Introduction: How to Paint MDF: Quick Tip
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About: Part MacGyver, part Martha, creator, host and producer of Engineer Your Space, an award winning DIY home design show dedicated to clever, affordable and stylish solutions for common challenges faced by renters…
I recently made this bench with MDF and when it came time to paint it, I had trouble getting a smooth finish at the ends of the MDF boards – all the paint was sinking into the MDF leaving holes and a rough finish. Here’s an easy fix I discovered which works like a charm.
Step 1: Brush on Glue Mixture
Dilute some wood glue with a little bit of water and apply it with a brush on the ends.
Step 2: Sand
After the glue is dry, sand it down and repeat step 1 and 2 a couple of times until the surface in smooth.
Step 3: Paint
Your paint will glide on easily and leave a perfectly smooth finish!
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16 Comments
9 years ago
I was inspired by your initial post of this bench and made this window seat.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Wow that's amazing! Thanks so much for sharing and I like your idea for the corners!
9 years ago on Introduction
Good idea.
Yes, this works very well, but latex or acrylic wall paint is good too, and more direct. You can shop a can of your preferred colour. The finishing is opaque/matte, but you could add a varnish coat to convert it to shiny.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
That's the paint I was using - it works fine everywhere except at the edges which is why I ended up sealing them with glue.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
OOPS, pardon.
Perhaps the paint you use is of better quality than mine, so it penetrates better between the fibers of the MDF.
9 years ago
I should also say that I used a router to round over the edge for the bench top and then used your method of diluted glue brushed on and sanded before paint and it worked great. However, for the corners on the sides I used a different method. I used wood filler down the edges and a putty knife to smooth it down. Once dry, I sanded. It resulted in nicely finished corners that look like one solid piece.
9 years ago
A bit more detail
9 years ago on Introduction
Thanks EYSpace, that's a really useful tip. I used to saturate / load those difficult areas with paint until I got the desired (smooth) effect, however, your method is much better looking.
Thanks for sharing,
R
9 years ago on Introduction
Thank you for sharing. very easy
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
You're welcome!
9 years ago on Introduction
So simple. I like it. Will add this technique to my project involving several MDF boards in the near future.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Glad you found this tip helpful!
9 years ago on Introduction
genius
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Thanks!
9 years ago
Great tip - thanks!
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
You're welcome!