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

[@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

[@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 👍

[@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

[@seanxay9039]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@Iskelderon]

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

[@GosforthHandyman]

No worries! 👍

[@mrejasvp3779]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 👍👍👍💪

[@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! 👍

[@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! 👍

[@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.

[@dianehird8742]

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

[@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

[@ronalddowie1734]

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

[@1hughieboy]

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

[@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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[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@lioncrunch]

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

[@williammclauchlan2610]

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

[@davidpearce1934]

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

[@philrichmond7567]

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

[@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!

[@alunrichards2712]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@bungelsfinger]

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

[@nimajnebrm]

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

[@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. 😊✌️

[@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.

[@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.

[@LotusFlower_Sunny]

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

[@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.

[@bigd835]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@johnvodopija]

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

[@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!

[@badrinath6059]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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! 👍

[@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! 😃👍

[@lindawilliams5638]

Thank you for a calm enjoyable tutorial!

[@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.

[@littleleatries]

Where have you been all my life! Wonder video, thank you so much for your input.

[@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.

[@evemeadows2121]

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

[@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.

[@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. 👍👊

[@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

[@margaretrooney3401]

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

[@jamesv6170]

This was an excellant video. Very helpful.

[@davidswindlehurst801]

I just really enjoyed your presentation!

[@rosebrand8477]

Very informative and easy to watch, thanks for sharing!

[@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!

[@m.a.9471]

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

[@richardchmiel3526]

My newest project is to build and paint kitchen cabinet doors. Your video is one of many I have watched and have learned a few tips. Thank you for taking the time to do these videos.--- Rick

[@pda49184]

Been watching a few of your vids Andy.. All excellent stuff. I painted a panel door with oil based gloss using a roller. I was chuffed with the mirror finish after it dried. I really should have done the hinge cut-outs first though.. Still, the red spots of blood pouring from my fingers splattered quite evenly over the newly dried white gloss. The misses quite liked the effect as it matched the blood pumping from my nose after the affectionate little slap she gave me.. I didn't want to subscribe to your channel and hit the notification bell, but hey, it means I can sleep with both eyes closed tonight.. Have a great weekend..

[@tishimself126]

"missus"

[@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. :)

[@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.!

[@julianchamberlain5399]

Hidro fuago MDF is the best. I'm about to use expoxy car primer to seal it. Tried Zinsser BIN primer which is ok but dries too quick. Didn't like Zinsser Stain Seal. Going to use Jonestones acrylic satin for top coat.

[@whitewolf6730]

Great craftsmanship and infirmation. Thank you 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

[@jamescodling8641]

Love it. Great work and also very amusing. :)

[@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 👍

[@GeorgeIreton]

Andy, Thanks for this. It was precisely what I needed to see for a craft project I am working on.

[@GosforthHandyman]

No worries George! 👍🛠

[@keithfletcher1984]

Only just watching the video but got to say the Layland primer under coat is awesome stuff

[@JoelSantos75]

no ones going to listen to me but here goes, take slightly watered down cold (wood) glue and brush those sides with it , let it dry and...presto.

[@richblaker9087]

That sounds like good quick method, I’m going to try that, cheers.

[@diannetomlinson6550]

so can you sand of the fury bits when the glue is dry

[@krulle40]

I do that and it works nicely. Also 1part water, 1part cold glue and 1part acrylic. Serves as a primer too

[@DMZRPG]

Yea....no don't do that lol. Very messy. Just with a spray can of primer...hit the edges a few times then sand and you're good to go

[@nancykkk8349]

Thank you Andy for the great video!

[@SěmtêxČØŴv2.0]

New today, and now having a great day because I’ll be painting mdf and getting a better finish tomorrow. Cheers, have a sub

[@GosforthHandyman]

Welcome to the channel! 👍

[@HugoAlfredoOrdonezCh]

Hola Andy, me suscribí pues me parecen muy buenos los consejos de tu experiencia en MDF. Es una material muy noble, lo uso poco, más la madera. Sí lo he usado con anterioridad y no me ha quedado mal, pero ahora cuando lo use y le de algún tipo de acabado, trataré de ser más prolijo con ello. Para los bordes he usado un fondo lijable a base de agua, deja muy aceptable la preparación, previo al acabado final. Un saludo desde Guatemala.

[@umbraexsanguis]

awesome! subscribed! hope your channel grows fast with all your amazing content!

[@GosforthHandyman]

Thanks for the kind words! 👍🛠

[@jgundlach44]

Love the vid! Thanks… Killed me at the end where you admit the title is click-bait…. Haha Still a solid class even if “master” isn’t entirely appropriate. Lol

[@markwheeler9376]

Good video Andy, having watched your video on water based gloss i trialled leyland water based undercoat and satin on colonial six panel doors and my findings were keeping a "wet edge"and brush marks were the problem, I was trying to paint as though I was still using oil based paint.You are right when you say don't go back to it as it will ball up! I delved further into this wet edge problem and added floetrol paint additive at 10% to the paint and it has made such a difference the paint behaves more like oil based paint now.Also, I switched to a short pile micro fibre roller sleeve and this stopped the bubbles i sometimes got using the foam sleeves. Keep up the great videos I've learnt lots!

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers Mark! Yes, I've heard good things about the Floetrol conditioner - will be doing a vid on it at some point. I've always struggled to find decent microfibre mini rollers that don't lose their fluff in the paint! Have you found some? 👍🛠

[@markwheeler9376]

Hi Andy, Im using Harris ones at the moment and they do lose fluff in the beginning.Im washing them and when dry running them over gaffer tape but even thats not guaranteed.Ive never had ones that didn't lose pile other than the foam ones!

[@irhgsy]

Just found this video. Damn useful, sir! Especially as I have just started a couple of bedside cabinets, in MDF. many thanks.