How to paint MDF - DIY tips!

[@GosforthHandyman]

Shop: gosforthhandyman.com/shop Join the Member Zone: members.gosforthhandyman.com Thank you!! 👍🛠🤘

[@menakapandian6068]

A really good coach👍

[@karlcashin3389]

Does the MDF have to be sanded first. My cabinets have laminate on them. Will I need to peel that off then sand , then paint ?

[@joem21292]

@@karlcashin3389 lol did you even watch the video 😂 jokes.. I know it's 7 months later but peel that crap and sand then paint with primer let dry and give very light sanding then paint with 2 coats of paint to finish.. btw Gosforth Handyman you the man ✌️

[@JayThomasofficial]

no sanding sealer.. ok .. ill try both ways.. just found ur channel i love it ty for all the info

[@seansugrue5354]

What's the best way to paint MDF shelves that can be more scratch proof

[@stuartcarson9378]

I've just made four alcove shelves from MDF and painted them yesterday, this video showed up in my feed today. I wish I had watched this first but they turned out ok. I'm no pro but happy enough. I actually built them after watching your video Simple Floating Alcove Shelves from five years ago. Thank you. Great advice.

[@avinashjagdeo]

Thanks for not scaring the piss out of everyone about MDF the way the other videos do.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Lol no worries 👍

[@paulround8501]

If you apply a coat of shellac before painting you will get a perfect finish every time. The shellac does not cause the MDF surface to expand because it's alcohol based but completely seals it against moisture. Then when you apply the paint it does not soak into the MDF and most of the time doesn't even need sanding after priming, it goes on that smooth. This even works on the cheapest MDF and makes it paint like the expensive moisture resistant stuff.

[@mikey7278]

Zinsser BIN 👍

[@yaboi8640]

came to say this, a shellac based primer is best for mdf.

[@jvjdrn]

This has been my experience, too. Thanks.

[@imtheonevanhalen1557]

ANY moisture will cause edge fuzz.....BIN is good, but the fuzz will be there

[@mikey7278]

@@imtheonevanhalen1557 Once you have applied the primer (zinsser is good for this) let it dry. Once dry the fuzzy edges can be sanded smooth

[@iangraham6819]

I watched this video, followed your instructions to the letter and now have a beautiful new kitchen. so thank you for that.

[@Monty_Jackson]

Thank-you so much for putting this up and for taking the time to explain what you were doing / looking out for. Ive got disbonded vinyl wrap kitchen cabinets and your clip has given me the confidence to strip the doors back and give painting them a go. .Thanks mate.

[@ppcwashington9150]

I have the same issue, mind if I ask how it went?

[@PablitoShafto]

Same here! Also would like to hear how it went and good luck!

[@cynthiahampton3222]

Thank you! You have saved me from hating my peeling kitchen drawers in my new home honestly.

[@swanfiltertips]

This may well be the best Saturday I’ve ever had

[@ellenmeilee]

Got to paint mdf cabinet doors today been putting off for a year as I have no idea when it comes to diy but this has given me the confidence to just get on with it 👍👍👍💪

[@handsomeharrytheyorkie8286]

Never mind the MDF bit. This is the best guide I've found for using water based gloss. It's the use of the roller that has really helped me. Thanks.

[@seanxay9039]

By far the best video on youtube explaining how to paint MDF. Thank you!

[@Iskelderon]

Thanks for going the extra mile to make it beginner-friendly!

[@GosforthHandyman]

No worries! 👍

[@Pilski]

Great video, Andy! Viewed it to pick up on any new/different mdf finishing ideas, as I use mdf quite a lot....cabinets, drawers, worktable tops, etc. Only problem is edges susceptible to damage, so I band them with a thin strip of hardwood. On paint cans (pots)...I cannot tolerate ANY residue around the lip, so a little tip...round the ends of a piece of thin scrap, 'bout an inch or so wide and long enough to sit in the lip of the can/pot a couple inches ftom the edge: tape it across the can, wrapping the exposed edge. This gives a brush wiping surface rather than using the rim of the can/pot. Prevents ANY paint from getting into the seal groove. Then, when getting paint into the roller pan, I use a cheap soup ladle, letting it drip on the taped strip. Cost of paint here in the US is too high to allow it to dry out in the can! One might say I am far too anal...or CHEAP...or BOTH, but I have many paint cans with rims and lids just as they came from the store. Thanks again for the video....and for tolerating such a long post as this!

