Can MDF panels or facades be painted? Such a process is possible. But it requires compliance with certain conditions, consisting of the choice of materials, preparatory work, milestones and finishing touches. Painting MDF panels is a task that everyone can do. The only thing that is important to consider is that not all paints are suitable for this purpose, and those that are suitable are not cheap.

MDF painting is carried out most often for two reasons:

• the need to protect the material from negative environmental factors;
• decorative purpose - I want to change the color of the MDF board or improve it appearance.

Regardless of the reason for painting, it has a number of advantages:

• The painted element becomes resistant to high temperatures. This means that when using an MDF panel in the kitchen, hot dishes can be placed on it.
• The presence of special additives in the paint allows you to get the facades of the original design: mother-of-pearl, pearls, metallic.
• As a rule, paints intended for MDF do not contain harmful chemicals. This is a big plus, especially if the coloring of the material is planned to be done at home.
• And, finally, painting products can significantly extend their service life.

Of course, staining MDF is not without drawbacks, of which the following can be distinguished:

• high price, in comparison with the film coating;
• the possibility of color fading under direct sunlight.

What materials to use?

Since MDF is a material that consists of wood fibers, it can also be painted with conventional wood paints. However, to get a really high-quality result and uniform coloring, you will need special formulations, including:

• primer based on polyurethane;
• paint (also polyurethane);
• varnish for MDF (if necessary).

Polyurethane enamel does not contain volatile components, it can be used for both indoor and outdoor use.

Coloring technology

The process of painting MDF with colored polyurethane enamels includes several stages:

• grinding;
• primer;
• directly painting;
• drying.

grinding

For good adhesion of the paintwork, it is necessary to sand the workpieces, be it facades or Wall panels. For this it is used:

• dry sandpaper;
• scotch brite - a soft abrasive of fine grain;
• ground grinders.

If the product is small, then sandpaper on a foam basis of gradation P220-P280 is used.
For flat surfaces, 700 series sanding mats with fine grit are used. The same materials will help remove excess soil, fill the risks before painting.

The surface on which the paint will be applied is cleaned. After cleaning, the surface must be degreased with anti-silicone.

putty

MDF for painting is carefully prepared, here you can’t get off with just grinding. If there are visible flaws (cracks, dents), then the surface in these areas must be puttied, thereby leveling the surface.

Acrylic putty for wood is best suited for puttying, it should be applied and smoothed with a special rubber spatula.

Primer

For flat products, it is better to use the universal white polyurethane primer LBR30. The content of a large amount of resin in it gives a minimal tendency to shrink. Suitable for matte and glossy finishes. For the latter, where every defect is visible on the surface, the requirements for preparation are an order of magnitude higher. The best result is obtained by using polyester primers.

Before painting the panels, they must be carefully prepared. Initially make a working mixture. For this you need to take:

• primer LBR 30 - 100 parts by weight;
• hardener LNB 77 - 40 parts by weight;
• thinner LZC 1051 - 10 parts by weight.

All these components must be mixed together and the first layer of primer applied to the surface to be painted using a gun with a top tank. Nozzle diameter 1.8 mm, air pressure 2-3 atmospheres. The material consumption should be 120 g per 1 m2. The optimum thickness of the resulting film is 120 microns. To complete the shrinkage process, the soil should be dried for 12 hours.

Before painting the product, it will need to be treated with an abrasive again. For gloss, an emery tool with a finer grit is additionally used. After that, the surface will be prepared, and you can apply paint for MDF panels.

On the video: priming and sanding MDF.

Painting

You can paint wall panels with a brush, roller or spray gun. The temperature in the room should be about +20°С, air humidity - within 50-80%. Can be painted with matte or glossy enamel. But first you need to prepare the working compositions. For matte enamel take:

• 100 weight parts of enamel;
• 50 parts by weight of hardener;
• 30 parts by weight of diluent.

For glossy enamel, 70 parts of hardener are taken. The rest of the ingredients are the same. For gloss, always use a slow thinner that will give good flow.

MDF panels should be painted in a relatively spacious room if these are internal structures (for example, facades or wall elements). The house from the outside should be finished in the warm season. Enamel consumption should be approximately 150g/m2. Medium Density Fibreboard or MDF dries completely in 24 hours.

To obtain gloss, polishing should be done after 3 days. By this time, all polymerization processes will be completed. With the help of special additives on the surface of the product, you can create the effects of mother-of-pearl, metallic, get corrugated waves.

Wet

MDF panels can be painted with alkyd or polyurethane enamel, as well as powder mixtures. Wet technology involves the use of an atomizer with the appropriate pressure. If the paint is applied in two layers, intermediate sanding is necessary. The thickness of the layers is no more than 120 microns.

Painting surfaces must be free from small debris, dust, insects. In case of their contact, they should be eliminated in a timely manner using a tool such as tweezers. After drying, smudges formed on the painted surface are removed with a clerical knife or fine-grained sandpaper.

Powder

Is it possible to paint MDF in a different way? Yes, there are special powder mixtures that are applied to the work surface with a sprayer. After that, the product is subjected to high temperatures until the paint is completely melted. This method provides for obtaining an almost perfectly smooth surface.

Powder coating technology involves spraying dry microscopic particles onto the surface.

Drying

You can paint MDF panels in any way. Drying completes any technological process of finishing. It is carried out subject to certain conditions:

• ambient air temperature not more than 50°C;
• relative humidity less than 80%.

The duration of the final stage depends on environmental conditions. It can be from 5 hours to a day. A painted MDF board will dry faster at lower temperatures and humidity.

Regardless of how you can paint the wall panels, compliance with the steps, conditions technological process will allow you to get a rich color, smooth surface, save time, costs. It is better to automate all the work, using special paint and varnish equipment for this.

Furniture facades, doors and other MDF products can be painted. But when working, inexperienced craftsmen face various difficulties, including the difficulty in obtaining a smooth surface without streaks, strong absorption of the material, and others. We will reveal the features of the choice of paints for MDF boards.

Can MDF be painted?

Facades, furniture boards, panels, door linings and other MDF products are in great demand due to their characteristics. This is the only material among analogues that can be processed by all possible ways: milling, shaped sawing, laminating, laminating, coloring. Let's take a closer look at the latter.

