How To Seal MDF From Moisture: Different Ways Of Sealing MDF From Moisture

Different Ways Of Sealing MDF From Moisture

MDF, usually known as "medium density fiberboard", is a composite wood product that is generally used in the building industry. MDF is produced by fixing glue to wood chips under intense pressure created by hydraulic rams. MDF is a strong building material, however, it is important not to expose to the moisture of any kind. For interior as well as exterior usage including in cabinets and ducts, MDF should always be properly sealed.

Way 1: Painting

Paint seal is considered one of the most common types of the seal when it comes to sealing MDF. MDF is hard, slick, and flat, and it is very easy to paint on MDF. MDF is usually used by cabinetmakers in order to build raised panel doors. The stark-white cabinets, also known as the "European style, can be found in homes as well as commercial buildings. With the slick surface of MDF, you have to simply sand the edges, saw marks out of it, and spray it with one or two coats of enamel paint in order to seal the MDF from moisture penetration.

Way 2: Lacquer

More MDF is sealed with standard lacquer in comparison to anything else. Lacquer goes into or through the microscopic layers of the MDF where it solidifies or strengthens in the fibers. It quickly forms or "flashes" through the surface of the MDF in minutes in order to provide an initial covering for the MDF. One coat of lacquer is sufficient enough when it comes to sealing MDF, however, if you lightly sand the first coat, before adding another coat you get an extra glassy-smooth finish that protects almost indefinitely.

Way 3: Varathane

You can also use Varathane for any MDF that will be exposed directly to weather when used outside, and only varathane formulas containing UV protection should be used for direct exposure to sunlight. Varathane takes a longer time period in order to properly seal the MDF because of extended drying times of up to 72 hours per coat. Therefore, varathane is generally used only when other products are not adequate enough for protection.

Way 4: Sanding Sealer

Sanding sealer is usually used by cabinetmakers in order to seal all kinds of MDF. Sanding sealer is nothing in addition to extra-thick lacquer. It contains a dense particle load that builds quickly on the surface of the MDF in order to protect it from moisture. Sanding sealer is normally sprayed into cabinets before they are installed and on raised panel doors before they are painted in order to add protection. As with all MDF, all edges also need to be sprayed with sanding sealer.