Easy Process Of Painting MDF Kitchen Cabinets
MDF is usually composed of compressed wood fibers, wax as well as resin. It is regarded as a strong, dense and flat particle board, therefore, it is a great material to select when it comes to cabinets and built-ins that you are going to paint. The wax as well as resin on the surface will help safeguard the wood fibers from soaking up the moisture in water based primer/paint. The cut edges have exposed wood fibers that will soak up moisture when using a water based finishes, which in turn creates a really bumpy texture. This is particularly true if you route a profile onto the edge, trimming and exposing an even larger surface area.
Tools & Materials Needed
- Drop Cloths & Eye Protection
- 20-Grit Sandpaper & Tack Cloth
- Paint & Sealer
- Dust Mask & Drywall Compound
- Sanding Pads & Paintbrush
- Solvent-Based Primer
Step 1: Remove Any Hardware & Set Aside
If you are looking to work on a piece of furniture, then you need to pull out any hardware and set aside as long as paint has thoroughly dried. Then, safeguard the working area with the help of drop cloths in order to make cleanup easier. MDF produces a lot of dust when you sand it, and the fine particles can irritate eyes as well as lungs, therefore, it is important to wear protective eyewear as well as a tight-fitting dust mask.
Step 2: Seal The Edges Using Drywall Compound
Regardless of your MDF project having factory edge or it has been custom routed, the edges must be sealed in order to accept paint in such a way that matches the smoother face of the material. Seal the edges by running a plentiful coat of drywall compound over them using your finger. As soon as it has completely dried, sand edges smooth using 220-grit sandpaper. Fill any scratches on the face of the MDF using drywall compound as well, as any mars or scratches will be clearly obvious once painted. Sand the entire piece using 220-grit sandpaper, before wiping it all down with the help of tack cloth in order to get rid of fine dust and any remaining dirt or debris.
Step 3: Prime The MDF Using Solvent-based Primer
Prime the MDF using a solvent-based primer, like Zinsser or KILZ. Avoid water-based primer, due to the reason that it may cause the wood fibers to swell, which in turn results in a surface that appears to have a raised grain, regardless of how much effort you put into sanding. Use a brush, roller, or spray gun in order to apply the primer, whichever is suitable for the project.
Step 4: Apply The Paint Finish
You can use paint on primed MDF as per your choice, and also apply the paint finish with your preferred applicator, which may be a brush, roller, or spray gun, whichever will be suitable for the project. As soon as the first coat of paint feels dry to the touch, you need to assess if your work needs a second coat. If you find any patchiness, then it is important to cover the entire MDF project with another layer of paint.
Step 5: Allow The Paint To Dry Thoroughly
Now, allow the paint to dry thoroughly before applying a preferred sealer, which may include polyurethane, lacquer, wax, etc., if you expect your MDF project to get daily use when it comes to preserving your paint job. For instance, painted cabinet doors could be beneficial when you apply an extra layer of sealer for protection from wear and tear. MDF crown molding, contrastingly, will be out of reach and therefore not require a sealer.
Step 6: Install The Hardware Back
When the project is completely dry, then you can install the hardware back that you have removed before starting the project and relax to admire your work. After a coat of color, MDF will look exactly like any other painted wood. In fact, you can also create custom trim, wainscoting, or furniture partly with MDF and partly with wood, and as soon as painted, the final piece will blend seamlessly together.