that was too much unecesary work if painting mdf doors or cabinets do two coats of bin primer sanding with 320 or 400 in between coats completly remove all dust by vacuming and tack cloath then apply two coats of water/urathane based paint sanding with 400 grit sand paper youll get the best finish ever
First and foremost, thank you! This is by far the best outcome I’ve yet to see on You Tube. That said, I’ve been researching this topic for the past few months and I’ve seen a LOT of people mention using BIN Primer and even more people recommending using a glue/water ratio. Perhaps this could be an idea for a future vid? One final comparison using the two mentioned above with the sanding sealer? Unless you’ve already tried them all and you’d like to share your input? Also, will this work with chalk paint? I’m not worried about brush strokes. Luckily I’ve got avoiding those down to a science. My main concern is whether or not the sanding sealer & chalk paint will be compatible. Thanks again for taking the time to demonstrate this for us.
I have used watrerbased sanding sealer and it works perfectly without problem. And as a suggestion you should use a wet paint coat, you are getting that ugly orange skin texture on all your boards and the color look inconsistent at least on the glossy.
I usually sand, seal, paint on the primer, sand finely once more (maybe go for 2 layers of primer in total) and end it off with the topcoat in a spray can. (it's a lot cheaper!!)
I enjoyed your video. This helped me decide how to paint my doll house made of mdf and carton. I used a paint that was oil based and had the primer in it. Thanks for your help.
I get a better result with 1k water based. First Sand it with 240 grit, clean the mdf, put primer coat on, sand it, again primer coat and sand it, then spray paint 1k water based paint with a compressor. Professional finish with a lower cost than spray cans.
Did you use dark primer because you painted them black or for another reason. I just seen the video in time as I was breaking my head how to paint MDF and get a gloss finish. Thanks.
Brother anything brush related is a no brainer. I’m a furniture finisher by trade. All you need to do to prep is sand with 180 grit. Mix you’re polyester 200ml acetone to 1 litre of polyester and 20ml of the gardener and spray that shit on
After watching several videos about painting MDF, this is the one that made the most sense to me. I had the last three steps, but was trying to figure out what to do first. I will be using a brush and sealer for the first step. Thanks.
I actually did use minwax 'water-based' sanding sealer as the first step and it worked really well. After scoff sanding, I then shake canned zinnzer primer, did a 400 grit knockdown, then top coat. I did do a lot of sanding (caveat- if you don't want to sand, then you really don't want to paint...do you?), but with sealer in place, I was able to manage the finish I was seeking.
@@krissymichele I don't remember exactly why, maybe because I live in a small town and the minwax water-based sealer was the only thing available. It worked really well however on the DIY speaker build that I did. The water-based sealer did raise the fibers of the MDF a little bit, but after a few coats and sanding it was fine. The Zinnzer primer took care of the rest and I really recommend using Zinnzer as the primer. You can't see any seems or cut edges on my finished speakers.
I've used water based primer and water based top coat on all our MDF cabinets and NEVER had a problem with raised grain, I prime it let it dry 3 or 4 hours then lightly hand sand with 150 grit sandpaper wipe down and brush and roll 1st top coat, let dry 3 or 4 more hours , skip the sanding (because the grain is totally sealed) and apply finish coat. It is total b.s. that you cannot use water based paints on MDF.
So happy to find your channel. My question is with TGE sanding sealer, did you use satin, gloss or Semi gloss ? Im making my list and want to pick some up.. Thank you
Hi David great video. I'm planning to paint my mdf kitchen soon. Just a quick question on the last image with all the boards, are they just the different stages or did you use different primer each time. Like should I go for a lacquer sanding sealer (2 coats) then a primer and then 2 coats of my chosen paint?
