How To Paint MDF! Do this to your MDF for a perfect painted finish!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ส.ค. 2024
- I use MDF a lot for projects and carving on my CNC machine, but the one issue I always have it painting it. in today's video, I'll show you how to prep you MDF fast and cheap for a perfect finish every time
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Been using a water and glue mix on MDF for years which is essentially a grain filler/sanding sealer. It's simply a mix of 5 parts water to 1 part water based glue, it gives the same results and is even cheaper than buying sealer. Just one light coat is enough, there's no swelling issues.
what kind of glue? Woodglue?
Thank you.
@@danielm.3403 titebond should work fine
What kind of glue do you recommend?
@@Kyle-wb7wx Someone said Titebond, but I don't see his reply anymore
As a former cabinet maker and chief of spray-paint and surfaces at my old job. I recommend (for normal 22 mm MDF) sanding the edges (not surface) with 120, 150, 180 (in that order) before spraying primer. This is to get rid of saw and burn marks.
First ad one layer of primer to edges and back/underside, let it dry for a couple of hours, sand 70-80 % of primer off on the edge with fresh and sharp 220 paper (or sanding sponge is preferred). Make it smooth to the touch, leave the surface for now. Ad a second coat to edges and first coat to the top/front surface, let it dry over night.
Sand edges a second time until the edges feel smooth as silk (literary as smooth as silk) it does not take long. Use fresh sandpaper not old shit. Use a sanding-machine for surface do it by hand on the edges. For wider MDF such as 30 -40 MM a third or even fourth coat of primer is needed due to more pores. (Its in the process of making the MDF). Sand between every coat. On the flat surface of the MDF (no matter thickness) one coats of primer is sufficient before painting.
Put on one coat of paint, let it dry for 24 hours, sand with 220 lightly on the surface to flaten it. If you have a sanding machine use it on the surface not the edges. Then go more thorough over the edges one last time with a 220 sanding sponge, look for small dimples and fill them with fast hardening filler or acrylic filler if necessary before last coat of paint. On parts with paint all over (a front side and a back side, ex a door). Paint the back/under side first, let it dry for 12 hours, do the edges and then then front/top side at the same time. For a professional finish and with no grainy or foggy areas, you may want to mask the back/underside for ultra super result (due to over-spray on the underside), but remember to remove masking tape before leaving for the night as it leave marks if not removed. One last tip! Always start withe the least visible or least touched part/side of the workpiece and finish with the front/top and most visible edges for best result when painting last coat ;) I done correctly the edges should look as flat and just as smooth as the surface even though the edges have pores like a sponge.
The reason we use primer over anything else is the fact that is fills better, is made for sanding of and dries faster. This sanding sealer is new to me, but seem like a product for the same use I presume. Good luck.
Henrik, I really like your process. When I spray doors, as I get closer to the edges, I get overspray that goes on the backside, which I painted the day before! I think I will try to mask it, but that’s more work and time consuming. Any tips?
@@suzieleroux9402 If you are good at masking it only takes +- five min pr door/piece (depending on size) Remember to use use a thin (not narrow) good quality masking tape and set it 1-1,5 mm in from the backside edge. Then cover the tape with a slight smaller piece of paper etc, and tape it to the masked backside edge with more masking tape all the way around. Before the paint is completely hardened remove the masking/paper from backside, there will be i fine line of paint on the backside corner all the way around, which you can remove gingerly with our finger nail or something similar. Result is much better than a gritty surface with overspray.
Very thankful for your comment!
To a carpenter it sounds like it will produce great results! 👍 Now I only need a workspace, time and a spray gun.... 😁
Appreciate you taking the time for this! Thanks!
Had to come back to say this tip is a game changer! This makes such a huge difference when spray painting MDF, especially the end grain or any routered faces.
Awesome, thanks Chubaka!!!!
Been using this method for a while, it's like magic! One other tip, if you find that your top coat is not compatible with the sanding sealer, shellac works nicely too.
This is great! Thanks. One trick I learned to get edges really smooth is to sand, then rub a little spackaling compound into the edge as a filler, the sand again and prime as you show here. You get a very smooth edge.
ye poly filler works well for over screw holes aswell before paint
This method solved a different problem for me. It's been really rainy lately and humidity has been over 90% the past 2 weeks or so. A lot of the mdf I had in storage started growing mold. Had to throw out a couple 4x8 sheets which sucked but was able to save the rest with a thin coat of a cheaper version of this product. Thanks! Glad this randomly popped up on my recommendations.