[@KiatHuang]

That is a very good tip! My visualization of this tip doesn't feel 100% though. Does the thin scrap project over the can lip, meaning it has to be untaped when you want to replace the lid? At the moment I'm painting a lot of hardwood ply shelf pieces with exactly the same paints that Andy is using and I also have these annoying crusty paint bits that end up on my work that I'm having to pick off and then repaint over. Luckily it's also ready to see them sometimes on the small sponge rollers I'm using before these bits get transferred to the work piece.

[@sillyme2846]

You are wonderful. I am replacing my kitchen countertop with raw particle board and I was going to apply very thick coats of paint. Now I am in the know!

[@richblaker9087]

Just found this video! Thanks for making it. I’m Just about halfway through making 26 mdf kitchen doors and I am painting them as I go. The ones I have already painted are great and I had come up with an identical method to you, nice to have it confirmed… cheers, Rich

[@mattdovi2255]

How did you sand them

[@iaidoman]

Ref: dry paint around lip. I have always stored my paints sealed and upside down, I have never had a problem. Super video buddy.

[@johnkidd1956]

Great video. No frills, just down to business interspersed with helpful tips, and using the minimum of tools. I have a full wall of wardrobes to paint, the doors which are floor to ceiling, have been removed. I’m going to lay them on the floor and raise them slightly with three batons of wood to make painting the edges easier. Thanks for uploading this, I feel less daunted than I did!

[@colly3493]

Thank you for making this video. I've gave a 30 year old kitchen a make over, as the laminate was cracked I removed it.

[@donwilliams3350]

To help keep paint from building up on your paint can ,punch several holes into the Chanel where the lid goes. The paint will drip back into the can and does not affect the resealing of the lid. I have been doing this for longer than I can remember and it works great.

[@tomorrowkiddo]

Watching from Newcastle, not Upon Tyne... NSW, Australia but a dual citizen with UK. Hi ya. Thanks for making this video, I'm about to paint some new MDF kitchen cabinet doors for a garage conversion. Awesome to learn from you.

[@mrejasvp3779]

Honest, reliable u got a viewer from India, very useful video man keep going

[@seriouslyreally5413]

Excellent video! Thorough drying is curing the coat to a hard film is vital before sanding. Cleaning the dust off after sanding the initial sealer coat is the vital step as it can pill together and form the "texture" people object

[@GosforthHandyman]

Wise words! 👍

[@ronalddowie1734]

You are a very humble man now a days very few .

[@augustoabarquez3722]

Its my first time handling MDF and honestly im very intimidated in painting it. Your video is very helpful and it mitigates my fear in painting it. Thank you sir! May you have more builds to come. DIYer from Philippines

[@jamiefrench8934]

Nice to hear a Northern accent on KZbin! Fantastic tutorial too, thank you.

[@hayleametcalf1247]

I know this video is pretty old, but I figured I would ask. What about kitchen and bathroom cabinets that get water splashed on them. I have t started painting them yet because they are so swollen from kids splashing water. Does the paint protect them anymore or is there something else I can use to protect them I doubt I will be able to sand them smooth they are so damaged

[@gailremp8389]

Omg! I'm in the United States. And when you said northern accent. I thought you meant the Northeast. Like New York Pennsylvania New Jersey even. And then I realized you meant England. I love it. Don't you just love when you can watch videos from people all over the world. And just really get into the whole vibe.

[@Akula1963]

Thank you for giving me more insight in how to paint MDF. I've build my own kitchen but the doors, well, those have to wait until the weather picks up again. But thanks to this tutorial, I don't worry anymore.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers Erik! 👍

[@TheLastPharm]

Great video. All your points and advice are well founded. I have a fair amount of experience with painting MDF and approach it pretty much in the same manner after many hours of trial and error. Although I am familiar with most of the info offered here, I enjoyed watching and listening right to the end, so my compliments on a job well done!

[@ralphlivingston894]

Thank you for a great video. I always work with plywood because I don’t know how to finish MDF… Or at least I didn’t, until I watched your video. Great job!

[@sarahholland2600]

Loved this. My wardrobe took a battering when I moved to a 3rd floor flat, so it desperately needs a refresh. I can't find a new one I like.

[@lioncrunch]

I’ve been painting / Diy for 40 years, for some reason I found this mesmerising

[@davidhurley3593]

I am a bespoke cabinet maker that has worked with MDF for years. It is the most stable way of keeping the furniture flat for years. As with any thing the preparation is key

[@cuebj]

I always use a plastic kitchen ladle to put paint into a kettle or tray and put top straight back on pot keeping it all clean. Means I can keep paint usable for years for touching up jobs. Also keep quality brushes and rollers for years

[@1hughieboy]

I do lots of diy but hate paint. Thanks , great tutorial, loved it, Thanks Hugh

[@mromper2010]

Oldie but still helpful! I’m about to throw out a MDF dresser (many issues with the surface) but I’ll give it one more try after seeing this. Thanks!

