How To Paint MDF! Do this to your MDF for a perfect painted finish!

I use MDF a lot for projects and carving on my CNC machine, but the one issue I always have it painting it. in today's video, I'll show you how to prep you MDF fast and cheap for a perfect finish every time
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[@VexLimenOfficial]

Been using a water and glue mix on MDF for years which is essentially a grain filler/sanding sealer. It's simply a mix of 5 parts water to 1 part water based glue, it gives the same results and is even cheaper than buying sealer. Just one light coat is enough, there's no swelling issues.

[@danielm.3403]

what kind of glue? Woodglue?

[@joeldwarika8356]

Thank you.

[@DRV_Woodworks]

@@danielm.3403 titebond should work fine

[@Kyle-wb7wx]

What kind of glue do you recommend?

[@danielm.3403]

@@Kyle-wb7wx Someone said Titebond, but I don't see his reply anymore

[@henriks5008]

As a former cabinet maker and chief of spray-paint and surfaces at my old job. I recommend (for normal 22 mm MDF) sanding the edges (not surface) with 120, 150, 180 (in that order) before spraying primer. This is to get rid of saw and burn marks. First ad one layer of primer to edges and back/underside, let it dry for a couple of hours, sand 70-80 % of primer off on the edge with fresh and sharp 220 paper (or sanding sponge is preferred). Make it smooth to the touch, leave the surface for now. Ad a second coat to edges and first coat to the top/front surface, let it dry over night. Sand edges a second time until the edges feel smooth as silk (literary as smooth as silk) it does not take long. Use fresh sandpaper not old shit. Use a sanding-machine for surface do it by hand on the edges. For wider MDF such as 30 -40 MM a third or even fourth coat of primer is needed due to more pores. (Its in the process of making the MDF). Sand between every coat. On the flat surface of the MDF (no matter thickness) one coats of primer is sufficient before painting. Put on one coat of paint, let it dry for 24 hours, sand with 220 lightly on the surface to flaten it. If you have a sanding machine use it on the surface not the edges. Then go more thorough over the edges one last time with a 220 sanding sponge, look for small dimples and fill them with fast hardening filler or acrylic filler if necessary before last coat of paint. On parts with paint all over (a front side and a back side, ex a door). Paint the back/under side first, let it dry for 12 hours, do the edges and then then front/top side at the same time. For a professional finish and with no grainy or foggy areas, you may want to mask the back/underside for ultra super result (due to over-spray on the underside), but remember to remove masking tape before leaving for the night as it leave marks if not removed. One last tip! Always start withe the least visible or least touched part/side of the workpiece and finish with the front/top and most visible edges for best result when painting last coat ;) I done correctly the edges should look as flat and just as smooth as the surface even though the edges have pores like a sponge. The reason we use primer over anything else is the fact that is fills better, is made for sanding of and dries faster. This sanding sealer is new to me, but seem like a product for the same use I presume. Good luck.

[@suzieleroux9402]

Henrik, I really like your process. When I spray doors, as I get closer to the edges, I get overspray that goes on the backside, which I painted the day before! I think I will try to mask it, but that’s more work and time consuming. Any tips?

[@henriks5008]

@@suzieleroux9402 If you are good at masking it only takes +- five min pr door/piece (depending on size) Remember to use use a thin (not narrow) good quality masking tape and set it 1-1,5 mm in from the backside edge. Then cover the tape with a slight smaller piece of paper etc, and tape it to the masked backside edge with more masking tape all the way around. Before the paint is completely hardened remove the masking/paper from backside, there will be i fine line of paint on the backside corner all the way around, which you can remove gingerly with our finger nail or something similar. Result is much better than a gritty surface with overspray.

[@ralphzimmermann]

Very thankful for your comment!

[@micke3035]

To a carpenter it sounds like it will produce great results! 👍 Now I only need a workspace, time and a spray gun.... 😁

[@FOOJFOOJIYAMA]

Appreciate you taking the time for this! Thanks!

[@buster349100]

WOW! I was about to finish some MDF and I'm glad that I saw this! Thanks! 🇨🇦

[@ChubakaSteven]

Had to come back to say this tip is a game changer! This makes such a huge difference when spray painting MDF, especially the end grain or any routered faces.