Just built a massive wardrobe for someone and it took me lots of coats to make it nice. This video is fantastic. I'm soo grateful
Your video just changed my world. I have been trying to figure out how to paint the ends of MDF for so long. I can not wait to try this out.
Sanding sealer is so key!!! This is the trick I used to get an amazing finish on my desk!
I was taught to use this on solid wood end grain prior to staining. It’s trial and error on a test piece, first, but you’ll avoid the heavy, dark color where it would normally soak in. A great place to see if your cabinet maker knows this trick is to look at the top or bottom of your doors and the end of your drawers. Once you see it, you’ll always look for it.
Worked perfectly. Will always choose this route moving forward.
I am the worst at spray painting! I avoid it at all cost…..but now I can’t wait to try it again on both wood and MDF! Thank you so much!
This works so well! I already thanked you but I wanted to come thank you again. I use a lot of plywood and mdf to make signs. I tried using the sanding sealer on plywood before I painted and it saved me so much paint and time! The finish product was so much better by just applying one coat of sanding sealer.
That's freaking awesome Mr. Gump... I truly appreciate the comment 👊
@@ToolReviewZone using sanding sealer took me from using 3 spray cans with multiple multiple splotchy layers. To painting only two layers. I don't want to compare it to "modge podge" because I hate it and it looks horrible, but sanding sealer is the beautiful!
THANK YOU! You saved my custom built arcade cabinet project from looking like crap! I wish I had know this earlier in the project. Still, it looks amazing now and exactly what I was hoping for!
Freaking awesome!!!👊👊👊👊
I have been using the same method for a few years. I remember many people saying don’t use polyurethane. Ah but it works.
I also use it the harden the surface of unsanded plywood.
Typed “how to paint MDF” in TH-cam expecting to find a bunch of your typical garbage and found this video…
All I can say is thank you!!! Worked like a charm.
Awesome, thanks for the awesome comment!!!
Zinser BIN Shellac based primer works very well too, and it works great on drywall patches too. Dries quite quickly so you can get to the topcoats without much wasted time.
Yup only thing I use for mdf .
I recently purchased my first home and decided to make my baseboards out of MDF of course in the bathroom and kitchen I use a different material. This information was very helpful... tomorrow is Saturday...the pup and I are getting busy. Thanks Again. God Bless
Perfect timing! I just purchased mdf and did not know this! You rock!
Thank you so much. Finally someone with a better easier way of painting mdf 💪🏿💯
I rarely have an problem getting a perfect glossy finish on mdf using standard paint and a foam roller. Make sure to slightly round off the edges so the paint doesnt roll back when it dries and shrinks, then roll on acrylic primer with a foam roller, as it's drying make sure the edges are fully saturated, using a brush or the same roller. Once dry, lightly sand with 120 grit sandpaper on a block to smoothen and de-nib and fill or repaint paint any holes or scratches. Tip - everytime you change for new sandpaper give it a few strokes on some scrap material and it won't leave scratches in the primer coat.
Evenly roll on your first topcoat, sand with a higher grit paper once dry and repeat. Acrylic paints dry very quickly and if you take care when prepping and painting its not much work. Also it's much cheaper, less messy and smelly and easier to touch up if damaged in installation. Just my opinion x
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I have a project coming up that requires the MDF to be painted. I've tried painting MDF before and the results were less than expected. Can't wait to try this method.
Let me know how it works out for you!!!!
I've used the "Varathane Diamond Wood Finish", which is a water based polyurethane. It looks identical to the "Minwax Sanding Sealer" and I get the same result that your showing here. Any other manufacturer's water based polyurethane should work the same.
Thanks for the tip! I had completely forgotten about this product as I used it 25-30 years ago building RC airplanes.
Good experiment! I personally would avoid anything water based when sealing MDF. I think BIN primer or Kilz would be the best option for sealing MDF. I am partial to BIN because it it shellac based. Being shellac, it is alcohol and not water based. Water + MDF = :-( Alcohol doesn't blow out MFD like water does and its not noxious like Kilz or other oil based primers. Once the MDF is sealed with BIN you can put whatever the heck you want on top because shellac bonds with everything. You can put water based latex or poly or laquer or whatever and since the MDF is now sealed you wont have to worry about the "fuzzy" MDF showing up.
I use 1-2-3 on all my MDF projects, works fantastic, doesn't swell at all
I have some MDF I'd like to make a router table with. I'm going to have to sand it down because it's reclaimed. If I prime it, can I glue another MDF board to make a table top??
