How to Paint MDF Like A Pro! (#10) Looks like a spray finish but done with a roller!

How to paint MDF, the easy way, with a mini roller and 1in paintbrush. There is no need to seal the edges with sanding sealer or MDF primers. Just lightly sand the edges with 180 to 220 grit sandpaper before each new coat of paint. The finished wardrobe has 2 coats of primer undercoat and 2 top coats of satin finish.

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[schrodingerscat]

Best thing to do is apply a coat of shellac before painting, because shellac is alcohol based it penetrates well into the surface and flashes off quickly sealing the surface without raising the fibres, works very well on cut edges and a quick sand after applying gives a super smooth surface ready for paint. This even works on the very cheapest MDF which is normally a total pain to paint. Then you can even apply water based acrylic paint and it won't soak into the MFD giving a bad finish because of the shellac.

[secretweaponevan]

Excellent tutorial.
An extraordinary example of how to paint ordinary MDF.
The pointers on light sources, where to start, and where to find paint on the roller for touch-ups were spot on.
Thank you.

[coldworld]

I am about to paint some MDF. Thanks for the advice this is just for me.

[jicseeu]

I do this amongst other things for a you get some regular premixed filler and water it down then just rub into the edges and clean off with a damp cloth then a very light sand with sone 1000 grit you will have much better edges 🙂

[dexymydog]

Great video and mercifully short and concise. Although I would have liked to see the top coat being applied

[keithhooper]

I use the Johnston's paint on chipboard, with very good results.Not used a lot of MDF.

[logj]

Super super super.What a great finish.

[accampellojr]

What would you do if you were going to paint it in a different colour than the undercoat? Would you still use the undercoat then a different top coat paint?

[CarFinanceSimplified]

I’ve been trying all week to get a decent finish in my Mdf doors. I’ve tried single lines all in the same direction, random directions and a mixture and it looks terrible. I get lines and I get different finishes no matter what I try? I’ve tried foam and mohair mini rollers. I’m using latex (COAT) eggshell. Any tips? I’m now going to have to start again with a new piece of Mdf!

[YesiPleb]

Instead of messing around with cling film - I use dog poo bags for small rollers and brushes and carrier bags for large rollers. I've got a roller in the shed I chucked into a carrier bag - and as long as the bag is wrapped on securely - it's still able to to be used for painting and that was two months ago.

[vauxvon]

Thanks - about to paint some furniture grade mdf for shelves :)

[authortimwickenden]

I’d recommend using moisture resistant MDF (green) more expensive but much better to paint.

[DarrenLingham]

Have you tried using a stabilising solution as a base coat on bare MDF? I have found it really good especially for the edges.

[BeasleyStreet]

The singular best information about this is the question of light.

[KeithAubrey-vp]

Hi John really enjoyed watching your video, very informative. I'm just painting an mdf media unit and interested why you use a pile roller and not a foam roller?

[bdt]

I might have missed something but was that just two coats of the undercoat? What paint would you recommend for a different colour top coat?

[DrawingTechnical]

Great finish! I put a coat of primer on, and then wall paint, there are a lot of rough paint marks left over which will need a sanding down. Should've watched this before I started.

[kurts]

For me on MDF...
Step 1.
2 coats of Killz Original primer/sealer (oil base) roll on or sprayed on to MDF
Step 2. Final sand with 220 grit. I use my Mirka 6" sander
Step 3. Spray 2 coats of latex paint

Always looks beautiful.

[Tez]

John toolststion do I mini foam roller that stops tram lines, it’s concave at each end . They are black . Good Finnish with em

[virtualdjmeekins]

Any tips for painting on shinny acrylic Faced MDFdoors - is there any special paint I can use - what is the preparation?