[@ToolReviewZone]

Awesome, thanks Chubaka!!!!

[@BEdmonson85]

Been using this method for a while, it's like magic! One other tip, if you find that your top coat is not compatible with the sanding sealer, shellac works nicely too.

[@genoquilaleo3861]

Just built a massive wardrobe for someone and it took me lots of coats to make it nice. This video is fantastic. I'm soo grateful

[@spamspasm8183]

This method solved a different problem for me. It's been really rainy lately and humidity has been over 90% the past 2 weeks or so. A lot of the mdf I had in storage started growing mold. Had to throw out a couple 4x8 sheets which sucked but was able to save the rest with a thin coat of a cheaper version of this product. Thanks! Glad this randomly popped up on my recommendations.

[@urawesome4670]

Perfect timing! I just purchased mdf and did not know this! You rock!

[@supergoober1021]

I was taught to use this on solid wood end grain prior to staining. It’s trial and error on a test piece, first, but you’ll avoid the heavy, dark color where it would normally soak in. A great place to see if your cabinet maker knows this trick is to look at the top or bottom of your doors and the end of your drawers. Once you see it, you’ll always look for it.

[@blaster-zy7xx]

This is great! Thanks. One trick I learned to get edges really smooth is to sand, then rub a little spackaling compound into the edge as a filler, the sand again and prime as you show here. You get a very smooth edge.

[@mymate18]

ye poly filler works well for over screw holes aswell before paint

[@WiredWorkshop]

Sanding sealer is so key!!! This is the trick I used to get an amazing finish on my desk!

[@madonnahagedorn5649]

I'm so excited! I want to refresh our storage unit and paint the particleboard slabs. I'm so glad I found your tutorial. Thankyou.

[@bullfrog8210]

Your video just changed my world. I have been trying to figure out how to paint the ends of MDF for so long. I can not wait to try this out.

[@kenzakovich]

Worked perfectly. Will always choose this route moving forward.

[@joybidwell9487]

I am the worst at spray painting! I avoid it at all cost…..but now I can’t wait to try it again on both wood and MDF! Thank you so much!

[@luisseniceros7350]

I've used PVA glue on smaller pieces, but the sanding sealer looks to look a lot better. Thanks for sharing.

[@MasaCheez]

THANK YOU! You saved my custom built arcade cabinet project from looking like crap! I wish I had know this earlier in the project. Still, it looks amazing now and exactly what I was hoping for!

[@ToolReviewZone]

Freaking awesome!!!👊👊👊👊

[@psjw7828]

Good tip. Looks easier than using BIN primer and very smooth finish. I always need to sand BIN primer which creates dust and takes more time. I will definitely try this next time I run into this situation. Thanks!

[@Sunrayman123]

So glad I found this in time for my speaker baffle boards!!! The timing is uncanny! Great tip!

[@hectorramirez5446]

Just built a box for my suv glad I came across this now I know what to use thanks

[@kennethamend8557]

I recently purchased my first home and decided to make my baseboards out of MDF of course in the bathroom and kitchen I use a different material. This information was very helpful... tomorrow is Saturday...the pup and I are getting busy. Thanks Again. God Bless

[@Bear-Ur2ez]

Very informative and useful information. I will try to remember this. Thank you.

[@nishadavis5869]

Sir! Thank you so much for your video! I’ve had no luck finding a way to paint my inside cabinets made of the material you painted. No one has done what you’ve demonstrated. I also subscribed to say thanks! Best wishes and keep these great videos coming!

[@debbierussell5164]

Wow! That is an awesome thing to know. Even crafting we buy boards or signs & they are made of MDF. Thank you!

[@ToolReviewZone]

You are very welcome Debbie!!!

[@andrewrother3311]

Just what I was looking for! Thanks!

[@scottsmith7424]

Thanks for the tip! I had completely forgotten about this product as I used it 25-30 years ago building RC airplanes.

[@rindygood8546]

Wow, great info just in time. Thanks!