Bin didn’t work for me neither did 123
It's filthy stuff though... 😖
This is great timing seeing this video. I had planned to buy plywood for my CNC spoil board permanent base. But my local hardwood dealer had hardwood veneered MDF for only $25 a sheet so...money talks! However, since I'm carving the machine logo into the base surface slats with a V bit I wasn't sure how to seal the MDF before painting the engraved logo. Now I do!
I do the same process of sealing MDF, but I use alcohol based sanding sealer or thinned Shellac. Because that are both alcohol based products, they dray very fast and they seal the MDF very well.
I have worked with MDF for years you can even mold the edges with a router , I have always 50% water to 50% yellow glue when the is dry and it does not take long , lightly sand w/ 220 sand paper never had a problem . Use your favorite spray can . do not use any water base paint .
are you saying mix water glue 50 50 and spread that mix onto edges then sand?
Half glue half water is just Mod Podge, right? I’ve got TONS of that stuff! I’m going to give it a try!! :)
I made my daughters radiator cover out of left over MDF ( so much money saved doing so) and this will certainly help! Thank you!
I'm gonna bet it warped due to temperature differentials.
I've used PVA glue on smaller pieces, but the sanding sealer looks to look a lot better.
Thanks for sharing.
Gonna give this a try for sure. Especially if I get to spank the MDF like that!
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😂
So glad I found this in time for my speaker baffle boards!!! The timing is uncanny! Great tip!
That's exactly what I use works the best outta all the different stuff I've tried . Used to use a bit of wood glue on the edges of my projects that needed paint that also worked well!
I learned about sanding sealer over forty years ago in HS shop class although we just used it on wood before varnish. Another tip for cleaning up the look of MDF - you can fill the edges with some drywall mud, let it dry and sand it for a super smooth finish.
I am working with MDF right now. GREAT VIDEO
I actually came here because the TH-cam algorithm told me to.
Lol
Hahahaha. Me too.
Same lol
I've not worked with MDF thanks for the good info im starting bath room vanity project
I searched diy cabinets one time TH-cam ... One time.. but thanks really useful info
Cheers dude making some inbuilt cupboard shelves and wanted to use MDF but was wondering about how to paint. Notes taken shall proceed next weekend 👍👌
Finna make a subwoofer box and we need to make it hella clean. Thanks to this video I don't got to worry💥
I once spray-painted two small cabinet speakers I made with one can of gloss black. The boxes were made with no panel edges showing. All cuts made at 45 degree angles. The boxes were set up in a hot sunny room and I coated the surfaces once every hour. Just the gloss. The finish was durable and glass like.
I had to give props to this tip because it really works! My paint job might not be the best but I am sure my shelves is protected than it was before. Thank you!
Edit: I used lacquer sanding sealer and enamel
sorry to be so offtopic but does someone know a tool to log back into an instagram account?
I somehow lost the password. I appreciate any help you can give me!
@Desmond Cesar instablaster ;)
@Titus Terrence thanks so much for your reply. I found the site through google and Im waiting for the hacking stuff now.
Seems to take a while so I will get back to you later with my results.
@Titus Terrence It worked and I actually got access to my account again. Im so happy!
Thank you so much you really help me out !
@Desmond Cesar glad I could help :)
Glad I stumbled onto this vid. I'm designing my kitchen remodel now and will be using MDF for panels in my shaker doors and drawers. My worry of painting MDF has been the scratch-off. It's like painting glass.
The dark brown mdf is actually moisture resistant so water based paints don't bother it. I built my kitchen and master bath with that and it's great stuff. You can use anything for the end grain that's a sealer like kilz but I like the extra gloss you got from the sanding sealer. I spray sanding sealer with a harbor freight hvlp and that makes it really smooth, you should try that, cut it just a bit with water
The water resistant type here in the UK is green for some reason...
Wish I watched this before I painted my 3d cut mdf last week lol. Thanks
Hey brother, if you've ever heard of Super Refined MDF it's a superior product. It's slightly harder, and is meant to be painted especially on the exposed or routed edges.
Also... Spray paint is thin. The problem is that you just don't wanna use a thin coat for sealing. You always need a sealer or primer. Primer is just sanding sealer with a color pigment added. If you buy any quality sealer or primer (like Stix Primer) you will have good results afterward on any surface. Not just MDF.
I make 80s arcades from 3/4 MDF. If you want to do this without a trip to the paint store, mix 5 parts water to 1 part wood glue and paint it on the edges and top with a foam brush. Wait until it's dry, then use 220 grit sandpaper and you get a rock hard finish.....and edges that will be more resistant to dents and damage.
