How To Seal MDF Before Painting: Easy Methods Of Sealing MDF Edges Before Painting


MDF, also known as a medium-density Fiberboard, is a kind of board that usually swells with moisture as well as water. MDF board gets swells after you apply the acrylics (water-based) paints, particularly thinner formulations that are used to paint detailed tiny things, which in turn creates a fuzzy surface that is very hard to correct. It is important to seal MDF in order to make sure that you can paint over it without facing any difficulty. You need to seal the edges as well as wood surfaces before you apply acrylic paint in order to succeed in dealing with the frustrating condition. If you are working near water or humidity, then it is better to apply primer and sealed on all the edges to be certain that it does not distort or swell. Even a small amount of water leaking underneath the MDF board can cause swell if it is not sealed properly.

Easy Methods Of Sealing MDF Edges Before Painting

The edges of MDF boards can absorb paint heavily, making it important to seal the edges properly. To prevent the edges from swelling, you can either use an acrylic paint sealer or drywall sealer, or an oil-based primer or glue that works exceptionally well to seal the edges. You can use any kind of primer that is good at drying faster in your particular humidity.

Using PVA Glue

  • When it comes to sealing the edges, spray a layer of thin PVA glue over the edge with the help of a glue spreader, or a pump spray bottle or airbrush. It is important that the glue is as even as possible, without building up any edges. The sealed MDF edge can be sanded as soon as it is dry, however, there is no need to completely sand it through the glue coating.
  • When you use PVA glue, it becomes extremely easy to seal the MDF surfaces equally. The majority of the PVA-based carpentry glues need dilution with water if you are looking to get a thin sealing layer on the MDF.
  • Thin, acid-neutral PVA glues especially designed for paper and bookbinding work exceptionally well if applied with the help of a roller, spreader, or spray bottle designed to work thinner glues.

Using Using Drywall Compound And Primer

  • One of the best ways when it comes to filling the edges comprises of rubbing a thin coat of drywall compound into the edges, rubbing the drywall compound off as smoothly as possible, before sanding it thoroughly when dry, & then apply a primer.
  • Rub the drywall compound smoothly on the edges of your MDF workbench top before allowing it to dry. Then, while you apply the compound, wipe off the excess as you proceed to achieve an even coat.
  • The drying time may differ with various products, so make sure you follow the manufacturer’s recommendation. As soon as the surface has dried, scuff sand it exactly as you would with the previous methods discussed, before apply a lacquer primer. Using a brush or roller, apply the primer or stick to what the manufacturer recommends.
  • Give the edge another extra sanding after you apply the primer layer for the best results. Make sure not to use a water-based paint or a latex primer.

Using Oil-based Filling Primer

  • Sealing the edges using oil-based filling primers is yet another best way. You can apply the product exactly the same way as PVA glue, apply it with the help of a synthetic fiber brush, or spray it on the edges using a sprayer.
  • Leave the oil-based filling primer on the board in order to dry completely, before sanding it down. You need not to sand the entire layer off, due to the fact that it would beat the purpose of applying it in the first place.
  • Simply scuff it up, to a small degree, in order to make it ready for painting.

Using Wood Filler

  • Another best way when it comes to sealing the edges of your MDF board is to use the thinned wood filler or putty. Using a putty knife, spread an even coat of filler on the edges in order to achieve a thin layer over the surface.
  • Allow the wood filler to dry completely for the time period recommended by manufacturer, before sanding it down to smooth the surface.
  • Consider to use a wood filler that is exactly of the same color as your MDF for the best results. You can also determine to make your own wood filler.
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