[@vansonmafeet734]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I have a project coming up that requires the MDF to be painted. I've tried painting MDF before and the results were less than expected. Can't wait to try this method.

[@ToolReviewZone]

Let me know how it works out for you!!!!

[@tonyennis3008]

Thanks for the video. I had the same problem painting the rough side of some sort of fiberboard. Now I know what I could have done.

[@mitchd949]

Zinser BIN Shellac based primer works very well too, and it works great on drywall patches too. Dries quite quickly so you can get to the topcoats without much wasted time.

[@bp7770]

Yup only thing I use for mdf .

[@johnr9896]

I have been using the same method for a few years. I remember many people saying don’t use polyurethane. Ah but it works. I also use it the harden the surface of unsanded plywood.

[@clcreations9634]

I love these videos! Thank you for making them with some humor! MDF really does suck to work with, im going to try this today

[@ToolReviewZone]

Haha, awesome. Let me know howbit works out, and thanks for the comment C&L!!!

[@thedonofthesouth]

Thank you so much. Finally someone with a better easier way of painting mdf 💪🏿💯

[@IntentionalGains]

Great information man! Going to use this for a coffee table project I got in the works. Thanks for sharing!

[@jayrtck]

This is awesome bro, thanks the info man. Non cracking spackle works great as well.

[@nehemiahbraswell8464]

I am working with MDF right now. GREAT VIDEO

[@alexalan9017]

gonna give it a go tomorrow looks nice and easy to do thanks

[@MWAWoodworks]

Good experiment! I personally would avoid anything water based when sealing MDF. I think BIN primer or Kilz would be the best option for sealing MDF. I am partial to BIN because it it shellac based. Being shellac, it is alcohol and not water based. Water + MDF = :-( Alcohol doesn't blow out MFD like water does and its not noxious like Kilz or other oil based primers. Once the MDF is sealed with BIN you can put whatever the heck you want on top because shellac bonds with everything. You can put water based latex or poly or laquer or whatever and since the MDF is now sealed you wont have to worry about the "fuzzy" MDF showing up.

[@tintshady2049]

I use 1-2-3 on all my MDF projects, works fantastic, doesn't swell at all

[@rolandrios3645]

I have some MDF I'd like to make a router table with. I'm going to have to sand it down because it's reclaimed. If I prime it, can I glue another MDF board to make a table top??

[@nellybelly3751]

Bin didn’t work for me neither did 123

[@221b-Maker-Street]

It's filthy stuff though... 😖

[@joefixsit]

I used the sanding sealer for along time. Painted with a gloss and a brush . Well satisfied with the finish.

[@SassShea]

This was super helpful. I just sanded my MDF vanity and wanted to find the best paint method. Cant wait to get to Lowes!

[@poohbears1995]

I never knew that. Thank you so much.

[@ToolReviewZone]

You are very welcome Allen

[@chrisgraham2904]

I've used the "Varathane Diamond Wood Finish", which is a water based polyurethane. It looks identical to the "Minwax Sanding Sealer" and I get the same result that your showing here. Any other manufacturer's water based polyurethane should work the same.

[@fo22estgump57]

This worked great! Thank you for the tip.

[@robbiestevens1158]

Cheers dude making some inbuilt cupboard shelves and wanted to use MDF but was wondering about how to paint. Notes taken shall proceed next weekend 👍👌

[@milobaker3713]

I rarely have an problem getting a perfect glossy finish on mdf using standard paint and a foam roller. Make sure to slightly round off the edges so the paint doesnt roll back when it dries and shrinks, then roll on acrylic primer with a foam roller, as it's drying make sure the edges are fully saturated, using a brush or the same roller. Once dry, lightly sand with 120 grit sandpaper on a block to smoothen and de-nib and fill or repaint paint any holes or scratches. Tip - everytime you change for new sandpaper give it a few strokes on some scrap material and it won't leave scratches in the primer coat. Evenly roll on your first topcoat, sand with a higher grit paper once dry and repeat. Acrylic paints dry very quickly and if you take care when prepping and painting its not much work. Also it's much cheaper, less messy and smelly and easier to touch up if damaged in installation. Just my opinion x

[@JJ-lu6mg]

That’s crazy that I never herd of that stuff, awesome tip thx bro.👍🏼

[@ToolReviewZone]

You got it bro. Thanks for the comment 👊

[@DanielH]

Thanks man for the info.