Is water proof?
@@josue3434ify I wouldn't say it would float forever, but it's as water proof as the paint that's on it. I've had several ahem, adult cocktails spilled on my control panel with no visible issues. The liquid drips through the joystick holes and puddles in the CP box. LOL.
@@mcseforsale thank you 😃
Very interesting...and paint adheres nicely to that? 5:1 ratio in fl oz i'm assuming, but something like this? www.lowes.com/pd/Titebond-White-Interior-Wood-Adhesive-Actual-Net-Contents-128-Fluid-Oz/1005575 - thanks in advance!
@@robertziade7852 Yes. I use Titebond on all my projects. I've never tried Titebond III with this, but that glue is waterproof. Might be a cool experiment.
This is awesome I always hated painting mdf im gonna try on my diy boombox tomorrow
So two coats of sealer and a coat of primer, or maybe one coat of Kilz alkyd oil primer then sand. Smooth as glass
Wow nice finish 🙂👍 I will try paint my MDF with your way, thankyou.
I just watched this to learn how to paint my CNC machine made crossbow.
Good tip. Looks easier than using BIN primer and very smooth finish. I always need to sand BIN primer which creates dust and takes more time. I will definitely try this next time I run into this situation. Thanks!
You could also use Zinsser Gardz. Comes in gallon size. Works to seal all porus surfaces...MDF and turn drywall paper.
Wow! That is an awesome thing to know. Even crafting we buy boards or signs & they are made of MDF. Thank you!
You are very welcome Debbie!!!
Thank you! I just cut a new project on my CNC with MDF and really want a gloss finish. I think this will do it.
Just built a box for my suv glad I came across this now I know what to use thanks
Wow! Great tip! I’ve recently started refinishing furniture for xtra cash and this will speed up my process!
Awesome!!
I'm so excited! I want to refresh our storage unit and paint the particleboard slabs. I'm so glad I found your tutorial. Thankyou.
Great tip for those that didn’t already know. Like you said, so much wrong information on YT about painting MDF.
Tha is Wayne!
@@ToolReviewZone This is really going to help my modelling project whereby I don't want to end up with delaminating M.D.F due to moisture or paints.
I'll try it out. currently been using autobody filler putty, but this seems easier.
What i have found that world great for painting the edge of mdf is to put a thin Lauer of latex caulk works great! And you get a smooth finish
Sir! Thank you so much for your video! I’ve had no luck finding a way to paint my inside cabinets made of the material you painted. No one has done what you’ve demonstrated. I also subscribed to say thanks! Best wishes and keep these great videos coming!
This was super helpful. I just sanded my MDF vanity and wanted to find the best paint method. Cant wait to get to Lowes!
Late to the party ... just wanted to say thanks for the tip. I do a lot of airbrushing on MDF and keeping a smooth painted finish is an issue I have spent too much time on.
I've used a really watered down mix of aquadere glue in a pinch, even a diluted glass resin thinned with some acetone.
I needed this little truck and the bit of humor. Thanks
Suddenly the desk that's been delaminating might not have to go into the garbage.
I love these videos! Thank you for making them with some humor! MDF really does suck to work with, im going to try this today
Haha, awesome. Let me know howbit works out, and thanks for the comment C&L!!!
Nice Tipp. I have some diy speaker that in made if MDF, but I never finished them. I will try sanding sealer before I paint them
Hear ye, hear ye.....I don't know how many ppl r aware of this sanding trick on MDF edges, buuuuuut it's a life saver; trust me. Sand 180grit to get out the saw blade marks; and take your time to make sure all marks are out. Then what ull wanna do is follow up with a 320grit. And then ull have a slick edge that won't absorb the hell out of your primer and topcoat. (The idea is to have a polished edge, so that the fibres form a tight layer on the surface of the edge which helps with not having to do multiple coats of product.) So again, 180 for saw marks and whatnot, then follow up with a 320-400 to polish the edge, and there u go. U now have an mdf edge that doesn't require multiple coats of primer/paint. Try this out. ..and then come back to tell me how well it worked 😁 lol
I have used Gardz problem surface sealer from Zinsser for years on MDF prior to painting. Its main use is sealing torn exposed areas of drywall paper, etc. I thought what the hell and gave it a try. Has worked more times than I can count..
I used the sanding sealer for along time. Painted with a gloss and a brush . Well satisfied with the finish.
I spray mine with shellac. Dries really fast comes out smooth. Lightly sand the edges and you are ready to prime and paint.