Thanks so much for making this video. I made some lamp bases with mdf and I used Polyshades to coat them, and the sides came out TERRIBLE. I didn't know that even with all the sanding I did before painting, that the sides would look so bad. I never used mdf before so I didn't know that this would happen. So I'm really happy I found your video because Im going to sand them down again and put the Sanding Sealer on. Hopefully they will be ok and the sealer with still work, I don't want to throw them away and start over. One question tho, is it really necessary to prime the mdf before painting or can you just paint it after the sealer drys? Will the Polyshades works over primer like that? Thanks again!!
polyshades will not work with mdf no matter how much you seal it. it needs to be a paint. also you can skip the primer but results might differ then what you saw in the video. I hope this helps. best of luck
Hey thanks for getting back to me. That's weird because I used Polyshades on the MDF and the top was fine, I just had trouble with the sides. This was before I knew I had to seal the edges, of course. I did a test on the edges with wood glue and that seemed to solve the problem. Now I just have to put the Polyshades on. Is there a reason it won't work with the MDF?
@@DavidDiBonaWoodworking There are few people that know how to paint MDF, based on what I've heard you really need to seal it first bottom line, thanks for your video. There are Rustoleum primers I have tried without sealing on small test panels, the results are not bad at all, but I do believe a sealer first will make it that much better. The spray primer works, but I think the real caveat is it just takes a lot more coats then you would want to do. Everyone seems to agree that spray based products while convenient, just don't add as much. Imagine spraying some varnish, then try painting it on another one, hard to believe it's soaking as much up.
Any reason I can’t use oil based primer instead of sanding sealer? I realize it takes longer to dry, but are the results acceptable compared to sanding sealer? Thanks.
Hi Im trying to achieve white high gloss shine like on commercial furniture. do you recommend glossy automotive spray paint, followed by krylon glossy clear?
ok so ive never used a automotive paint on mdf or a sanding sealer so i'm not sure if it will eat though the sealer. Instead of a automotive paint I would use Rustoleum white lacquer paint that you can find at home depot as the finish coat and see if it needs a top clear coat. I also suggest testing a few samples before going to the furniture.
dont listen to that david what ever his name is.. u are better of whit white PU paint. (Polyurethane). sand it whit first 400 grit then 800grit. next u sanf it whit 1200 and finich whit 2500.. after that u buff it then polish
Thank you. This was helpful. I would like to re-paint some MDF furniture from West Elm. It's currently brown and I would like it white. Any tips? Thank you in advance.
@@dandhamma Well then he could name it how to paint mdf, not how to paint like a "proffessional" because it is not. Yes I have done it, and I am doing it day in and day out, it is my job. There is a video on my youtube acc. There is quite a lot more to do, not just spraying it with some cans.
![Painting MDF Doors [video 407]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZIwNJGlVtwc/mqdefault.jpg)
This is great for people doing DIY speakers boxes.
Thumb up just for the Bob Ross mention.
that was too much unecesary work if painting mdf doors or cabinets
do two coats of bin primer sanding with 320 or 400 in between coats
completly remove all dust by vacuming and tack cloath
then apply two coats of water/urathane based paint sanding with 400 grit sand paper
youll get the best finish ever
How the hell do you know when you've sanded 80% or 20% of the sealer?
First and foremost, thank you! This is by far the best outcome I’ve yet to see on You Tube.
That said, I’ve been researching this topic for the past few months and I’ve seen a LOT of people mention using BIN Primer and even more people recommending using a glue/water ratio. Perhaps this could be an idea for a future vid? One final comparison using the two mentioned above with the sanding sealer? Unless you’ve already tried them all and you’d like to share your input?
Also, will this work with chalk paint? I’m not worried about brush strokes. Luckily I’ve got avoiding those down to a science. My main concern is whether or not the sanding sealer & chalk paint will be compatible.
Thanks again for taking the time to demonstrate this for us.
Yes it should work with chalk paint! I suggest testing it first to be sure. and thank you for your kind comment!
I have used watrerbased sanding sealer and it works perfectly without problem. And as a suggestion you should use a wet paint coat, you are getting that ugly orange skin texture on all your boards and the color look inconsistent at least on the glossy.
I have been working with MDF for years I never thought to use a sandining primer. Thanks.