[@vancemccarthy2554]

I once spray-painted two small cabinet speakers I made with one can of gloss black. The boxes were made with no panel edges showing. All cuts made at 45 degree angles. The boxes were set up in a hot sunny room and I coated the surfaces once every hour. Just the gloss. The finish was durable and glass like.

[@llw53one]

Awesome, Thank you!

[@johnrice9121]

That is an excellent tip. Works great

[@ToolReviewZone]

Thanks John...appreciate it bro👊

[@rsmith7292]

Great suggestion! I use something like that b4 staining; now I'll try this! Thanks TRZ! U da Man!

[@jorge.andrade.viola.]

Sensacional Mestre..... Obrigado por compartilhar sua tecnica e seus conhecimentos .... Abraço (Brasil)

[@johncalvey96]

That's exactly what I use works the best outta all the different stuff I've tried . Used to use a bit of wood glue on the edges of my projects that needed paint that also worked well!

[@JasonandRachelOlson]

this is a total life-saver! thank you!

[@ToolReviewZone]

You got it Jason 👊

[@marcusrodriquez5616]

Thank you! I just cut a new project on my CNC with MDF and really want a gloss finish. I think this will do it.

[@m.mendez9211]

Thank you for your video I wish I saw this yesterday but next time I will :)

[@INK1217]

Wow! Great tip! I’ve recently started refinishing furniture for xtra cash and this will speed up my process!

[@ToolReviewZone]

Awesome!!

[@johnvodopija1743]

Great tip thanks. Also, I have used a water based 3 in 1 sealer undercoat primer applied with a short nap microfibre roller with good results too. Cheers 👍😎🇦🇺

[@royrepie61]

Wow nice finish 🙂👍 I will try paint my MDF with your way, thankyou.

[@donproctor3445]

Glad I stumbled onto this vid. I'm designing my kitchen remodel now and will be using MDF for panels in my shaker doors and drawers. My worry of painting MDF has been the scratch-off. It's like painting glass.

[@erikandersen4440]

This is awesome man. Thank you. 👍

[@fo22estgump57]

This works so well! I already thanked you but I wanted to come thank you again. I use a lot of plywood and mdf to make signs. I tried using the sanding sealer on plywood before I painted and it saved me so much paint and time! The finish product was so much better by just applying one coat of sanding sealer.

[@ToolReviewZone]

That's freaking awesome Mr. Gump... I truly appreciate the comment 👊

[@fo22estgump57]

@@ToolReviewZone using sanding sealer took me from using 3 spray cans with multiple multiple splotchy layers. To painting only two layers. I don't want to compare it to "modge podge" because I hate it and it looks horrible, but sanding sealer is the beautiful!

[@GuitaristJesse2442]

Thank you for the great advise!!

[@bmurphy847]

I do the same process of sealing MDF, but I use alcohol based sanding sealer or thinned Shellac. Because that are both alcohol based products, they dray very fast and they seal the MDF very well.

[@daigledfiber]

Very cool. This looks much easier than than the mod podge method I’ve been using.

[@fischermann5279]

Typed “how to paint MDF” in KZbin expecting to find a bunch of your typical garbage and found this video… All I can say is thank you!!! Worked like a charm.

[@ToolReviewZone]

Awesome, thanks for the awesome comment!!!

[@shadowliving6858]

Solved my problems. Thank you

[@EM-fi2qg]

Awesome idea. I'll try this on the next mantle I build. 👍

[@ToolReviewZone]

Let me know it works buddy 👊

[@mrswagjumper8806]

Finna make a subwoofer box and we need to make it hella clean. Thanks to this video I don't got to worry💥

[@stevenclement3508]

Great video! Thanks! I had tried shellac with mixed results. But after watching this video, water based sanding sealer is all I use.

