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How to Paint MDF Download Article Co-authored by Patrick Coye
Last Updated: October 15, 2025 References
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Sanding the Surface
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Priming the Surface
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Applying the Paint
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Video
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Expert Q&A
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Warnings
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Things You'll Need
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This article was co-authored by Patrick Coye. Patrick Coye is the owner and operator of Patrick’s Painting & Home Improvement in Alexandria, Virginia. With over 15 years of experience in residential construction, Patrick specializes in painting, wallpaper removal/installation, drywall, staining decks and fences, and kitchen cabinetry painting. To date, Patrick and his team have painted over 2,000 houses and stained over 800 decks. Patrick's Company won a "Top Job" award from the American Painting contractor magazine in 2020. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 102,060 times.
MDF is a popular building material made from wooden fibers that have been compressed and then sealed with wax and resin.[1]XResearch source Because of this, MDF is strong and resilient, but it doesn’t absorb water well. This will negatively impact the finish of water based paints. Applying joint compound to the edges of your MDF and sanding its surface thoroughly will improve your finish. After that, all you need to do is prime and paint, and your MDF will have a brand new paint job.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 3:
Sanding the Surface
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1 Apply joint compound to the edges of the MDF board. By coating the porous edges of the MDF with joint or drywall compound, you’ll create a smooth edge. With your clean finger or an applicator, like a putty knife, apply a thin, even layer of the compound to all edges on the MDF.[2]XResearch source
Your compound application doesn’t have to be perfect. After the compound dries, you’ll sand it so the finish is smooth and even.
2 Sand the edges after the compound dries. Allow the compound to dry completely. The time this takes should be listed on the joint compound’s label instructions. When dry, put on a mask and googles. Use a medium grit silicon-carbide sandpaper, like 220-grit. Use light to moderate pressure to sand the areas with compound until it is smooth and even.[3]XResearch source
Sanding the joint compound should create a fine dust. Use a clean rag to wipe all dust away. Do this carefully; any leftover dust will negatively impact the finish of your paint job.[4]XResearch source
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3 Sand the remainder of the MDF board. With your dust mask and protective goggles still on, use a fine grit sandpaper, like one rated 120-grit, to lightly sand all the surfaces you will paint on the MDF board. Sanding will produce fine wood dust.
4 Clean the MDF. Use a clean rag to wipe away dust and any other dirtiness from the MDF. If your MDF is especially dirty, you may need to dampen your rag with water. However, if you do, you’ll need to allow your MDF to dry completely before moving on in the painting process.
For MDF that is particularly dusty, use a vacuum to suck up any that remains following your rag wipe down.
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Priming the Surface
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1 Apply primer to the MDF. Take your paintbrush and dip it into the primer. Wipe excess primer onto the inner lip of the paint can. Using long, overlapping strokes, cover the surfaces of your MDF that you will paint with primer. Apply the primer in a thin coat.[5]XResearch source
The edges of MDF can be difficult to finish smoothly and professionally. Be sure you prime the edges completely. Corners of edges can be easily missed.
After applying your first layer of primer, in many cases it may not even appear as though you’ve barely primed. The first layer of primer is often thin enough for you to clearly see the original finish through it.[6]XResearch source
Note that most of the MDF already comes primed, in which case you won't need to prime it.[7]X Expert Source Patrick CoyePainting SpecialistExpert Interview
However, pre-primed MDF becomes simple pressed wood when it gets wet, so you might want to use something else.[8]X Expert Source Patrick CoyePainting SpecialistExpert Interview
2 Coat the MDF in a solvent based primer, alternatively. A solvent based primer, like oil-, alcohol-, or lacquer-based ones, will not be as drastically affected by the MDF’s poor water absorption. Dip your brush into the primer and wipe excess off on the inner lip of its can. Apply a thin, even layer of primer with long, overlapping strokes.[9]XResearch source
When you finish priming, the primer will likely look thin. You may be able to clearly see the original finish through the primer. This is completely natural.