Painting MDF is a complex process and it begins with the choice of the main material - paintwork. If you want to get a perfectly flat surface with a semi-matte or glossy sheen, then a simple PF-115 oil paint, even from an expensive foreign manufacturer, is not enough. An inexperienced master will face several problems at once:

It turns out that it is impossible to paint MDF? Our answer is that it is possible, but it is necessary to use a whole range of products, or, in the language of professionals, to use a special program of paints and varnishes, which include:

• Priming compositions of several types: barrier primers or insulators with a pore-filling effect, elastic and easily sanded multicomponent compounds, basic pigmented compositions with a dry residue index of at least 50%.
• Paint with high hiding power, thixotropy, and after polymerization - wear resistance and durability.
• To create a smooth surface with a glossy/semi-gloss finish: lacquer or polishing kits (paste + nap disc for polishing).

What paints are suitable for MDF

The easiest way to paint laminated boards. This is the surface of finished facades of furniture and doors, wall and ceiling panels. The film acts as a primer and leveling layer. The following types of coatings are suitable:

• Alkyd, alkyd-urethane or oil-based enamels (Novbytkhim, Dyo, Tikkurilla)

Tikkurila alkyd enamels

These are household formulations based on synthetic oils or polymer resins. They belong to the category of universal, that is, they can be used for indoor and outdoor use, they have good adhesion to most materials: metal, wood, glass, chipboard, MDF, OSB, etc.

After curing, a dense and durable film is formed, the advantages of which are high hiding power, resistance to mechanical and chemical influences, abrasives, and water.

Of the minuses, we note a sharp chemical smell that negatively affects human health, as well as a huge amount of low-quality products on store shelves and markets.

• Enamels based on polyurethane resins (Elacor, Ive, Teknos)

One- and two-component complex compositions with an increased degree of wear resistance and incredible durability - more than 20 years. These are premium class products with a corresponding price (from 400 rubles/kg). Most often these paints are used by professional painters.

• Acrylic enamels (KrasKo, Tex, Belinka)

Compositions based on water-borne acrylate or latex copolymers are considered the safest and are recommended for use in residential and children's areas. It is easiest to paint facades, doors and panels with compositions produced in the form of aerosols. The resulting coating is weakly resistant to abrasives and mechanical damage, while perfectly protecting the surface from water and temperature extremes.

• Special enamels for furniture or nitro-paints of the NC series (Lacra, Sadolin, Alpina)

This category includes a series of highly specialized compounds designed for woodworking, chipboard and MDF. They are characterized by high hiding power, excellent adhesion, short drying time and long service life. It is recommended only for indoor use, as the film has a low frost resistance coefficient.

MDF panels used for the production of furniture facades, door and wall cladding are more difficult to paint due to the high absorbency of the material and the need for sanding. In addition, when working with a brush, roller or spray gun, the pile rises strongly, due to which the surface is uneven, rough.

And if for priming you can choose highly specialized pore-filling elastic compounds that dry quickly and are easy to sand, then the following varieties are suitable as paints:

• household acrylic compounds, produced in the form of aerosols

They give a fairly smooth glossy surface, but at least 4 layers are required. On milled bevels of doors and sharp corners of furniture, the paint will wear off quickly, so it is recommended to apply a wear-resistant alkyd or PU varnish over the coating.

• Professional two-component polyurethane enamels (Milesi, Ilva, Renner)

They consist of a base composition and a hardener. They can be tinted manually or by machine in more than 2000 shades. It is used mainly in production, less often - at home.

Since the components are toxic to humans, it is recommended to paint furniture and facades outdoors using personal protective equipment (glasses, mask, gloves).

• Specialized enamels for MDF (Palina Coating, Galamix)

These are complex compositions based on polyurethane or urethane-acrylic. Applied to the surface of furniture or doors with a sprayer or brush, the resulting coating has excellent resistance to mechanical, chemical and abrasive influences, practically does not fade over time.

• Automotive enamels (Duxone, Jet, Colomics)

These compositions are highly specialized and are designed to work on metal. Paints have undeniable advantages: excellent adhesion to any materials, thixotropy, abrasive, water and chemical resistance, fast polymerization. In addition, the resulting coating withstands temperatures from -40 °C to +100 °C. Auto enamels can be used to paint facades and other elements of furniture, doors. Finished wall panels can be painted without prior preparation.

• Polymer powder paint for wood and MDF (Reka, Pulver)

The composition was originally produced for the industrial painting of metal and wood products, but in the last few years, small volume packages for domestic use have appeared on the market. In addition to the polymer compound, you will also need special equipment for its application.

Powder paint first melts at temperatures above 120 ° C, and then sticks to the base. For MDF facades, a series of low-temperature or ultraviolet curing compositions is available. Heating is carried out for several minutes, then the coating is applied to a horizontally located material and polymerized.

Powder paint allows you to get a wear-resistant surface with various decorative effects: patina, shagreen, textured metallic, leather, silk and much more. The technology was not widely used in everyday life due to the complexity of the application and the high cost of materials.

The purpose of painting is to get a beautiful surface that will not be afraid of water, scratches or stains. If you need to paint wall panels, an acrylic spray is best. Furniture facades kitchen set and doors must be resistant to temperature extremes and various chemically aggressive substances ( household chemicals, products), so polyurethane, automotive wear-resistant compounds or powder polymer paint are better suited for them. But the furniture for the living room, nursery or bedroom can be covered with furniture enamels that do not wear out over time and are easily updated if necessary.

Furniture facades, doors and other MDF products can be painted. But when working, inexperienced craftsmen face various difficulties, including the difficulty in obtaining a smooth surface without streaks, strong absorption of the material, and others. We will reveal the features of the choice of paints for MDF boards.

Can MDF be painted?

Facades, furniture boards, panels, door linings and other MDF products are in great demand due to their characteristics. This is the only material among analogues that can be processed in all possible ways: milling, figured sawing, laminating, laminating, coloring. Let's take a closer look at the latter.

