How and with what paint do I paint MDF?

MDF is used more often than you think! You find it in kitchen cabinets, TV furniture, skirting boards and even in your bathroom. MDF boards are easy to work with and hard-wearing, but unfortunately they tend to have a dull, brown or sometimes even green colour. Don't panic: with the help of this blog post, you will learn how to get completely rid of that dull colour! Moreover, we also give you some colour inspiration and a few tips & tricks for a perfect final result.

STEP 1: Good preparation is half the battle

To carry out your paint project quickly and effectively, we recommend gathering all the necessary materials before you start painting. First and foremost, you'll obviously need a good brush and felt paint roller. In addition, a stirring stick and a paint tray can't be missing either. Cover surfaces or walls that shouldn't be painted with tape or covering foil.

Once you have all your materials ready and covered, you can start preparing the MDF boards. Degrease the surface with a good degreaser and let it dry. Are there any bumps or holes in a board? Fill them with an MDF filler, let it dry well and then slightly sand the entire surface with sandpaper. Don't forget the edges. Finally, dust the surface thoroughly with a soft brush.

Useful tools

ProGold Flat Brush 7530 Classic

Size: 1,5" / 3,8 cm

Variants from €3.75

From €4.55

Bestseller

Progold Paint Roller Felt

Size: 10 cm | Type: Standard

Variants from €1.75

From €2.65

Progold Paint Bin

Size: Large - 25 x 32 cm

Variants from €0.85

From €1.55

3M Golden Masking Tape 244

From €5.45

View product

ProGold Beige Masking Tape with Foil

From €5.95

View product

Berdy Clearline - Degreaser

Content: 5 l

Variants from €9.95

From €34.95

Polyfilla - Mdf Vuller

Content: 330 g

From €7.51

Progold Sandpaper

Grit: Grit 180 | Quantity: 1 piece

From €1.15

ProGold Dusting Brush Half Moon

Quantity: 1 piece

From €7.25

Useful tools

ProGold Flat Brush 7530 Classic

Size: 1,5" / 3,8 cm

Variants from €3.75

From €4.55

Bestseller

Progold Paint Roller Felt

Size: 10 cm | Type: Standard

Variants from €1.75

From €2.65

Progold Paint Bin

Size: Large - 25 x 32 cm

Variants from €0.85

From €1.55

3M Golden Masking Tape 244

From €5.45

View product

ProGold Beige Masking Tape with Foil

From €5.95

View product

Berdy Clearline - Degreaser

Content: 5 l

Variants from €9.95

From €34.95

Polyfilla - Mdf Vuller

Content: 330 g

From €7.51

Progold Sandpaper

Grit: Grit 180 | Quantity: 1 piece

From €1.15

ProGold Dusting Brush Half Moon

Quantity: 1 piece

From €7.25

STEP 2: Apply primer

MDF tends to absorb a lot of paint. Therefore, apply Sikkens Rubbol BL Primer to the corners and edges with a brush. Then paint the larger surfaces with a roller. Use the same technique as when painting an interior wall: Paint horizontally and vertically.

Be careful! You can only paint over this primer after five hours. If you are going to use a different primer, check the technical data sheet. Always wait long enough to avoid streaks.

STEP 3: Start painting

Now that you have prepped the MDF boards, you can start painting. What kind of lacquer you use for the final coat is up to you. For kitchen cabinets, skirting boards and doors, we recommend Sikkens Rubbol BL Rezisto Satin or Matt. For surfaces you don't touch much, Sikkens Rubbol BL Satura is perfect. Make sure the paint is well stirred before you start. First paint the edges and corners with a brush and then the larger surfaces with a paint roller. Be sure to go over the areas you previously painted with the brush with the roller for an even result.

It's also important to apply two coats of the finishing coat. We recommend sanding the first coat lightly and dusting it well. As with the primer, wait long enough before applying a second coat to avoid streaking.

STEP 3: Start painting

What colour do I choose for my MDF?

Do you prefer a peaceful interior? Then paint your (kitchen) cabinets or TV furniture the same colour as the walls. For modern interiors, RAL 9010 is often chosen, as are RAL 9005 and Stone. Painting your furniture and walls the same colour creates one big surface and makes a room appear optically larger. You might be thinking ‘Everything in the same colour, that's boring, isn't it?’ Nothing could be further from the truth! Decorate your cupboard, for example, with some accessories in a contrasting colour and you'll soon want to do the trick throughout your home!

Are your kitchen and furniture real showpieces and therefore you want to highlight them? Then you can go for a striking colour. Think pink and blue walls or a orange table and white walls. No matter how crazy you think of it, anything is possible! You'll find colour inspiration galore in our Kitschen blog post

What colour do I choose for my MDF?

Stone

Flamant

R4.14.79

Sikkens

Dream

Histor

Stone

Flamant

R4.14.79

Sikkens

Dream

Histor

Tips & tricks for painting MDF

Remove the masking tape when the paint is still slightly wet. This ensures that no paint comes into contact with it.
First run the roller over the masking tape to remove lint from the roller. This will prevent lint from getting into your paintwork!
MDF tends to curl if you paint only one side. Therefore, preferably paint both sides.
Use adapted paint brushes and paint rollers to paint MDF. A felt roller with small bristles is suitable for painting large areas, while paint brushes with synthetic bristles are ideal for finer paintwork.
For indoors, choose a water-based paint. That way you can easily wash out your tools afterwards with water.

Remove the masking tape when the paint is still slightly wet. This ensures that no paint comes into contact with it.

First run the roller over the masking tape to remove lint from the roller. This will prevent lint from getting into your paintwork!

MDF tends to curl if you paint only one side. Therefore, preferably paint both sides.

Use adapted paint brushes and paint rollers to paint MDF. A felt roller with small bristles is suitable for painting large areas, while paint brushes with synthetic bristles are ideal for finer paintwork.

For indoors, choose a water-based paint. That way you can easily wash out your tools afterwards with water.

Do you have any questions? Then feel free to contact our experts. Looking for extra inspiration? Then be sure to check out one of our other blog posts! 👇

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Looking for even more inspiration or tips & tricks for your painting project? Then take a look at one of our other blog posts!

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How and with what paint do I paint MDF?

STEP 1: Good preparation is half the battle

STEP 1: Good preparation is half the battle

STEP 2: Apply primer

STEP 3: Start painting

STEP 3: Start painting

What colour do I choose for my MDF?

What colour do I choose for my MDF?

Stone

R4.14.79

Dream

Stone

R4.14.79

Dream

Tips & tricks for painting MDF

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