Painting MDF

[Jazziedog]

I have been using MDF for some basic items. However, I am having a difficult time getting the paint to cover & look good. I have been using craft acrylic paint. I've tried priming and sealing the MDF first and that didn't get me any better results. Any suggestions would be appreciated?
Joan

[JohnB]

G'day Joan,
MDF is usually pretty easy to paint, I don't have a problem getting a nice finish so here are some of my thoughts. (Mind you MDF on the other side may be a bit different to our stuff.)

There are two bugger of colours Red and Yellow they are the pits to get to cover.

Before I go into tricks for them, this my standard method.

I sand the MDF with 240g paper paying special attention to the edges.. If they feel smooth they are.

when using a brush I don't use a primer/undercoat, just apply one coat of colour. when dry sand with 320g paper and apply another coat. Apply the paint on one direction then brush diagonal to that and then just lightly drag the brush over the top in the original direction. Do this for both coats. Flat paint will cover better than semi or gloss, however it is not as hard wearing so if I use it, I give a final coat of clear gloss.

Now for them nasty reds and yellows. If spraying, a white undercoat/ primer will make these brighter. If brushing, don't use white. I mix up a pink primer, by adding some red to a small jar of a undercoat to use as a base for the red and do the same for the yellow mixing yellow and undercoat. A light grey also works with yellow.

Hope this helps you out a bit
Good luck

[Forester21]

When painting a top coat of red or yellow, I use a base coat (primer) of either grey or I've heard green works too.

John - do you brush on all your paint or do you use a sprayer?
Theresa

[JohnB]

G'day Theresa,
I spray the large pieces and detail by hand. That is a general rule, but if I've only got a small project to do I'll brush the finish on as it is more trouble than it's worth mixing paint and cleaning spray guns. My clear coats are almost always sprayed.

[tony coleman]

i went to my loacal diy store the other day and remember seeing a mdf sealing paint,dont ask me the brand .i just presumed its a one coat system for sealing mdf.anyway what i am trying to say is it can be got.

[jim_mex]

Hi Joan - I've not had much luck with craft acrylic paints but have recently found a paint store that stocks a Sherwin Wlliams acrylic paint for home and trade use which works well.

Our local MDF - imported from South America - is very porous so I first give it a brush coat of acrylic based sealer.

If I'm going for a strong dark colour I'll brush coat it on in two coats pretty much as John suggests. For any lighter colours including yellows and oranges I´ll apply a white or light grey top coat over the sealant followed by two coats of the colour. I dont buy a special primer.

Its important to fine sand between the coats - especially after the sealant coat - to remove any raised fluff or paint streak marks and then remove all the dust with a damp lint free cloth before applying the next coat

I brush apply everything since I have no spraying gear. I use a polyester solid round tapered bristle brush - the ones with split ends - bought from Home Depot- which give a much smoother finish, tend not to shed hairs and are easy to clean up

For large areas the secret is to brush as fast as you but in a controlled way - again, as John suggests. If necessary thin the paint a little to help it flow smoothly and apply an extra coat

Hope this helps

[Jazziedog]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I tried your techniques and it worked. The paint came out great.
Thanks again
Joan