Here is such a beautiful kitchen facade can be obtained using painted MDF

Painting MDF is a complex process and it begins with the choice of the main material - paintwork. If you want to get a perfectly flat surface with a semi-matte or glossy sheen, then a simple PF-115 oil paint, even from an expensive foreign manufacturer, is not enough. An inexperienced master will face several problems at once:

1. High absorbency of boards, especially at sharp corners and milled bevels. Facades of furniture, doors or panels can almost completely absorb up to 5 layers of alkyd enamel. Without proper preparation, grinding and polishing, the surface will turn out to be uneven, rough, untidy in appearance and to the touch.
2. During transportation, the unprotected surface of MDF is covered with a huge number of scratches, both large and small. The paint floods them and reveals them first. It will take long grinding and constant monitoring.
3. When working, the milling tool literally pulls out individual fragments, due to which small pits, dents and other defects appear. Therefore, in addition to fine grinding, it may also be necessary to putty with finely dispersed liquid compositions.
4. Panels, doors and furniture elements made of MDF are almost always installed vertically, so streaks, uneven layers, etc. may occur.
5. When working with a brush or roller rises a large number of the so-called wood pile, respectively, to obtain a smooth surface after each applied layer of paintwork materials, grinding is necessary.

Small roughness on the surface of MDF is the same "wood pile"

It turns out that it is impossible to paint MDF? Our answer is that it is possible, but it is necessary to use a whole range of products, or, in the language of professionals, to use a special program of paints and varnishes, which include:

• Priming compositions of several types: barrier primers or insulators with a pore-filling effect, elastic and easily sanded multicomponent compounds, basic pigmented compositions with a dry residue index of at least 50%.
• Paint with high hiding power, thixotropy, and after polymerization - wear resistance and durability.
• To create a smooth surface with a glossy/semi-gloss finish: lacquer or polishing kits (paste + nap disc for polishing).

The easiest way to paint laminated boards. This is the surface of finished facades of furniture and doors, wall and ceiling panels. The film acts as a primer and leveling layer. The following types of coatings are suitable:

• Alkyd, alkyd-urethane or oil-based enamels (Novbytkhim, Dyo, Tikkurilla)

Tikkurila alkyd enamels

These are household formulations based on synthetic oils or polymer resins. They belong to the category of universal, that is, they can be used for indoor and outdoor use, they have good adhesion to most materials: metal, wood, glass, chipboard, MDF, OSB, etc.

After curing, a dense and durable film is formed, the advantages of which are high hiding power, resistance to mechanical and chemical influences, abrasives, and water.

Of the minuses, we note a sharp chemical smell that negatively affects human health, as well as a huge amount of low-quality products on store shelves and markets.

• Enamels based on polyurethane resins (Elacor, Ive, Teknos)

One- and two-component complex compositions with an increased degree of wear resistance and incredible durability - more than 20 years. These are premium class products with a corresponding price (from 400 rubles/kg). Most often these paints are used by professional painters.

Acrylic enamels produced by Belinka

Compositions based on water-borne acrylate or latex copolymers are considered the safest and are recommended for use in residential and children's areas. It is easiest to paint facades, doors and panels with compositions produced in the form of aerosols. The resulting coating is weakly resistant to abrasives and mechanical damage, while perfectly protecting the surface from water and temperature extremes.

• Special enamels for furniture or nitro-paints of the NC series (Lacra, Sadolin, Alpina)

This category includes a series of highly specialized compounds designed for woodworking, chipboard and MDF. They are characterized by high hiding power, excellent adhesion, short drying time and long service life. It is recommended only for indoor use, as the film has a low frost resistance coefficient.

MDF panels used for the production of furniture facades, door and wall cladding are more difficult to paint due to the high absorbency of the material and the need for sanding. In addition, when working with a brush, roller or spray gun, the pile rises strongly, due to which the surface is uneven, rough.

And if for priming you can choose highly specialized pore-filling elastic compounds that dry quickly and are easy to sand, then the following varieties are suitable as paints:

• Household acrylic formulations produced in the form of aerosols

They give a fairly smooth glossy surface, but at least 4 layers are required. On milled bevels of doors and sharp corners of furniture, the paint will wear off quickly, so it is recommended to apply a wear-resistant alkyd or PU varnish over the coating.

• Professional two-component polyurethane enamels (Milesi, Ilva, Renner)

They consist of a base composition and a hardener. They can be tinted manually or by machine in more than 2000 shades. It is used mainly in production, less often - at home.

Since the components are toxic to humans, it is recommended to paint furniture and facades outdoors using personal protective equipment (glasses, mask, gloves).

• Specialized enamels for MDF (Palina Coating, Galamix)

These are complex compositions based on polyurethane or urethane-acrylic. Applied to the surface of furniture or doors with a sprayer or brush, the resulting coating has excellent resistance to mechanical, chemical and abrasive influences, practically does not fade over time.

• Automotive enamels (Duxone, Jet, Colomics)

Although this paint is designed for metal surfaces, it is also suitable for painting MDF.

These compositions are highly specialized and are designed to work on metal. Paints have undeniable advantages: excellent adhesion to any materials, thixotropy, abrasive, water and chemical resistance, fast polymerization. In addition, the resulting coating withstands temperatures from -40 °C to +100 °C. Auto enamels can be used to paint facades and other elements of furniture, doors. Finished wall panels can be painted without prior preparation.

• Polymer powder paint for wood and MDF (Reka, Pulver)

The composition was originally produced for the industrial painting of metal and wood products, but in the last few years, small volume packages for domestic use have appeared on the market. In addition to the polymer compound, you will also need special equipment for its application.

Powder paint first melts at temperatures above 120 ° C, and then sticks to the base. For MDF facades, a series of low-temperature or ultraviolet curing compositions is available. Heating is carried out for several minutes, then the coating is applied to a horizontally located material and polymerized.

Powder paint allows you to get a wear-resistant surface with various decorative effects: patina, shagreen, textured metallic, leather, silk and much more. The technology was not widely used in everyday life due to the complexity of the application and the high cost of materials.

The purpose of painting is to get a beautiful surface that will not be afraid of water, scratches or stains. If you need to paint wall panels, an acrylic spray is best. Furniture facades of a kitchen set and doors must be resistant to temperature extremes and various chemically aggressive substances (household chemicals, products), so polyurethane, automotive wear-resistant compounds or powder polymer paint are better suited for them. But the furniture for the living room, nursery or bedroom can be covered with furniture enamels that do not wear out over time and are easily updated if necessary.

MDF painting technology: materials and nuances

Painting MDF boards is a very time-consuming procedure that will require compliance with the technology and many rules. It should be noted right away that such work stretches for a long time, it may take more than one week. In any case, everything can be done independently, while getting the necessary decorative surface.

