How to paint MDF - DIY tips!

Want to know how to paint MDF? In this video I'm showing you the best practical way I've found of painting MDF (medium density fibreboard). This method gives a professional finish, doesn't involve edge banding and is very easy if you use the right materials and follow a few simple steps. In this video I'm using Leyland Acrylic Primer Undercoat and Leyland Fast Drying Gloss, both water based and both good paints. As mentioned in the video they next level of quality after this is to go for a sprayed finish, but I'm not set up for spraying.

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#GHTL #MDF #DIY

[paulround]

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.

[avinashjagdeo]

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

[stuartcarson]

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.

[iangraham]

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.

[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!

[cynthiahampton]

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

[handsomeharrytheyorkie]

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.

[Iskelderon]

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

[augustoabarquez]

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

[colly]

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.

[richblaker]

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

[swanfiltertips]

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

[jamiefrench]

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

[donwilliams]

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.

[Akula]

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.

[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 👍👍👍💪

[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!

[seanxay]

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

[fredgrove]

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.