[@fredgrove4220]

I've always found a 50/50 mixture of PVA glue and water, painted onto the MDF, and leave it over night, will give me a great base for painting.

[@nazneenkazilbash3607]

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[@nazneenkazilbash3607]

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[@nazneenkazilbash3607]

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[@tomaszmolesztak9802]

Thanks for this video and thanks for all the tips. 🙂 I am going to paint my MDF cupboard tomorrow and was worrie. Now im litte bit confident. 😊✌️

[@bonnykennedy4857]

Hi Andy, excellent video!! I have laminate MDF cabinets and I've been wanting to redo them. I have had many people tell me not to or you can't paint MDF. I watched a youtube video on how to remove the laminate and now this video. I now have the confidence to go ahead to redo them. Thank you again. I look forward to watching your other video's and upcoming ones as well!

[@GosforthHandyman]

Great stuff! 👍

[@oldproji]

You can paint laminate but first you need to use a shellac based primer like Zinsser B.I.N. Search KZbin.

[@paull2815]

Removing the laminate is easy with contact cement (cold pressed) with lacquer thinner. It's removing the contact cement that's hard. Forget trying to sand it off. Better off to sand the old laminate and relaminate or try Kilz or Zinssers. Never tried painting plastic laminates but have done miles of relaminating over well bonded old laminates.

[@darreneves4060]

For very fine sanding use the REVERSE side of your sandpaper. It sounds stupid but it works, I’m a pro painter and decorator and been using this technique for years

[@henryjohnfacey8213]

Thanks for the tutorial. Very good for my next project. I put up some shelve and there was an almighty crash in the middle of the night. The lot came down. I watched your video on anchor bolts and roar plugs tips which I followed and it was a great success on holding up all my books seccurely. Thanks to the Gosforth Guru.

[@williammclauchlan2610]

Thanks for your simple and to the point but with great results video!!

[@philrichmond7567]

Hi Andy. I'm from Durham. I make stuff out of wood. Your video has helped me a great deal. Cheers 🍻

[@alunrichards2712]

Good video.I was a little concerned about painting a mdf corner until I've built,think ill follow your instructions cheers.

[@jamesgrant5945]

I am a novice at working with MDF, but found your video excellent. I only hope that I can put into practice all the tips you gave

[@dianehird8742]

Hi, just found your channel. I LOVE painting woodwork but I'm awful at it! Have learned so much from this. Thank u!

[@V21IC]

Thanks. I like this 'down-to-earth' simple way of painting MDF. In time I may learn to adopt a more expensive approach! But now, I'm going to buy some sealer/primer and finishing paint!

[@kenn1936]

I agree - white is alway what people want. Thank you for this video. very much appreciated it. I have been working with MDF for a while now. It was a nightmare, so I purchased a solution called sand and seal, that you paint onto the MDF. I used a sponge to wipe it on. I am not sure if it has made any difference?? It is the edges that are the issue. the paint goes on, but the edges seem to build up more coats than the front or back. I might go try the Leyland primer. I did stop using Acrylic paint as it turned out powdery, and was flaking all over my work space. Thank you. - I also watch Charlie DIYit. He is brilliant!

[@LotusFlower_Sunny]

Great video. Thank you. Your amazing. Learned so much!

[@bungelsfinger]

Always wondered how it's done. Thanks, brilliant video.

[@davidpearce1934]

What a superb video. That’s given me complete confidence to tackle this job. Thank you

[@antoniop9413]

Greatful for the video upload , I decided after watching your video to use the leyland products and very happy with my results Really nice finish on my mdf, problems I've had before with other products. Thanks again

[@edymoss3466]

Thanks for a great informative video on painting MDF Learned alot watching

[@joannacolhoun133]

Hi! Great channel. Can I ask if this was a shelf, how would you stop the paint chipping off of going to be heavily used in a utility? Would you put a top coat of varnish on? Thanks

[@lindawilliams5638]

Thank you for a calm enjoyable tutorial!

[@LScott97]

Fantastic Video! My wife has given me the fun job of repainting our old Ikea cabinet doors. This is emensily helpful for that task. However i am considering making new doors with mdf.

[@broadband1820]

Thank you mate,great video. Gonna be painting the kitchen cupboards soon. They're covered in laminate, some of it has cracked and peeled so I'll be stripping them back to bare MDF. Got yourself a sub thank you.