Many people ask themselves: is it possible to paint MDF at home, and why is it necessary? The answer to the first part of the question is yes. Indeed, you can paint the panels with your own hands. But it’s worth mentioning right away: if there is no spray booth at hand, then the result is not always ideal. And the staining procedure is necessary for the following reasons:

1. Painted elements become more resistant to high temperatures and humidity. Therefore, they are allowed to be used in the kitchen and in the bathroom, where they can fulfill various roles.
2. By decorating, it is possible to diversify the dull interior, refresh the look of the room. Hue is selected based on design ideas.
3. Painting MDF panels is also needed in order to extend their service life.

Painting MDF allows not only to diversify a boring interior, but also to extend the life of the product.

Of course, this option also has some disadvantages. For example, this procedure is sometimes much more expensive than the use of decorative films. In addition, the surface becomes prone to fading.

In principle, all paints for MDF are selected taking into account the composition of the material. And this, first of all, is a small wood fraction, which means that paint and varnish solutions for wood are suitable for work. But to obtain a really high-quality coating, it is advisable to use special mixtures.

When choosing materials for painting MDF, you should pay attention not only to color, but also to the purpose of the paint.

This material should be preferred for the following reasons:

• The coating is wear-resistant, withstanding exposure to household chemicals.
• The solution has no bad smell, which allows you to work in cramped home conditions.
• It is allowed to apply the mixture with a sprayer, roller and brush.
• Painting MDF with enamel is done independently, this procedure does not require professional skills.

Naturally, choosing this material, pay attention to the manufacturer. It should be famous brand which is sold in specialized stores. When purchasing goods from an unknown manufacturer, there is a high probability of getting a fake.

Advice! If it is not possible to choose a polyurethane composition, then pay attention to alkyd enamels and paints (oil and acrylic).

When choosing paint, you need to pay attention to the manufacturer

Thus, the question of how to paint MDF panels is no longer a problem. But another dilemma arises - the surface needs additional protection, how can this be done?

Indeed, in order to increase resistance to mechanical stress, to protect against chemical compounds, varnish is used. And for such work, a two-component polyurethane composition is especially well suited, which has all the desired parameters.

The procedure for painting MDF with your own hands is carried out in several stages. They can be divided as follows:

The implementation of each stage is a guarantee that the result will turn out as it was intended.

Work begins with grinding the surface. This is a rather laborious undertaking that needs to be done carefully.

The panels are sanded with sandpaper with a grain size of 120 to 240 units. The process is carried out in several stages and different materials. It is necessary to do everything very carefully, not lingering for a long time in one area. This procedure is carried out in order to remove small irregularities, as well as to remove a small pile, which covers the entire surface.

The procedure for grinding MDF allows you to get rid of small irregularities on the surface of the plate

On a note! If there are milled areas on the front side, then it is better not to touch them. There is a good chance that the sandpaper will smooth out the corners of the pattern.

Puttying MDF for painting aims to correct the existing shortcomings of the panel. It happens that during grinding or due to improper storage, cracks or dents appear on the surface. To hide them, puttying is carried out. Of course, if there are no such problems, then this stage skip.

The technology itself looks like this: the acrylic mixture is carefully applied to the desired area and leveled with a rubber spatula. After drying, be sure to grind.

This stage is mandatory. It is conditionally divided into two processes:

• Applying the first coat of primer
  • This is done with the help of an airbrush, so they prepare a room and a place to work. It is better to close the rest of the items with cellophane film in advance.
  • The mixture is sprayed over the entire surface of the panel in an even layer. This is done in order to lift the remaining pile and reduce the absorbency of the base materials.
  • Further, when the plate dries, it is subjected to grinding with fine sandpaper.
• Second layer coating
  • The second layer is applied in order to fix the result and remove the remaining flaws.
  • Drying should take about a day, after which the panel painted with a primer is sanded.

Can MDF be painted with a brush and roller? Yes, but this must be done very carefully. There is a high probability that stains and streaks will remain on the surface. Therefore, it is best to use a spray gun.

The technology itself resembles priming. The paint is applied in several layers, each of which is pre-dried. It is important to achieve an excellent result, so the mixture begins to be sprayed from the milled areas to the edges, and then proceed along and diagonally. It is much more convenient to paint smooth panels.

You can use brushes and a roller to paint MDF, but to get a uniform layer it is better to use an airbrush

On a note! In order to understand in more detail the drying time of the solution and its quantity, it is necessary to carefully study the manufacturer's instructions. And also select the desired operating mode for the sprayer.

If there is a desire to give the surface a more expressive look, to age it a little, then they resort to patination. It is advisable to do this when there are drawings and patterns.

Patina is applied in this way:

• the selected area is passed with a sponge dipped in the mixture;
• leave until completely dry;
• the painted area is polished;
• proceed to the final stage.

The effect of artificial aging can be created independently by resorting to surface patination.

The procedure is performed according to the instructions:

1. Lacquer is prepared for use.
2. The first layer is applied at the rate of about 150 grams per one square meter.
3. After waiting for the first layer to dry well, apply a new layer.
4. Repeat the drying process.
5. Begin the final sanding. First, sandpaper with a large grain is passed over the surface, then a finer one is used. To avoid rolling lumps, the area is sprayed with water.
6. The panel is left for several days (from 4 to 7) and polished. For this, it is better to use a power tool.

There are many tips on how to properly paint MDF. The main thing is to follow a clear plan and be careful.

Wooden floor coverings always enjoyed wide popularity, due to its durability, high resistance to stress, attractive.

First of all, everyone is used to paying attention to the decoration of walls and floors in a country house. ABOUT.

In order to interior decoration in the house kept its ideal appearance for as long as possible.

How to paint MDF: polyurethane primer, enamel and varnish

MDF products are painted in two cases. The first is when a protective coating is required, the second is for decoration purposes. In this case, various paints and varnishes can be used. How to paint MDF will be discussed below.

Currently, this material is actively used in the creation of furniture, interior doors, as well as finishing panels. And all of them are subject to coloring, which acts as a decorative and finishing coating.

Its use provides the following benefits:

• The painted MDF element is not afraid of elevated temperatures - thanks to this, it is possible to use it in the kitchen, where hot dishes will be placed on it;
• Decorating in non-standard colors will help add brightness and originality to the interior of the room - it can be metallic, mother-of-pearl or other unusual colors;

• The absence of unhealthy chemical compounds is a definite plus for painting MDF at home - the only condition for this is the use of high-quality paints and varnishes;
• Durability - applying paint can significantly extend the life of the product.