With a solvent based primer, one layer should be enough to improve the finish of your paint. However, for best results, use two or three thin layers of primer. Allow the primer to dry and lightly sand it between applications.[10]XResearch source
3 Sand the MDF after priming. Wait the time indicated on your primer usage instructions until the primer is dry. When sanding primer, use gentle pressure with your fine-grit sandpaper. When you are finished, the surface should be silky to the touch. Wipe dust from sanding away with a clean rag.[11]XResearch source
The primer may lighten in color when sanding, but should still be visible. Using too much force with your sandpaper will strip the primer away. In this case, you’ll have to replace the stripped layer of primer.
Sanding will smooth the outer layer of the primer. This will help subsequent layers that will be added later to adhere to the initial primer layer smoothly.[12]XResearch source
4 Add two more coats of primer. In the fashion previously described, continue to prime your MDF until it has three coats total. Alternate between priming and sanding. Remember to wipe down the MDF with a clean rag after sanding. [13]XResearch source
Multiple thin layers of primer will form a stronger, more professional looking finish than one thick layer or several thick layers.[14]XResearch source
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Applying the Paint
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1 Paint the MDF with a water based paint. Open your paint and prepare it according to its instructions. In most cases, this will involve stirring the paint. Once open, dip your paintbrush into the can. Wipe excess paint on the inner lip of the can. Use long, overlapping strokes to apply the paint to the MDF.[15]XResearch source
If using a roller to apply paint to your MDF, use one with low nap. “Nap” refers to the fuzziness of the roller.[16]XResearch source
For the best looking and most resilient finish, use two to three thin layers of paint. In between applications, allow the paint to dry completely according to its usage directions.[17]XResearch source
2 Use a solvent based paint, alternatively. A paint that is oil-, alcohol-, or lacquer based can be used in place of one that is water based. After primer has been suitably applied, both water and solvent bases should adhere to the surface. Apply the paint in the fashion previously described for water based paint.
3 Allow the paint to dry and enjoy your finished MDF. Your paint should list a recommended drying time in its label instructions. A single layer of paint may be enough to satisfactorily coat your MDF.
Although one coat may be sufficient, two to three thin coats will create a stronger, more polished finish. Allow the paint to dry completely between applications.[18]XResearch source
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Question What paint can I use on MDF? Patrick Coye Painting Specialist Patrick Coye is the owner and operator of Patrick’s Painting & Home Improvement in Alexandria, Virginia. With over 15 years of experience in residential construction, Patrick specializes in painting, wallpaper removal/installation, drywall, staining decks and fences, and kitchen cabinetry painting. To date, Patrick and his team have painted over 2,000 houses and stained over 800 decks. Patrick's Company won a "Top Job" award from the American Painting contractor magazine in 2020. Patrick Coye Painting Specialist Expert Answer If the MDF comes primed, you won't need to prime it. Otherwise, you can topcoat it with whatever paint you choose. It's simply another paintable surface. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1
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Warnings
Urea formaldehyde is commonly used in the making of MDF board. This substance is harmful to humans, and can cause you harm if it gets in your lungs, eyes, and so on. To prevent harm, wear a face mask and googles when sanding MDF board. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Things You’ll Need
220-grit silicon-carbide sandpaper
Clean rag
Face mask
Goggles
Joint compound (or drywall compound)
Paint (either water or solvent based)
Paintbrush (x2)
Sandpaper (120 grit)
Solvent based primer (optional)
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Co-authored by: Patrick Coye Painting Specialist This article was co-authored by Patrick Coye. Patrick Coye is the owner and operator of Patrick’s Painting & Home Improvement in Alexandria, Virginia. With over 15 years of experience in residential construction, Patrick specializes in painting, wallpaper removal/installation, drywall, staining decks and fences, and kitchen cabinetry painting. To date, Patrick and his team have painted over 2,000 houses and stained over 800 decks. Patrick's Company won a "Top Job" award from the American Painting contractor magazine in 2020. This article has been viewed 102,060 times. 18 votes - 95% Co-authors: 10Updated: October 15, 2025 Views: 102,060 Categories: Painting WoodArticle SummaryX