Looks nice but I almost can't hear you.
That's a lot of orange peel.
How about paint on primer and paint instead of rattle can?
its possible but theirs a chance you can get brush marks.
I usually sand, seal, paint on the primer, sand finely once more (maybe go for 2 layers of primer in total) and end it off with the topcoat in a spray can. (it's a lot cheaper!!)
I get better results with filler primer, wet sand it, then spray paint it , and clear coat it, nice even glossy finish and more durable.
can you elaborate?
Thanks man it came out with such a nice gloss. Going to try this with an arcade stick I'm making
It took several Videos before I found your Video on this topic. Yours was the most accurate presentation for my needs. Thank You.
I enjoyed your video. This helped me decide how to paint my doll house made of mdf and carton. I used a paint that was oil based and had the primer in it. Thanks for your help.
I get a better result with 1k water based. First Sand it with 240 grit, clean the mdf, put primer coat on, sand it, again primer coat and sand it, then spray paint 1k water based paint with a compressor. Professional finish with a lower cost than spray cans.
Not if you're accounting for the costs of spraying and the time to clean and set up
@@domthemom2270 LMAO Evidently you don't have a HVLP sprayer, clean up in couple of miutes and no basty cans to contend with.
Did you use dark primer because you painted them black or for another reason. I just seen the video in time as I was breaking my head how to paint MDF and get a gloss finish. Thanks.
Can you use the Oil-based Sanding Sealer by Minwax instead of the lacquer based one?
Brother anything brush related is a no brainer. I’m a furniture finisher by trade. All you need to do to prep is sand with 180 grit. Mix you’re polyester 200ml acetone to 1 litre of polyester and 20ml of the gardener and spray that shit on
After watching several videos about painting MDF, this is the one that made the most sense to me. I had the last three steps, but was trying to figure out what to do first. I will be using a brush and sealer for the first step. Thanks.
I actually did use minwax 'water-based' sanding sealer as the first step and it worked really well. After scoff sanding, I then shake canned zinnzer primer, did a 400 grit knockdown, then top coat. I did do a lot of sanding (caveat- if you don't want to sand, then you really don't want to paint...do you?), but with sealer in place, I was able to manage the finish I was seeking.
@@gunube curious why you chose the water based over the lacquer? I’m trying to decide between the two.
@@krissymichele I don't remember exactly why, maybe because I live in a small town and the minwax water-based sealer was the only thing available. It worked really well however on the DIY speaker build that I did. The water-based sealer did raise the fibers of the MDF a little bit, but after a few coats and sanding it was fine. The Zinnzer primer took care of the rest and I really recommend using Zinnzer as the primer. You can't see any seems or cut edges on my finished speakers.
@@krissymichele Less chemical formula probably.
I've used water based primer and water based top coat on all our MDF cabinets and NEVER had a problem with raised grain, I prime it let it dry 3 or 4 hours then lightly hand sand with 150 grit sandpaper wipe down and brush and roll 1st top coat, let dry 3 or 4 more hours , skip the sanding (because the grain is totally sealed) and apply finish coat. It is total b.s. that you cannot use water based paints on MDF.
To each their own.
Great, this is exactly what I was looking for.
Thank you very much
So happy to find your channel. My question is with TGE sanding sealer, did you use satin, gloss or Semi gloss ? Im making my list and want to pick some up.. Thank you
when it comes to sealer there is no "finish" because its designed to be sanded off then a top coat with any finish you desire can be applied on top.
Hey this is just what I was looking for to finish up my speaker cabinets. Do you recommended any sort of sanding on the primer?
Hi David great video. I'm planning to paint my mdf kitchen soon. Just a quick question on the last image with all the boards, are they just the different stages or did you use different primer each time. Like should I go for a lacquer sanding sealer (2 coats) then a primer and then 2 coats of my chosen paint?
The answer to this question is yes.
Like should I go for a lacquer sanding sealer (2 coats) then a primer and then 2 coats of my chosen paint?
