Once the MDF has had a light sand, you can apply a second coat of primer as evenly as possible, creating a final base that is ready to be painted. While this seems like a long-winded process, the preparation that goes into painting is what sets apart good results and perfect results. Step 4: Painting It’s not only the sheen and colour of your paint that matters, but also the type of solvent the paint is composed of. There are two main types of paint solvents, water and oil.

Water-based paint also known as latex or acrylic paint is a paint which uses water as the primary carrier. Water-based paint is the most common type of paint and is considered more environmentally friendly because it emits lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during application and drying in comparison to traditional oil-based paints. It is worth noting that you can still paint over the sealer if you change your mind, but if you are going to paint, you’ll be better off using a coloured sealer/primer. It has a thin consistency which means that you typically only need one coat to seal your MDF, which will be touch dry within 30 minutes. If it needs another coat you’ll have to wait for a couple of hours before you can apply.For arts and crafts, there are no specific paint product recommendations, opt for flexible acrylics over oil-based paints. Oil-based paints can cause MDF swelling and damage. Instead, choose water-based acrylics that remain elastic when dry. Seal the MDF with PVA Glue: You can seal MDF surfaces with thin layers of PVA (white or carpenter's) glue. Most PVA-based carpentry glues require dilution with water to get a thin sealing layer on your MDF (which can cause the MDF to swell). Thin, acid neutral PVA glues designed for paper and bookbinding work well if applied with a roller, spreader or spray bottle designed to work with thinner glues. Some brands of PVA as a primer may continue to be slightly 'rubbery' under paint coatings and will not withstand wear as well as paint applied over solvent based primers. By using Primer, Acrylic and Enamel paint in combination you can achieve a durable finish on your MDF project that lasts a lifetime. Oil-based paints are a more traditional option, they can have higher levels of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions during application and drying, which can have a negative effect on the environment. Cleaning oil-based paint is also difficult and requires the use of harsh chemicals. It can also take longer to dry than water-based paint. Advantages of oil-based paint It’s easy to test your colour ideas in the kitchen before you commit to the final choice. Buy a selection of Dulux paint tester pots online or from your local hardware store. Paint pieces of A4 lining paper, wait for them to dry to see the true colour and hang them up on your cupboards to find out how they suit your space.

use them in bathrooms and kitchens and won’t have to tip-toe around the house for too long after applying. Advantages of water-based paint Primers are essential first. They seal the porous MDF surface to prevent uneven paint absorption and swelling. Primers create a uniform base layer and improve adhesion for the next layer of paint.After you have primed and sealed the MDF, it is time to prepare the full surface for painting. Ensuring that you are wearing protective goggles and a mask, sand down the full MDF surface with a light key sandpaper (such as 120-grit). Step 3: Priming RONSEAL ONE COAT MELAMINE & MDF It claims to use only one coat for full coverage. The Ronseal also guarantees that it doesn’t need a primer before the paint as it contains such properties that make sure to give smooth finished results. Firstly, if the MDF has dirt or grime on it, this must cleaned before we begin priming and painting. A universal cleaner such as Zinsser Universal Degreaser & Cleaner can be used, which is then wiped down with a cloth ensuring that no residue is left. There’s no doubt that renovating a kitchen often feels like a daunting, let alone expensive, task. For one thing, where do you start? Rather than agonising over new, pricey appliances, look to the fixtures you already have. Painting kitchen cabinets is often all it takes to transform your cooking space into a place worthy of those feasts you love to whip up.