MDF Primer

Discussion in 'Carpenters' Talk' started by Jon1122, Jul 31, 2014.

  1. Jon1122

    Jon1122 New Member

    I have made a few units for hiding pipes away in the bathroom. From reading up, it would suggest that I will need some form of primer. Can I use pva:water (50:50) or not? If not, what can I use on a budget scale as I have only 3 fairly smallish units to prime.

    Thanks.
     
    thelockman likes this.
  2. NOT PVA!

    You could use matt emulsion paint.

    Expect end 'grain' in particular to raise, but just give it a couple of coats (allowing each to fully dry) before sanding down absolutely flat (doesn't matter if you go back down to the bare MDF in places) using - ooh - 180 grit, and then apply further coat(s).

    Is matt emulsion the final finish you are after anyway? If so, job done. If not, then all other paints will go over this.
     
  3. Jon1122

    Jon1122 New Member

    Will that make the units waterproof? One of the units is below the sink and one is behind the toilet, but the shower is to the right of it.

    Would a varnish work well as a final finish?
     
  4. Hmmm, emulsion paint certainly won't make it waterproof...

    That will come down to whatever final coating you use. 'Varnish' isn't actually any better for this than any other proper top chosen for this purpose, but it would have to be a decent one - probably-oil-based - and applied carefully leaving no gaps.

    There may also be some specialist primers that will help here - BIN products, for instance - but that's beyond my knowledge.

    So, hold off the emulsion at the moment, and wait for the pros!

    'Waterproofing' MDF is a slightly different question to just 'priming' it.
     

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