Of course, this method of protecting surfaces also has disadvantages. They lie in the fact that the price of painting parts significantly exceeds the cost of pasting such products with a decorative film. In addition, under the influence of sunlight, the painted surface may fade.

Since MDF is a wood product, it can be coated with almost any paint or wood varnish. But to get a truly high-quality coating is possible only if specialized compositions are used.

These include:

Let's talk about them in more detail.

Thinking about how you can paint the MDF panels, you first need to take care of the priming of the products. It will prevent the absorption of paint into the material, thereby reducing its consumption.

IN this case a special water-based polyurethane primer is required. It will hide the texture of the material and create a layer that has high hardness and adhesion. In addition, the resulting coating will be smooth and easy to sand.

It is best to apply this primer with a sprayer. In its absence, it is possible to use a roller or brush. Subsequent drying takes 8-10 hours and is carried out at room temperature.

Advice! To achieve the best result, this procedure must be carried out in full accordance with the instructions that the instructions for use of this composition establish.

Compared to other paints and varnishes, it has the following advantages:

• the coating obtained with its help is wear-resistant and chemically resistant;
• odorless, because it does not contain volatile components in its composition;
• can be used to color components intended for both indoor and outdoor use.

It is produced by various manufacturers. Products of the Italian brands Sirka and Sivam are in great demand. Their popularity among polyurethane materials for MDF is akin to that of Zinga electrically conductive paint, in a number of compositions for anti-corrosion metal treatment.

Such polyurethane paint can be two- or one-component. The first type requires the addition of a hardener before use.

The second variety does not need such an additive and is available in a ready-to-use form. And one and the other type is applied by sprayer, roller or brush.

These coloring compositions are sold, as well as fire-retardant paints for Polystil metal, in special metal buckets. Their mass can be from 1 to 25 kilograms.

Along with the aforementioned Sirk and Sivam brands, other brands such as Tikkurila and Teknos are also successful. But they are all quite expensive.

Therefore, if necessary, paints and varnishes from other, less well-known manufacturers can be used instead. Or do not use polyurethane, but cheaper alkyd enamels.

You should also pay attention to acrylic and oil paints. In particular, when deciding how to paint an MDF arch, you can take a closer look at domestic acrylic compositions.

Advice! Choose moisture resistant dyes. The product covered with them can be easily washed in the future, which is very convenient.

In the photo - polyurethane varnish

This specialized lacquer is used to finish MDF items or to tint them. It forms a smooth coating that is resistant to both mechanical and chemical influences. The resulting surface can be either matte or glossy.

This varnish is odorless and is a two-component. This means that in order to prepare the working composition, a hardener must be added to it.

After that, the mixture should have time to use up within two to three hours. It can be applied by hand with a sprayer.

Painting MDF can significantly increase its service life, as well as make the product more attractive and resistant to elevated temperatures. Since MDF is a wood material, it can be processed with almost any paint or varnish for wood (see also the article “Painting MDF furniture fronts”).

But to get the best result, it is still worth using specialized formulations. This is a polyurethane primer, as well as polyurethane enamel and varnish on MDF. They allow you to create a hard and wear-resistant coating, which can have a wide variety of colors.

More information on this topic will tell you the video in this article.

MDF panels are a building material intended for finishing the premises, cladding the facades of cabinet furniture or walls, it is made from wood chips of low or medium thickness. These parts are considered an environmentally friendly element of decoration, since they are not made using synthetic adhesives, but natural wood resin is used, which securely fixes all layers of the product and forms a single whole. MDF panels are of medium and low density, depending on the number of layers and the composition of the wood. Over time, during the operation of these parts, their surface may get scratched, the coating loses its gloss or has defects, as a result, the integrity of the entire panel is violated, and the appearance of the entire finish becomes unsightly. Any owner in this case is faced with the question: how to update the facade of the panel without changing them completely?

This article discusses the question of the possibility of painting products such as MDF wall panels, is it possible to paint MDF, as well as the process of carrying out such work at home.

Reasons for the formation of defects

There are a number of reasons why MDF panels may need to be painted, including:

1. Mechanical damage to the surface as a result of impact with a sharp object or other material. The top layer of the MDF panel consists of laminated or plain paper with paint applied to it, when exposed to a solid object, the film breaks, which exposes the core of the entire product;
2. Burnout of paint, loss of color brightness. This deformation is obtained from exposure to ultraviolet rays and atmospheric air, which contains a small amount of moisture. Over time, the coating becomes dull, loses its luster and original appearance;
3. Temperature fluctuations also negatively affect the external state of the surface of MDF panels, since the internal structure consists of wood, which absorbs moisture from the atmosphere and at the same time swells over the entire area. As the temperature rises, the MDF dries out and at the same time can crack, in addition, the glue contained in the panel loses its ability from moisture, which leads to peeling of paper, lamination and chips.

These causes of deformations lead to an unsightly appearance of the entire surface and violate the overall design of the wall. If these defects occur, you can paint the MDF panels, having previously done a number of preparatory procedures, but it should be understood that painting parts with your own hands at home brings a result that differs from paint processing in production.

The process of painting MDF panels

Before answering the question of how to paint MDF panels, you need to understand the composition of this product. MDF board, wall or facade, consists of several layers of compressed paper and sawdust, laminated with a transparent or colored film on the front side. Most often, it is the top layer that is subject to damage and wear, therefore, when planning to update MDF, it is necessary to prepare these types of coatings.

In order to prepare MDF panels for painting at home, you will need:

1. Sandpaper for surface preparation and removal of gloss or varnish;
2. Solvent for degreasing the surface from adhesive and liquid residues;
3. Dry rags or other lint-free cloth.

These materials are necessary for pre-treatment of MDF panels for painting and sealing cracks and scratches on the laminate.

All work must be carried out in accordance with the algorithm of actions. The first step is to sand the panel with fine sanding paper, this can be done manually or using a pneumatic tool. It is important to follow the technology of removing varnish, to prevent overheating of the surface or the formation of large scratches on the laminate. The wood-fiber surface is under the decorative film, so when sanding, you need to carefully monitor the thickness of the top layer so as not to wipe it through. After this procedure, the coating will cease to shine and become rough, slightly cocky.

