Should i prime mdf before painting

Dilute with water so as to attain a thinner layer, or else opt for acid neutral PVA glue which is used for bookbinding as this can be easily applied. In fact you could either use a roller or a spreader to apply it onto the boards, or else a spray bottle that is suitable for thinner glues.

Bear in mind that while applying it will be drying up rather quickly, and so you need to avoid having any build-ups accumulating. Apart from a more aesthetically pleasing result, it will also increase its lifespan, as it is a type of material which easily absorbs water.

Are you sure you want to delete this. Your session has expired. If you want to keep current changes please log in, otherwise all content will be lost. Get Quote Online. Basket 0 Your cart is empty. Toggle Navigation. Priming and sealing is always recommended before you start painting MDF boards. If you prime the MDF before painting, you will get a far better and neater finish. This is because the paint finish will be smoother due to the underlying base coat.

Besides you will be able to prevent any distortions, especially as a result of swelling. Let's look at what you should do step-by-step in greater detail. Sealing will also be critical if you intend to use water based paints. So, sealing the edges is critical as it will prevent the board from swelling or deforming if it does get exposed to moisture. It will give your paint an optimal adhering surface, resulting in a smooth look. Remember, the edges are still visible and will also be painted, so they need to be sealed and primed too.

Here are your different options to seal the edges. You can also use acrylic paint which is also suitable for all kind of wood as a sealer. Apply a very thin layer, to prevent it from running. Choose a color that matches the topcoat if possible.

It would be best to use heavy-bodied paint so that one layer will be enough to seal the MDF. It might not look pleasing to the eye if you pile on the bottom coats too thick. For this technique, compound to the edges using your hands is fine. After it has dried, sand down the edges with sandpaper. Here, your trusty mask, goggles, and gloves come in again! You can also conceal any unwanted marks or flaws on the flat surface of your board with any leftover compound.

Next, sand down the entire surface, then wipe it down with a dry cloth to make sure there are no dust particles. You can seal your edges with wood glue too if you already have some at home or you prefer not to use a paint-like acrylic.

You can use an airbrush or spray bottle for an even effect. Remember not to use PVA glues that need to be mixed with water. An acid-neutral PVA glue usually used for bookbinding is a good option. When it has dried, sand down the edges until smooth. A primer is necessary as a base or foundation layer to make extra sure that no moisture reaches the MDF yes, it really is that sensitive to moisture.

This part is essential to have a neat, finished-off end product. Because MDF is so sensitive to different chemicals, you need to be even more particular about your primer, and we are here to help you choose the correct one. You should never use a latex primer for your MDF because it will cause the wood to expand, and stay away from multi-purpose primers too. You should only use a solvent-based primer. This is because various adhesives and chemicals are used during the production of MDFs that could cause a reaction with the primer and damage your board.

Remember to use primer on your newly-sealed edges too! You can apply two or even three layers of primer to the board, and sand down the surfaces very gently between coats. Ensure your product is dry before you continue with the next coat. It pays off to display a little patience during this step of this process! Also, take care to wipe down all the dust particles after sanding. Because MDF is so porous, we recommend that you prime both sides of the board, to avoid having your paint bleed through to the other side.

This will act as a double layer of sealant. This product can adhere to nearly any exterior or interior surface without sanding needed beforehand. It also covers uneven colors and seals and penetrates all surfaces, so it really is a go-to for us. This Zinsser primer can, however also be used with ease in personal projects. It penetrates exterior surfaces fully and results in a smooth end result. It is available in a tin as well as a spray can, so it depends on how much you need as well as your personal preference of how to apply it.

For painting your MDF, you really have numerous options. Now, the real fun begins! Look around at your different options and what is best suited to your item and needs, before you start. MDF produces a lot of dust when sanded, and the fine particles can irritate eyes and lungs, so be sure to wear protective eyewear and a tight-fitting dust mask.

Whether your MDF project has a factory edge or has been custom routed, the edges must be sealed to accept paint in a way that matches the smoother face of the material. Seal the edges by running a generous coat of drywall compound over them with your finger. Once it has completely dried, sand edges smooth with grit sandpaper.

Fill any scratches on the face of the MDF with drywall compound as well, as any mars or scratches will be painfully obvious once painted. Sand the entire piece with grit sandpaper, then wipe it all down with tack cloth to remove fine dust and any remaining dirt or debris. 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.

Use a brush, roller, or spray gun to apply the primer—whichever is appropriate for the project. Never try to seal the panels with a water-based product. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while sanding MDF. Use a NIOSH-approved, organic-filter breathing mask while applying oil-based primers or, do the work outdoors.

Wear safety glasses while priming and painting the MDF. Michael Logan is a writer, editor and web page designer. His professional background includes electrical, computer and test engineering, real estate investment, network engineering and management, programming and remodeling company owner.

By Michael Logan Updated December 14, Related Articles. Tip When you work near the edges with the roller, watch for drips and clean them up immediately. Warning Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while sanding MDF.