Priming/painting MDF shelves

Discussion in 'Painters' Talk' started by EmLucy, Nov 15, 2019.

  1. EmLucy

    EmLucy New Member

    Hi, I’m making some MDF shelves that’re 18mm thick. I’ve been told different things about priming them before I paint with a grey emulsion. Some people have said PVA, a few layers of spare white emulsion, any normal primer/undercoat or a specific MDF one and I’m not sure what to use? Thanks
     
  2. Hans_25

    Hans_25 Screwfix Select

    Do not use PVA, its the work of the devil. Zinsser BIN is good



    You might also try the spray version!

     
    KIAB likes this.
  3. EmLucy

    EmLucy New Member

    Thanks for the reply! I’m trying to do this as cheap as possible so any alternatives to this product??
     
  4. Hans_25

    Hans_25 Screwfix Select

    There are always alternatives, but question is are they any good.

    You could use an MDF primer https://www.johnstonestrade.com/product/mdf-primer

    Or try a standard acrylic primer/undercoat.

    Or simply a mist coat of your grey emulsion (mist = slightly watered down 10-20%)
     
  5. KIAB

    KIAB Super Member

  6. Hans_25

    Hans_25 Screwfix Select

    That's a decent option KIAB posted, I'd suggest you use a primer suited to the job. I've used Leyland acrylic primer and that went on nicely.
     
  7. KIAB

    KIAB Super Member

    Leyland Trade Acrylic Primer Undercoat superb product,it's also recommended for mdf on Leyland's site,works out cheaper to use if you have a lot of shelves to paint.

    https://leylandtrade.com/products/interior-trim-primer/Acrylic-Primer-Undercoat

    https://www.screwfix.com/p/leyland-trade-acrylic-primer-undercoat-2-5ltr/64719
     
  8. Astramax

    Astramax Super Member

    Do it once, do it right.;)
     
    Hans_25 and KIAB like this.
  9. DIYDave.

    DIYDave. Screwfix Select


    I really like this primer, good opacity, plenty of 'body', good price, water based, quick drying, no smell, and its great on MDF

    I've painted a far bit of MDF with this primer, 4" foam roller, either lay off with a brush or roll slowly and this leaves a faint stipple effect, can leave like this or flat off with P180 paper, 2 coats on mdf faces gives a solid white surface to then paint over. Can use 'high density' foam rollers and these leave less stipple than the soft white foam (tend to be black foam the ones I've got, Prodec I think)

    MDF edges take a bit more work as water in the paint causes the wood fibres to swell up and cut surface goes 'fluffy'. So prime, allow to dry, sand down, repeat 2/3 times more, sounds like effort but not too bad, primer dries in around an hour and just light hand sanding, brush down, next coat on

    As the primer is fairly thick, it kinda acts like a micro filler which after several coats and sanding, leaves a totally smooth edge ready for finish paint

    Best to give a light hand sand P180 between every coat, primer and top coats then dust down, hoover, and or tack cloths for a great finish
     
    Hans_25 and KIAB like this.

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