Next, you need to clean all the cracks and chips from dirt and dust, as well as clean their edges. All irregularities, if necessary, are rubbed with a special putty, which forms a single whole with the base of the panel, it also needs to be leveled with sandpaper.

After the surface has been treated and leveled, it must be wiped with a dry cloth and degreased with a chemical solvent that will displace and evaporate all water, wash away dust and dirt.

At the next stage, the top coat is primed with a special paint, which has a grainy texture and can be applied with compressed air or a simple brush. It can cover the surface in several layers, with intermediate grinding, until the required smoothness is achieved.

Next, the main paint is prepared, tinted and thoroughly mixed so that all the elements mix together. You can paint MDF panels manually or with a special pneumatic gun, but this will require a compressor unit and a moisture separator. The composition is applied with smooth movements in two layers: the first - across the main direction, the second - along the entire length of the part. Thus, the formation of smudges and influxes of paint is prevented.

The final stage will be the processing of the upper paper-wood layer of the panel with a transparent varnish. This procedure is not necessary, but after it is carried out, the surface of the MDF product becomes glossy, its top layer seems to be updated, and the appearance of the entire structure is restored.

For your information. It is important to observe the drying intervals of the elements between the layers of primer, paint and varnish, otherwise they will curl and crack, and you will have to carry out all the work again.

How to paint and update MDF panels

For MDF panels, you can use alkyd or acrylic enamel, but when choosing a paint, you should take into account the type of primer, the operating conditions of the panels, as well as the composition of the top layer. If it is laminated paper with a synthetic, slightly absorbent film, then it would be advisable to use acrylic or water-dispersion enamel. These materials are environmentally friendly and are perfect for interior painting indoors, while the surface of the panel will be updated, as well as additionally protected from the moisture of an aggressive external environment.

Thus, subject to the entire coloring technology, the question of whether it is possible to paint MDF panels becomes completely solvable at home.

MDF manufacturing technology came to our country from America thirty years after the start industrial production ocean material. For external work, plates are not used for several reasons.

1. High cost. There are many varieties of lumber that offer better performance at a lower cost.
2. Insufficient physical strength. In terms of resistance to dynamic and static loads, the slab does not meet the requirements of developers. It's easy to damage, but hard to replace.
3. Susceptibility to precipitation and temperature climatic conditions. There are options for moisture resistant boards, but they are not suitable for sheathing the outer surfaces of walls.

MDF board is used for the manufacture of furniture and interior wall cladding. It is these cases that we will talk about. Painting MDF facades will be considered only for closed rooms. Let us dwell separately on painting the facades of MDF furniture.

There is no need to list specific brands, and it is impossible to do so. We will only talk about the varieties and brief characteristics paints, taking into account the method of their manufacture. The specific type must be selected taking into account the operating conditions of the MDF board, design preferences and financial capabilities. The range in price and quality is quite large, there are plenty to choose from.

Paint type	Brief performance indicators
Water based	The most popular for painting large surfaces, have satisfactory performance characteristics, are completely safe for residents. They can be white and colored, for interior and exterior use.
Acrylic-silicone	Combine the advantages of acrylic and silicone paints, an environmentally friendly product. It inhibits the reproduction of microflora and mosses, has high rates of resistance to mechanical stress.
Silicone	They repel water, are not afraid of moisture and exposure to high temperatures. Surfaces are easily cleaned of dust and dirt. Due to the high elasticity, the thermal expansion of MDF boards is easily compensated.
Polyvinyl acetate	One of the cheapest, recommended for indoor use with minimal risk of damage. During use, the recommendations of the manufacturers should be strictly followed, otherwise delaminations appear.
Oily	Traditional dyes, in addition to giving a beautiful appearance to surfaces, effectively protect them from moisture penetration. Primers are recommended to improve adhesion.
Alkyd	They have a perfectly smooth surface, are made on the basis of alkyd enamels. Plastic, resistant to abrasion. The disadvantage is that under the influence of direct sunlight they quickly fade.

Before you buy paint, calculate the surface area and purchase materials with a margin. Consumption is specified by the manufacturer. If it is recommended to coat the surface with a primer before painting, do not simplify the work. Insufficient adhesion of the paint to the MDF board causes peeling. As a result - the need for expensive and time-consuming repairs.

Prices for different types of building paints for wood

Construction paint for wood

Types of varnishes for MDF

The technology of varnishing surfaces is much more complicated than working with paints, but the effect justifies all efforts. When choosing a particular varnish, it is necessary to take into account not only its properties and price, but also the place of application and operating conditions. The following types of varnishes can be used to cover MDF boards.

Lacquer type	Composition and brief characteristics
Alcoholic	They are made from ethyl alcohol and artificial resins. For the price they belong to the low category, the drying time, depending on the conditions and the thickness of the layer, is 20–30 minutes.
Alkyd-carbamide	Two-component compositions, characterized by increased strength. Composed of carbamide and alkyd resins, a hardener must be added before use. Differ in the increased durability and excellent gloss.
Epoxy	Two-component, increased impact resistance, can have a long contact with water. Used to cover MDF tables.
Polyester	Resistant to aggressive chemical compounds, excellent resistance to elevated temperatures. Multi-component varnishes based on polyester resin.
Nitrocellulose	The composition contains resins, plasticizers and solvents. They have high water resistance, are polished, mechanical strength is average.
Acrylic urethane	Diluted with water, safe for health, have increased adhesion to surfaces. They can stay in conditions of high temperatures and humidity for a long time.
Polyurethane	Produced in one, two and three-component. The full hardening time is up to two weeks, they are characterized by increased wear resistance, have a high coefficient of adhesion with all lumber.
Acrylic	Odorless, non-toxic, diluted with water. Prolonged contact with food is allowed. In terms of performance, they are average.

This information will help when choosing a brand of varnish, consider the maximum number of individual factors. Keep in mind that the appearance and service life of MDF facades largely depend on the quality of the composition.

Prices for various types of building varnishes for wood

Building varnishes for wood

Technology for painting furniture facades from MDF

Pretty complex work that requires care, skill and patience. They are made in several stages, each of which significantly affects the final quality. Painting facades is much faster and better done with an airbrush, if it is not there, use high-quality brushes with a soft, durable bristle.