[@michaelrobinson9643]

Late to the party ... just wanted to say thanks for the tip. I do a lot of airbrushing on MDF and keeping a smooth painted finish is an issue I have spent too much time on. I've used a really watered down mix of aquadere glue in a pinch, even a diluted glass resin thinned with some acetone.

[@mtnjak]

This is great timing seeing this video. I had planned to buy plywood for my CNC spoil board permanent base. But my local hardwood dealer had hardwood veneered MDF for only $25 a sheet so...money talks! However, since I'm carving the machine logo into the base surface slats with a V bit I wasn't sure how to seal the MDF before painting the engraved logo. Now I do!

[@jez3belly]

You just saved me SO much money. Thank you!

[@ToolReviewZone]

Awesome, that's what we try to do!!!👊👊👊

[@ThePyroTerror]

I actually came here because the KZbin algorithm told me to.

[@ToolReviewZone]

Lol

[@volkangunay2437]

Hahahaha. Me too.

[@danielwga6356]

Same lol

[@buckleybaker9276]

I've not worked with MDF thanks for the good info im starting bath room vanity project

[@gtsskyline20]

I searched diy cabinets one time KZbin ... One time.. but thanks really useful info

[@antonsinitsin561]

Thank you for a useful information!

[@ThatWoodenFlag]

Wish I watched this before I painted my 3d cut mdf last week lol. Thanks

[@SuperJeggo]

This is awesome I always hated painting mdf im gonna try on my diy boombox tomorrow

[@waterdonkey]

Thank you! Wish I knew this two weeks ago.

[@RosenlundTara]

That's great👍never heard of it before this..

[@eugenewolkowicz8912]

I have worked with MDF for years you can even mold the edges with a router , I have always 50% water to 50% yellow glue when the is dry and it does not take long , lightly sand w/ 220 sand paper never had a problem . Use your favorite spray can . do not use any water base paint .

[@mymate18]

are you saying mix water glue 50 50 and spread that mix onto edges then sand?

[@thesimplyspoiled1]

Half glue half water is just Mod Podge, right? I’ve got TONS of that stuff! I’m going to give it a try!! :)

[@takeniteasyfriend]

Nice 👍 look. Will try it with my paint sprayer.

[@TK-setophaga]

good comparison and very helpful. I have been using various primers on the backside and ends on MDF trim. Seems like a good way to put a hard layer on the unprotected surface and keep out stray moisture. I will try the sanding sealer. It is great on hardwood so why not mdf ? Right.

[@lovinyurgranny]

Gonna give this a try for sure. Especially if I get to spank the MDF like that!

[@zemyazahealingkorllc]

😆

[@angiesmith3183]

😂

[@Eatwithalicia]

This is super helpful!

[@ToolReviewZone]

Awesome. Thanks for the comment love

[@MrJboucher73]

I'll try it out. currently been using autobody filler putty, but this seems easier.

[@kevind2423]

Awesome thanks brother

[@lillylake]

I made my daughters radiator cover out of left over MDF ( so much money saved doing so) and this will certainly help! Thank you!

[@robertmedina3195]

I'm gonna bet it warped due to temperature differentials.

[@josephflores1239]

Looks good😍

[@caryandrae9952]

Interesting technique. Thanks for the vid👍👍😊

[@ToolReviewZone]

You are very welcome Cary!

[@uncleblack7322]

Very useful information...I really can use this...Thank You

[@woosheroes494]

Great video, thanks for the tip.

[@Fabian7024]

Great tip thank you

[@AdrianJayeOnline]

good tip will try that

[@IDCWoodcraft]

I needed this little truck and the bit of humor. Thanks

[@rmhutchins7]

Very Helpful Video. Thank you!

[@ToolReviewZone]

You are very welcome 👊

[@cwdl2004]

ill be making a small table for my ottoman using mdf & great tip,, tyvm

[@conqwiztadore2213]

👏😮 great knowledge to add to my 🧠. Thank you!

[@ToolReviewZone]

Haha, awesomeness 👊

[@chris-p-Bacon836]

Works great looks good

[@ToolReviewZone]

Thanks 👍

[@lalomana71]

Excellent info thanks

[@crystalmoney4490]

Ahhh! Huzzah!!! THANKS mate!!!!!!!!!