[@skunk12]

Im gonna paint my wife's face with this new-found knowledge! Thank you.

[@chrisb4009]

I think MDF is great stuff. The moisture resistant stuff generally seems to take paint better. My other gripe with MDF is how much it gums up saw blades and router cutters. I’ve found ovens cleaner takes the gunk off.

[@badrinath6059]

Excellent video on msf painting, whether edge banding is mandatory in mdf doors..

[@bigd835]

very nice. a lot like putting down polyurethane. a light sanding between the early coats for a smoother finish. well done.

[@davidswindlehurst801]

I just really enjoyed your presentation!

[@jbilotta]

Great tips! I can't afford new cabinets and replacing two simple Mdf cabinets underneath my sink with the faux face plate. I was advised to match the paint on my existing cabinets that have Melamine on top. I think this will look 100 times better than the water damage on the bottom of my old doors! Whoot!

[@janburgess9830]

Just a fyi good friend, To keep from specks in ur paint altogether. Put a rubber band across the paint can center to rub ur brush lightly. Works great.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Good tip! 👍

[@oldproji]

Or decant enough paint for the job to a throw away tub.

[@wcapwestcoastaccomplishedp4616]

Or a strainer. As a professional painter we find lumps even in brand new paint cans

[@jamesv6170]

This was an excellant video. Very helpful.

[@garydahn6728]

I've done a bit of painting, but never any MDF. Have a MDF project started now requiring a white paint job, much like yours...thanks for the demo, I have I good idea how to make it shine now.

[@johnc2434]

Thanks for the great video. I have MDF cabinet with an rounded bevel inlay in the door and I'm using aklyd paint. I've figured out that I have to thin the paint before applying it. I'm trying to figure out how to have the same finish in the beveled area as I do on the rolled face panel. It is hard to see on the white paint that was used in the video. It is always good to get tips from a skilled master! Thanks.

[@adrianchiscop5540]

yeah... im a professional spray painter on MDF and wood so ... this looks way more complicated, but great to see other techniques, keep the great work

[@nimajnebrm]

Great tips and explanations... I've painted here and there but knowing how to do it better next time is inspiring!

[@TheJunkyardgenius]

I found using a high density foam roller with light pressure gives a much better finish than a standard foam roller and much less sanding is required.

[@rosebrand8477]

Very informative and easy to watch, thanks for sharing!

[@m.a.9471]

Thanks for taking time out and making this video and good tutorial .

[@johnvodopija]

Thank you for sharing your practical guide to painting MDF. Great tips 👍😎🇦🇺

[@Mr_Rick]

Nothing beats Zinsser BIN. It's a lacquer based primer but looks finished when done. I've done many fireplace mantles out of MDF and use this. Try it.

[@shaun65375]

Do you ever use a varnish or lacquer when painting kitchen or bathroom pieces? If so which one and what kind of finish do you get?

[@margaretrooney3401]

Great video, it’s give me the confidence to paint some new mdf storage.

[@MD0MDI]

Bloody great advice, been trying to get a good finish for ages, not tried acrylic primer till I watched this video, thanks for the advice, please post more vids, especially non-time lapse MDT furniture making....

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers for the kind words! 👍

[@whitewolf6730]

Great craftsmanship and infirmation. Thank you for sharing.

[@owenjones9608]

Great stuff, Andy. Because PVA (aka white glue, Elmers, etc) is dirt cheap at builders suppliers, I do my edges with that diluted 30% with water. Everything else identical! I always use foam rollers, too.

[@GosforthHandyman]

I used to use PVA but the primer I use dries really quickly, plus I always have it to hand. PVA is great though. 👍👊

[@snoopu2601]

This is why I prefer to use a spray gun or can air can paint it goes on such easier. I get frustrated with brush marks left in the paint and dust like a magnet sticks to wet paint. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@Giddykippa65]

i was taught by a furniture maker re edge banding to paint the edge you're going to band with pva glue and let it dry for an hour or 2 preferably longer when you get to ironing on edge strip it will stick much better works every time even on particle board

[@DonsandDins1]

Great informative video. Simple and quick. Obviously under proper conditions you would use a kettle and tray etc, but this is only a quick test. Thanks very much.

[@nancykkk8349]

Thank you Andy for the great video!

[@lcmlcm2460]

I’m normally using oil based primer when spraying new cabinets. I never liked painting MDF (LOL) you did say you would get some comments about it. When spraying it does not take so I’ll brush it in. After watching this video it seems like waterborne primer is better. Peace from the USA, THANKS FOR THE VIDEO.