To paint MDF, start by coating the edges with joint compound and sanding it down, which will help the finish look smoother. Then, use water or solvent-based paint to paint your MDF with long, overlapping brush strokes. Next, allow the paint to dry, then add a second or third coat until you’re happy with the finish. Make sure to let each coat dry completely before applying the next one for the best results. For tips on how to sand down your MDF before priming it, keep reading!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Patrick Coye Painting Specialist Co-authors: 10Updated: October 15, 2025 Views: 102,06095% of readers found this article helpful. 18 votes - 95% Click a star to add your vote
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Co-authored by: Patrick Coye Painting Specialist This article was co-authored by Patrick Coye. Patrick Coye is the owner and operator of Patrick’s Painting & Home Improvement in Alexandria, Virginia. With over 15 years of experience in residential construction, Patrick specializes in painting, wallpaper removal/installation, drywall, staining decks and fences, and kitchen cabinetry painting. To date, Patrick and his team have painted over 2,000 houses and stained over 800 decks. Patrick's Company won a "Top Job" award from the American Painting contractor magazine in 2020. This article has been viewed 102,060 times. 18 votes - 95% Co-authors: 10 Updated: October 15, 2025 Views: 102,060 Categories: Painting Wood Article SummaryX
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1 Apply joint compound to the edges of the MDF board. By coating the porous edges of the MDF with joint or drywall compound, you’ll create a smooth edge. With your clean finger or an applicator, like a putty knife, apply a thin, even layer of the compound to all edges on the MDF.[2] 
2 Sand the edges after the compound dries. Allow the compound to dry completely. The time this takes should be listed on the joint compound’s label instructions. When dry, put on a mask and googles. Use a medium grit silicon-carbide sandpaper, like 220-grit. Use light to moderate pressure to sand the areas with compound until it is smooth and even.[3] 
3 Sand the remainder of the MDF board. With your dust mask and protective goggles still on, use a fine grit sandpaper, like one rated 120-grit, to lightly sand all the surfaces you will paint on the MDF board. Sanding will produce fine wood dust. 
4 Clean the MDF. Use a clean rag to wipe away dust and any other dirtiness from the MDF. If your MDF is especially dirty, you may need to dampen your rag with water. However, if you do, you’ll need to allow your MDF to dry completely before moving on in the painting process. 
1 Apply primer to the MDF. Take your paintbrush and dip it into the primer. Wipe excess primer onto the inner lip of the paint can. Using long, overlapping strokes, cover the surfaces of your MDF that you will paint with primer. Apply the primer in a thin coat.[5] 
2 Coat the MDF in a solvent based primer, alternatively. A solvent based primer, like oil-, alcohol-, or lacquer-based ones, will not be as drastically affected by the MDF’s poor water absorption. Dip your brush into the primer and wipe excess off on the inner lip of its can. Apply a thin, even layer of primer with long, overlapping strokes.[9] 
3 Sand the MDF after priming. Wait the time indicated on your primer usage instructions until the primer is dry. When sanding primer, use gentle pressure with your fine-grit sandpaper. When you are finished, the surface should be silky to the touch. Wipe dust from sanding away with a clean rag.[11] 
4 Add two more coats of primer. In the fashion previously described, continue to prime your MDF until it has three coats total. Alternate between priming and sanding. Remember to wipe down the MDF with a clean rag after sanding. [13] 
1 Paint the MDF with a water based paint. Open your paint and prepare it according to its instructions. In most cases, this will involve stirring the paint. Once open, dip your paintbrush into the can. Wipe excess paint on the inner lip of the can. Use long, overlapping strokes to apply the paint to the MDF.[15] 
2 Use a solvent based paint, alternatively. A paint that is oil-, alcohol-, or lacquer based can be used in place of one that is water based. After primer has been suitably applied, both water and solvent bases should adhere to the surface. Apply the paint in the fashion previously described for water based paint. 
3 Allow the paint to dry and enjoy your finished MDF. Your paint should list a recommended drying time in its label instructions. A single layer of paint may be enough to satisfactorily coat your MDF. 
Patrick Coye Painting Specialist Patrick Coye is the owner and operator of Patrick’s Painting & Home Improvement in Alexandria, Virginia. With over 15 years of experience in residential construction, Patrick specializes in painting, wallpaper removal/installation, drywall, staining decks and fences, and kitchen cabinetry painting. To date, Patrick and his team have painted over 2,000 houses and stained over 800 decks. Patrick's Company won a "Top Job" award from the American Painting contractor magazine in 2020.