How To Paint MDF

Our 3-step guide shows you how to properly prepare, prime and finish MDF – a typically porous substrate that can react with and even absorb conventional paints – with Zinsser products.

For painting kitchen cabinets, our blog post on the topic may be of use: Painting Kitchen Cabinets: As Good as New

 

The Benefits

Used in wood furniture and flooring, businesses may find it more cost effective to repaint MDF surfaces with fast drying coatings than order new fittings that match an updated colour scheme or brand.

MDF is a porous surface that can react with – and even absorb – conventional paint. Moisture from the paint is absorbed into the MDF leaving a skin of paint behind, which doesn’t adhere well to the surface.

In this guide we show you how to overcome these problems using Zinsser products such as Bulls Eye 1-2-3, an unrivalled MDF primer with excellent adhesion that dries quickly and can be used on a whole host of substrates.

Zinsser listens to contactors and develops new products – or adds features to existing products – to meet their changing needs, delivering world class products that meet “real world” challenges, providing tried and tested solutions to painting problems, such as painting MDF.

Step 1. Surface Preparation

Remove all visible signs of organic growth from the surface and treat the area with Zinsser Mould Killer & Remover, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and allow to dry.

Cracks and small surface defects can be filled with a suitable filler, as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, allowing it to dry before rubbing down with a fine grade abrasive paper.

Remove all dust and prepare to prime.

Step 2. Priming

The surface should be free from any contaminants and clear from anything that could interfere with adhesion or application of Zinsser products and materials.

Prime the surface overall with one full coat of Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, allowing 1 hour minimum to dry in normal conditions.

Step 3. Decoration

Use two full coats of Zinsser Perma-White Interior Matt, Satin of Semi-Gloss in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow a minimum drying time of two hours between coats.

The topcoat is available in over 4,000+ colours in BS and RAL shades, ideal for matching existing colour schemes or corporate branding.

More Information

If you require more advice on painting MDF, give our technical team a call on 0113 2455450 (option 2) or send a message to [email protected].