[@chrisdupont1195]

Great video and perfect timing! I'm starting today a big mdf project for a friend of mine, building a floor to ceiling built-in cabinet. Thanks for those very useful tips et cheers from Belgium!

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers for watching and good luck with the build - a big hello and welcome to Belgium! 😃👍

[@evemeadows2121]

This is very informative! Great job, thank you! :)

[@the_druid0066]

Nice video 👍 can I use the primer followed by an emulsion (mayonnaise pain to the walls ) ?? Cheers

[@c.french450]

Tons of high end cabinets use HDF for painted doors, perfect finish and no separations with humidity. 👍

[@IfthiAli]

What's hdf?

[@XyTTy]

@@IfthiAli high density fiber, mdf strands for medium density fiber

[@brianmarkie4667]

Flipping brilliant fella.

[@naebadyersel]

Thanks for this demonstration. Have you any techniques to paint both sides at the same time without the paints touching anything, ie how to mount it for painting and how to store to avoid contamination?

[@Theferg1]

Great video and info!! Sir let me ask you can I use paint and primer mix? Thank you!! 👍💯

[@phoenixfire5046]

Tips start at 3:40 . Don’t know why youtubers talk so much before getting to the point of the video.

[@benm1389]

three main reasons: 1, because they know more than you, that's why you're here, and they are trying to impart some of that knowledge. 2, because it's their channel and they can do what they like, 3, maybe if you actually paid attention to what he's saying in that 3:40 seconds you would learn something?

[@tjh8848]

Bet there is a lot of things you don't know

[@mark675]

Dont know why people in comments talk so much crap..

[@V21IC]

That sometimes annoys me but then I have to understand that they should assume that viewers are viewing for the first time and looking to learn something thus the reason for 'tuning in'. Plus, they are not depriving us of our freedom of choice. That is, we, you, can always listen to something else or even create your own exemplary content!

[@ChrisMansellVideos]

Thank you for enlightening me with this info! Painting is one of my weaknesses, as I've never been shown properly, so I've always struggled by not priming, loading way too much paint and then sanding heavily... but just to see your finesse, I am now confident that I can achieve a good finish without stress. It's Monday here, so I will have a good Monday (the end made me laugh a lot). Thanks for a great video! :D

[@GosforthHandyman]

Great stuff Chris! 👍

[@gailremp8389]

I finally learned that you don't paint directly from the can. You put about an inch of paint in the bottom of another can so you can get your brush in and saturated in the middle. Wow. That only took me 1000 years to hear about. I'm slow but I do catch on.

[@tombrown140]

Hey Andy good to see an Englishman in a workshop video! I struggle with all the yanks imperial measurements!!! I’ve just subscribed so going through your back catalogue & saw your wardrobe build. I’m in the trade myself & have been building with m.d.f for quite a while now, & even as a decorator I hate painting it! My last project I discovered m.d.f primer (I’ve been using acrylic primer/u.c till now).I was a total sceptic but it makes such a difference on coverage i really recommend it I also use jonstones/Leyland. Good luck mate thanks for the vids!

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers Tom! Who makes the MDF primer? 👍

[@tombrown140]

Gosforth Handyman I used the Johnstone’s version, give it a go see how you get on!

[@jimk5307]

Andy: Watch it there, us yanks got those imperial measurements from youz guyz. :)

[@embecmom5863]

nice video... I ended up with lots of fuzzy from my MDF when I first painted..probably to much paint and lifted the grain to much..and probably over sanded ... will start again with your tips..

[@GosforthHandyman]

Prime the edge, let it dry, then lightly sand it and you should be fine. 👍

[@embecmom5863]

Gosforth Handyman yea primed whole thing and sealed edges with pva... But surface was really fuzzy once first. Oat went on

[@GosforthHandyman]

Ah OK, thought you meant the edge grain. If the surface is going fuzzy then I'm afraid it's probably poor quality MDF. All you can do is sand it out.

[@johnalexander5328]

Great video I was wondering what is the best product to remove glue from MDF doors after removing thermofoil

[@RopeyrhymeLetts]

A good quality instruction video pleasantly presented and fully understandable. Thank you, I learned loads.

[@woosheroes494]

What a great tutorial video. Many thanks for sharing your, time, wisdom and techniques. Helped tremendously.!

[@ToastedGhost]

Great video demo. If in a kitchen near oven, would you use any diffrent paint?

[@philknights8579]

Great help I have a sprayer will that be a better or defo quicker

[@saimuddin5312]

Top job mate. Thanks for sharing your tips. Thank you

[@davetay44]

Hi Andy, do all the same rules apply for moisture resistant MDF or is there any slightly different things I should do ?