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Original poster

How to paint MDF

13 replies

Rupster · 08/02/2017 15:06

Can I paint MDF by sanding it and then applying Dulux wood primer and undercoat before applying a top coat?

Thanks.

OP posts:
Ilovecaindingle · 08/02/2017 15:10

I have seen proper primer for painting mdf. . Wilko sells it!

Original poster
Rupster · 09/02/2017 09:31

I already have some Dulux wood primer and undercoat left over from another job, so I'd like to use that if it works rather than buy more paint if I don't need it.

Do I need to seal the MDF first or will that Dulux paint seal it?

Thanks.

OP posts:
wheresthewine36 · 09/02/2017 09:35

I've always used emulsion as an undercoat on MDF and have only ever sanded cut edges, no need to sand all over. Don't think you'd need to use the primer, just go for undercoat and top coat.

ThereIsNoSuchThingAsRoadTax · 09/02/2017 10:32

You need to prime the MDF - it is so absorbent that if you paint with emulsion straight onto it all of the moisture will be sucked out of the paint and you will be left with a film of dry emulsion that will not stick to the MDF properly. Eventually you might find that the paint blisters and flakes off.
Wood primer will work fine, but I like to give at least a couple of coats and sometimes water the primer down a little to get a more even coverage with the first coat.

EineKleine · 09/02/2017 10:50

yes I'd do as you are proposing, sanding down a bit between coats if the grain has lifted and gone rougher.

i am no expert but mdf seems pretty "woodish" to me, compare with other stuff you'd prime (metal, melamine) so wood primer sounds good to me.

Bluebellevergreen · 09/02/2017 10:53

Carpenter told us to buy an MDF primer. Then use wood paint on top
We did and looks great

Believeitornot · 09/02/2017 11:49

I got primer for mdf because it isn't like normal wood. It really sucks up the paint! Also the edges got furry.

wheresthewine36 · 09/02/2017 13:32

Thereisnosuchthing I've painted a number of mdf items with emulsion and never had any problems. First piece I ever painted is a bookcase I made from MDF. Painted 10 years ago, still looks good now and has never flaked or blistered, promise :-)

engineersthumb · 09/02/2017 21:50

I always use acrylic primer. Water down on the first coat. Cut edges will pick up butility a light rub and it comes up rather nicely. I always lightly sand the surfaces to ensure that all fingerprints and minor scratches are dealt with.

Original poster
Rupster · 09/02/2017 22:08

Thanks, everyone.

I've bought a 1L tin of Flag MDF primer paint from Toolstation this evening. I'm expecting I'll need to do a couple of coats and sand in between.

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NotJanine · 10/02/2017 12:43

This is useful. I have some mdf to paint. Shelves I am going to use satincoat on, so I'll get some primer to apply first.

I also have some to paint which is on the walls (boxing in vertical pipework). Would I be ok using the primer and then the normal wall emulsion?

Original poster
Rupster · 10/02/2017 13:26

Yes I think that should work. That's what I'll be doing.

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