Thanks so much for making this video.
I made some lamp bases with mdf and I used Polyshades to coat them, and the sides came out TERRIBLE. I didn't know that even with all the sanding I did before painting, that the sides would look so bad. I never used mdf before so I didn't know that this would happen. So I'm really happy I found your video because Im going to sand them down again and put the Sanding Sealer on. Hopefully they will be ok and the sealer with still work, I don't want to throw them away and start over.
One question tho, is it really necessary to prime the mdf before painting or can you just paint it after the sealer drys? Will the Polyshades works over primer like that?
Thanks again!!
polyshades will not work with mdf no matter how much you seal it. it needs to be a paint. also you can skip the primer but results might differ then what you saw in the video. I hope this helps. best of luck
Hey thanks for getting back to me.
That's weird because I used Polyshades on the MDF and the top was fine, I just had trouble with the sides. This was before I knew I had to seal the edges, of course.
I did a test on the edges with wood glue and that seemed to solve the problem. Now I just have to put the Polyshades on.
Is there a reason it won't work with the MDF?
@@DavidDiBonaWoodworking There are few people that know how to paint MDF, based on what I've heard you really need to seal it first bottom line, thanks for your video. There are Rustoleum primers I have tried without sealing on small test panels, the results are not bad at all, but I do believe a sealer first will make it that much better. The spray primer works, but I think the real caveat is it just takes a lot more coats then you would want to do. Everyone seems to agree that spray based products while convenient, just don't add as much. Imagine spraying some varnish, then try painting it on another one, hard to believe it's soaking as much up.
What grit sandpaper was you using?
He mentions in the video between 220-320
Thank you for the info, I'm gonna give it a try on a mini arcade cabinet.
Any reason I can’t use oil based primer instead of sanding sealer? I realize it takes longer to dry, but are the results acceptable compared to sanding sealer? Thanks.
you can use Oil based it will work fine.
Hi Im trying to achieve white high gloss shine like on commercial furniture. do you recommend glossy automotive spray paint, followed by krylon glossy clear?
ok so ive never used a automotive paint on mdf or a sanding sealer so i'm not sure if it will eat though the sealer. Instead of a automotive paint I would use Rustoleum white lacquer paint that you can find at home depot as the finish coat and see if it needs a top clear coat. I also suggest testing a few samples before going to the furniture.
dont listen to that david what ever his name is.. u are better of whit white PU paint. (Polyurethane). sand it whit first 400 grit then 800grit. next u sanf it whit 1200 and finich whit 2500.. after that u buff it then polish
Hello sir ,thank u for the video I really enjoyed it . How about if I use shellac as a sealer and the. Paint on top of it ? Is that would work ?
ya it should work
what is the method to paint particle board,.....????
try the same way i used in the video. just use a small piece as a test it should work.
What are the different sanding grits you've used? First at 80%? Next was 20%?
Both the same grit just did it longer on the 80%. I think it was 150 grit.
Thank you. This was helpful. I would like to re-paint some MDF furniture from West Elm. It's currently brown and I would like it white. Any tips? Thank you in advance.
make sure you sand well and use oil base paint
David DiBona Makes Thank you soooo much!! You gave me the motivation to re-start my project.
I'm so happy to hear that. let me know how it goes and if you need any more advice!
Yes. Next time, order in white.
Far from proffesional..
Then you should put a video up showing the "professional" way. I'm sure your 15 subs would love to see it.
@@DavidDiBonaWoodworking Oh, I can upload a video of a piece I did yesterday, proffesionaly. (:
@@thunder9198 did you do it? or are you just talking? Because David is trying to help here. No need for you negativity.
@@dandhamma Well then he could name it how to paint mdf, not how to paint like a "proffessional" because it is not. Yes I have done it, and I am doing it day in and day out, it is my job. There is a video on my youtube acc. There is quite a lot more to do, not just spraying it with some cans.
@@dandhamma And the subs count does not make a person good at something, like he tried to on his original post.