Awesome tip. To make it dry fast aim a 12-inch fan at it. You don't need heat, you need air movement.
I've been scared to death to order a doll house kit only to make a mess!!
Now I can't wait to go ahead and get this tin of miracle and get the desired finish on my project!! 👍👍😀😀
I've been doing the same thing using water-based clear varnish as a sealant, with the same effect. It very slightly raises the grain but leaves no brush strokes, and a light sanding makes it glass smooth. It also prevents the edges from fraying in use. I tried the same thing with oil-based varnish, and the brush strokes were very evident - it just lies on the surface.
Thanks for the feedback and info Tim!!!
Same do I.First coat,whater based ,when it dries,sanding all grains.Everything works perfect.
Thanks for the video. I had the same problem painting the rough side of some sort of fiberboard. Now I know what I could have done.
ill be making a small table for my ottoman using mdf & great tip,, tyvm
Thank you so much! I do a lot of CNC work with mdf and this is going to be a life saver
Awesome...Wonder if that will work when I redo a mdf dresser...thanks for the tip😊
That’s crazy that I never herd of that stuff, awesome tip thx bro.👍🏼
You got it bro. Thanks for the comment 👊
Thanks for this tip. I wish you had played a little bit around with the lighting. It’s really hard to see the final result, other than the primed surface has much better paint coverage. But I’m taking your word for it 😉
Thanks this just what I needed to see I won't to paint press board shelves in my cargo container .
You just saved me SO much money. Thank you!
Awesome, that's what we try to do!!!👊👊👊
If you have a wall with multiple layers of wallpaper and filler that you want to paint (or put up new wallpaper) there are similar products. It kind of binds all the layers into one, reduces bubbles and you get a great surface to paint or glue on.
can you share the specific product you use on wall paper?
Love the humour 👍🏼 keep up the vids
Thanks Dylan!!!!!!
Gonna give that a try!! Making signs from pine and I can’t get a very good seal. Rather use mdf due to price and how easy it is in my cnc.
Prime the edges twice before sanding. First coat raises the grain the second Infills between the fibres. Then sand the tip of the fibres off for a superb finish. I use an airless sprayer and a water based acrylic primer.
I'm saying not to sand between coats...
Wasn't negating anything shown in the video. Just chucking my two cents in in case it helps. Product availability etc
@@3amsaint Mark, why not sand between coats?? I am very intrested...
Great video! Thanks! I had tried shellac with mixed results. But after watching this video, water based sanding sealer is all I use.
I find the Kilz primer accomplishes the same thing -- it seeps into the MDF and adequately primes it. This primer is less than half the price of the sanding sealer so I'll stick with that. This is an interesting video though! Always cool to see different perspectives on how to solve a common problem.
So the Kilz primer is good enough? Which one exactly? Headed to Home Depot now
@@taracall You want the oil based Kilz primer - the one in the red container.
Wouldn't primer make the mdf a lot heavier?
@@al70127 I usually paint it after it’s been cut. The weight difference on small pieces is negligible.
Make your own sealer for a few pennies using 50/50 carpenter glue and water. Apply, let dry a couple hours. Lightly sand then paint.
THANK you!!! Finally my bartop arcade get a sticker 😂😂😂👍👍🎉🎉🎉
Sandig sealer super product for stick a sticker on mdf
Great suggestion! I use something like that b4 staining; now I'll try this! Thanks TRZ! U da Man!
I always use polyester spray filler, be quick once it's mixed but it's super nice..
And you can brush or roller it on 👍
gonna give it a go tomorrow looks nice and easy to do thanks
Nice 👍 look. Will try it with my paint sprayer.
Awesome! I ordered some MDF surfboard cutouts that I'm gonna be painting and making lamps out of them. This is a great trick! Thanks!
I use mdf with my laser machine to make many decor pieces. Going to try this out. Hope it’s a game changer 🤞🏼
Let me know how other works out Shannon 👊
How did this turn out for you Shannon?
This is awesome bro, thanks the info man. Non cracking spackle works great as well.
I will try it. I primed and painted mdf for the first time today. Speaker boxes. First time building those too. I used Zinsser oil based primer, and it looked pretty good. Then I painted, and not so much. Feels rough, splotchy, etc. Just like with soldering, I turn to TH-cam after wasting time and material.
This worked great! Thank you for the tip.
Legend this is exactly what I needed! THANKS! PS. Good quality of you video, most diy video's are terrible to watch (especially the sound)
Very informative and useful information. I will try to remember this. Thank you.