The room should be at least + 20 ° C, if there are a lot of individual elements of the MDF facade, then think over the places for their drying: racks, supports, etc. In most cases, after painting the plates, it is recommended to varnish them, it protects the surfaces from damage, hides small flaws, significantly improves the design look. Varnishing is a complex process that requires special tools and equipment. How MDF boards are varnished, we will describe below, but for now we will focus on painting.

By what criteria to choose paint, we have already told. For furniture facades, we can only add that the color of the paint should take into account the purpose of the furniture and the intensity of its operation.

Step 1. Surface preparation. For furniture facades, in addition to cleaning from dust and degreasing surfaces, sanding with emery No. 150-180 should be done.

It is long and difficult to work manually, and it is almost impossible to achieve the desired quality. We recommend using a professional electric reciprocating surface grinder or a cylindrical grinder.

The edges are ground with special four-sided sponges. It is desirable to work in a respirator. When grinding, do not stop the tool in one place, it must always be in motion. One track must be overlapped by the next by at least a third of the width. You do not need to press the sanding paper hard, if problem areas remain on the surface, then it is better to walk over the entire area again, and not make a recess in one place.

practical advice. Any grinding is accompanied by a large amount of fine dust. Take all measures so that it does not fall into adjacent rooms.

Step 2 Thoroughly clean surfaces from dust. You can’t do with simple brushes, you definitely need a powerful vacuum cleaner or compressor. Check the condition of the parts, if there are sharp edges, remove them. The IMF does not have great strength, sharp corners will certainly crumble.

Step 3. Coat surfaces with primer. Experienced craftsmen It is recommended to use two types of primer, each twice. It is possible to prime with one primer without a break for drying, apply the first layer with horizontal movements of the spray gun, and the next immediately with vertical ones. Adjust the amount of primer, there should be no puddles on the surface. The first primer is used to prevent further absorption of materials, and the second to improve the adhesion coefficient between them. The second is applied only after the first primer has completely dried. Primer consumption per square meter is 80-100 grams.

Practical advice. It is very difficult for novice craftsmen to determine the flow rate by eye. To get the skill, we recommend taking a small piece of MDF, weighing it on an accurate scale. Coat with primer and immediately reweigh. Next, the area of ​​the sample is calculated and the increase in weight is determined. With the help of elementary mathematical calculations, the primer consumption is determined. Little - add more. Now remember how the MDF surface looks like, covered with an optimal layer, and in the future prime with the same amount.

We strongly recommend that you work only with a pneumatic sprayer, you will never achieve "factory" quality with a brush. A professional will always notice traces of villi. Moreover, the sun's rays fall on the furniture at different angles, and such lighting enhances all the shortcomings of the facial coverings. Immediately treat the ends of the structures with a primer.

If you need to paint the reverse side of the plate, then proceed to work only after the front has dried. The drying time is indicated by the manufacturer, but adjustments must be made to take into account the actual indoor climate.

Step 4 Start grinding the soil, use special sponges. If they are not available, take washcloths for washing dishes, on the reverse side they have glued scotch brite. This is a special material used for fine sanding, which not only levels the coating, but also leaves micro-scratches on the surface, which improve the adhesion of the next coating. Movements are arbitrary in various directions. Circular movements of the sponge are not recommended, only reciprocating.

Step 5 Blow off or vacuum any dust that has formed on the surface. It is very convenient to work with an airbrush for another reason - it can cut off the paint supply and use it to clean surfaces from dust like a compressor.

Step 6. Proceed to applying the second type of primer. It is predominantly white in color and improves the performance of the following coatings. It also needs to be primed twice, followed by sanding. Blow dust off the MDF again. The algorithm of actions is no different from the technology described above.

Step 7 The second layer of primer must be carefully sanded with electric tools with fine sandpaper. Do not rush, large flaws will already become noticeable on the finished product. If there is no experience with such machines, then we strongly advise you to practice on unnecessary pieces of MDF. You will learn with what force to press the sanding paper to the surface, how to move it quickly, how much MDF is removed in one pass, etc.

Step 8 Prepare your paint. The cooking technology is indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging.

Follow all recommendations. We have already mentioned that in order to work with an airbrush, the consistency must be more liquid. Immediately paint twice in transverse directions. You should already have hands-on experience in determining coating quality and paint quantity. Paint consumption ranges from 60–180 g.

After the coating has dried, you can start varnishing the surfaces. For furniture interiors, this is a mandatory step. The varnish not only serves as an additional and reliable protection, but also significantly improves the appearance of MDF products.

Lacquering MDF boards

We will describe how this is done below. But for quality, four main conditions must be observed:

• do not use cheap varnishes;
• strictly follow the technology;
• have necessary tools and equipment;
• have experience in complex painting work.

You will gain experience in performing such work and the ability to use tools during the priming and painting of products, it will already be much easier to work with varnish. You can determine the amount of varnish on the surface by eye, and the spray gun will “automatically” move in the right directions and at the optimal speed.

Step 1. According to the instructions, prepare the varnish, consumption is approximately 100-150 g per square meter.

Start varnishing from the ends of the MDF, due to this technology it is possible to minimize the number of areas with uneven thickness. Varnish that gets a little on the front surface does not pose a threat to the final quality.

After the first layer has dried, treat it with the finest abrasive. Professionals recommend using abrasive fiber No. 1200 according to the international classification. It can be purchased in specialized stores.

Step 2 Remove dust from the surface. Examine surfaces from various angles in a well-lit room. Everything is fine - cover the surface with a second layer of varnish. By the way, some facades are recommended to be varnished up to 0.5 mm thick, and for this you will have to increase the number of layers to five or more. At industrial enterprises, a different technology is used, where the varnish is immediately poured onto the surface of the required thickness, then the sheets are fed on a conveyor to the drying chambers. At home, this technology cannot be applied.

Step 3. The quality is satisfactory - proceed to fine grinding and polishing of the finishing layer. For fine sanding, use Velvet Nos. 1500, 2000 and 3000. Work the surface carefully but carefully with each number, removing dust periodically.

Practical advice. The quality of grinding will improve significantly if the surfaces are slightly moistened with water. The varnish will not overheat; during operation, microcracks do not form on the surface from the action of abrasive materials. Microcracks refract light rays, the surface becomes matte.

With each number, walk over the entire surface at least three to four times. The pressing force is somewhat less than when grinding the primer. Sanding takes a lot of time. If you are tired, it is better to move the work to the next day, and not stop completely.

