of shine. Depending on the goal of your project, you might want to use gloss (high-shine), satinwood (medium-sheen) or eggshell (matte/no shine).
Tools & Materials
Gather all the tools and materials below before painting MDF
- MDF board.
- Dust mask.
- Fine-grit sandpaper (120 to 220 grit).
- Soft cloth.
- Paper decorator’s suit (optional).
- Filler – drywall compound is recommended.
- At least 3 paintbrushes or rollers.
- Solvent-based primer.
- Paint.
- Sealant.
Pro Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety gear when handling MDF, especially if you are sawing into it. A good-fitting dust mask is essential for this project.
Painting MDF — Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow the steps below to paint MDF like a Pro!
1. Protect Yourself
MDF contains formaldehyde, so ensure your mouth is covered with a face mask. You might also want to wear a paper suit (like CSI). MDF fibres can be very dangerous, so take precautions, as this is not something you want to breathe in.
2. Sand and Wipe
MDF has a smooth surface but tends to have rough, porous edges. For a smooth finish, you need to sand the edges of the MDF down, but first, lightly sand the surface.
A lightly sanded surface will give the MDF board a ‘key’ to which the paint can cling. Then wipe away any dust with a soft cloth. I would avoid wetting the cloth as MDF sucks up water, which causes swelling.
The DIY Doctor recommends using a sanding block (you can make your own by wrapping sandpaper around a wood block) to ensure a flat sanding surface.
3. Fill Edges
The rough edges of MDF need to be filled up to smooth them out. While a drywall compound is recommended, a wood filler can also be used. Apply an even layer, leave to dry, and then sand again. There is a lot of sanding in this project!
4. Prime
Priming the MDF board with the correct primer will stop paint from being absorbed and wasted. Use a brush or a roller that fits the size of the MDF you are painting.
Use a solvent-based primer that specifies it is suitable for MDF. Do not use latex, as it causes the wood fibres to swell. Water-based primers have the same negative effect.
5. Sand (again)
Once the primer is dry, sand the MDF again. Use a light touch. You want a smooth surface, but without taking off the primer. You might need to prime and sand a second time to achieve this.
6. Paint
Rejoice, for you finally get to paint! Use oil-based paint so it doesn’t interact with the primer. Take a clean brush or roller (i.e. NOT the one you used for priming), dip it in your paint and apply it to the MDF. Leave to dry.
Again, you might need a second or even a third coat. Moreover, if there are any rough patches, guess what? You guessed it, sand them down! I promise this post is not sponsored by sandpaper manufacturers.
7. Seal
Take a third clean brush and apply a sealant for the last step. The sealant can be any wax or varnish compatible with your paint. Leave to dry, and then admire your handiwork. No sanding for this step!
Pro Tip: Charlie DIYte provides a good two-part video tutorial below on his method for painting MDF. It differs slightly from mine, but the result looks just as good.
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Final Thoughts
So now you know that the secret to painting MDF is to sand, sand, and sand again. MDF is a cheap and versatile material, and if you protect yourself from potentially harmful dust, it is an excellent choice for projects in your home.
For more painting tips, check out our ultimate guide to the various types of paint.