Finish MDF

Medium density fiberboard or MDF is an inexpensive product that is composed of wood fiber that is subjected to pressure and heat as a means of creating sections of wood that can be used in a number of building projects, such as building lightweight shelving, tables and even kitchen cabinets. MDF can be finished in any number of ways to help the pieces work well in a variety of settings. Best of all, the task of finishing the wood product can be accomplished with relatively little time or effort.

Steps

1. Prepare the MDF for finishing. This is accomplished by sanding the surface to make sure it is perfectly smooth. Use clean cloths to remove any type of residue left on the surface after the product has been sanded or handled as part of the construction of the counter, cabinet or table. The idea is to remove any dust or other residue that would cause a bubbling or crackling appearance to the finish once it is applied
2. Determine the type of finish desired. Typically, this involves considering what type of finish will allow the piece to blend into the room where it will be positioned. In some instances, painting will make it possible to pick up 1 or more of the colors in the space and incorporate the piece into the room with greater ease. For rooms with a lot of exposed and varnished wood, the application of a wood stain to the MDF may be a better option.
3. Initiate the finishing process. If painting, apply a coat of primer to the surface of the MDF, as this will help the paint to adhere. Once the primer is dry, begin the painting. For staining, dip a clean cloth into the stain and wipe it over the surface of the MDF, taking care to follow the pattern of the compressed wood product. In both cases, make sure the top coat is even and the appearance is uniform.
4. Apply the sealant. Once the stain or paint has dried, use a clear sealant or lacquer to protect the appearance of the finished MDF. Doing so will help inhibit scratching that would damage the look of the piece. Make sure the sealant is applied evenly across the surface and allow it to dry before moving the piece into position.

Tips

• While MDF is inexpensive and lightweight in comparison to natural wood, the product can also be very strong. This makes it ideal for the creation of small pieces of furniture for use in children's rooms and other applications throughout the house. Since the look of good quality MDF is similar to that of treated wood, it is possible to use the product successfully in a number of home projects.
• Always make sure that the finishing is conducted in a space equipped with plenty of ventilation, preferably windows and doors that can be opened to allow a steady current of air through the room. Depending on the type of stain used, wearing a face mask may be a good idea.

Things You'll Need

• Sandpaper
• Primer and Paint
• Paint Brushes
• Stain
• Clean Cloths
• Sealant or Lacquer

Sources and Citations

• http://www.painting-ideas-techniques.com/primingmdf.html
• http://www.woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Finishing_MDF.html

See also

• Design, Build, and Finish a Woodworking Project
• Prepare Rough Sawn Timber for Woodworking
• Square a Piece of Lumber
• Varathane a Table
• Fumigate Wood
• Maintain a Wood Cutting Board
• Inlay Wood
• Build a Garage Work Bench
• Build a Saw Horse
• Build a Gallows

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