Step 4 Polishing. For polishing, you need a special polishing paste and a perfectly even hard wheel. There are a lot of pasta, it's not a problem to choose. Review the recommendations and compare them to your individual conditions. Do not rush, constantly monitor the condition of the surfaces to the light.

If you have a fairly large amount of work, then we advise you to purchase special electric polishing machines. They not only speed up and facilitate the work, but also significantly improve the quality. Apply the polishing paste on the disc with a layer of about 1-2 mm, do not level it, during operation, the excess paste will independently be removed from under the disc and remain on the surface of the MDF. Further, as needed, the rotating disk itself captures the right amount of material.

As the last step, you can use rubbing surfaces with compounds that provide a mirror shine.

Prices for the range of polishing machines

Polishing machine

Painting facades of outbuildings from MDF

We mentioned that this material is not recommended for outer skin. But there are cases of its use for temporary decoration of the facade walls of small old summer cottages. This is what those owners do whose financial condition does not allow them to purchase new materials; for cladding the facades of outbuildings, they use various used Construction Materials, including MDF panels.

In order to increase the life of the structures, we recommend painting the outer surfaces. Do not skip the primer, the price of the material is available to all developers, it takes a little time to carry out the work, and the effect is obvious. Choose the type of primer according to the type of paint. On the packaging, the manufacturer indicates which primer to use. The primer is done twice, the brush or roller must move in perpendicular directions. If for some reason this cannot be achieved, then prime each layer at least at an angle. In addition to increasing adhesion, the primer reduces the consumption of expensive paints and prevents stains that appear from the base. You can paint with brushes of various sizes and rollers. But rollers alone are not enough, the joints must be carefully painted with brushes.

Step 1. Measure the surface area to be painted. Buy paint taking into account the area and consumption, do not buy paint "back to back", always have a supply of material. You will work more calmly, and the surplus will always be useful for the production of cosmetic repairs.

Step 2 Thoroughly clean the MDF surface from dust, it is advisable to use a vacuum cleaner. Dust particles can be noticeable on the surface of the paint, it is impossible to remove them later. You will have to completely repaint the plate.

Step 3 Get your paint and tools ready. If the material has been stored in a warehouse for a long time, then the composition should be thoroughly mixed before use. When painting the surface with a spray gun, the paint will have to be slightly diluted with a solvent. Which one to choose is written on the package. For a guarantee, you can first pour a small amount of paint into the solvent. If the paint has curled, the solvent is unsuitable.

Step 4 Dip a roller or brush into the paint and start painting the surfaces.

Can be applied with a brush or rollers

Practical advice. Move the brush from top to bottom, so you will see streaks of excess paint and eliminate them in a timely manner. If you paint the opposite, you will have to constantly return to the area previously covered with paint to eliminate streaks. You can not notice them or forget to return - a problem will arise. If the drips dry out, then the removal will take a long time. In some cases, they will have to be cut with a blade and correct the surface of the coating.

Step 5. Paint the junctions with a brush, make sure that there are no traces of villi. In the implementation, you can find low-quality paint brushes, their pile is weak. To avoid leaving it on the surface, rub the brush vigorously against any clean surface before use. Insufficiently fixed hairs will come out and will not create problems during staining.

Step 6. Let the first coat dry, the time depends on the characteristics of the paint. Professional painters do not advise drying with open windows - dust gets into the room and sticks to the paint surface.

Step 7 If the quality of one layer is unsatisfactory, apply a second one. The technology is the same.

While painting surfaces, you can draw various patterns and ornaments. To do this, first draw the contour lines with a pencil. Each color must be pre-pasted with masking tape.

Prices for paint sprayers

Airbrush

How to remove old paintwork

Removing the paintwork is not so easy, a lot depends on its composition and your capabilities. Consider three ways to clean MDF surfaces.

1. Mechanical. Coatings are removed with a metal brush or spatula. The work is very difficult and not always effective. In this way, only very old peeled coatings can be removed, and even then not from the entire surface. It is much easier to use various electric grinders with coarse abrasive material. We warn that there will be a lot of dust, take measures so that it does not fall into adjacent rooms. For respiratory protection, you need to use respirators or masks. Sandpaper will clog quickly and will need to be changed frequently.

   

   

2. Thermal. The paint layer is heated with a building hair dryer (an ordinary one is not suitable!), The coating softens and is removed with a spatula much easier. The disadvantage is that not everyone has a building hair dryer, and buying it for small-scale work is not economically viable.

   

   

3. Chemical. Various solvents are sold in specialized stores. Surfaces are wetted with them and left for several hours. Practical advice. To enhance the effect of the chemical preparation, it is recommended to cover the area to be treated with plastic wrap after soaking, seal the edges with adhesive tape. Next, soft coatings are removed with a spatula. You need to work only on the street, some compounds are very aggressive. Respiratory protection is mandatory. If necessary, the procedure is repeated several times.

   

   

Regardless of the method of removing old coatings, the MDF surface must be sanded before a new painting, there will always be traces of a brush or spatula. In addition, not all areas of the coating can be removed manually.

Prices for different types of paint removers

Paint remover

To paint MDF wall cladding with rollers, buy them with a fine pile. Such rollers leave fewer traces, the paint lays down more evenly and has time to level out during the drying time.

The longer the paint dries, the more marriage it can hide on its own. Quick-drying materials do not provide such an advantage, the surface dries quickly and is poorly leveled.

Absolutely all MDF boards emit chemical compounds into the air. The notorious "environmental friendliness" depends only on their quantity. In various countries, sanitary control authorities set their own acceptable standards. What is considered harmful to some, is accepted by others as environmentally friendly and allowed to be used. The amount of harmful compounds released can be minimized by deep impregnation. This is another reason not to abandon this operation while painting MDF.

If problem areas were found on the surface after the work was completed, then they can be hidden with overhead decorative elements. Now on sale big choice drawings on self-adhesive polyethylene film. With them you will not only hide your marriage, but give the surfaces a beautiful exclusive look.

Pile on MDF boards does not rise, only natural wood has this drawback. When choosing paints and varnishes, pay attention to this feature. By the way, coatings that do not raise the pile during drying are much more expensive than ordinary ones, do not overpay money for unnecessary properties.

Video - Technology for painting wooden houses