Can paper coated MDF wall panels be painted? The choice of paint for furniture, doors and panels from MDF Is it possible to paint laminated MDF.

Painting MDF boards is a very time-consuming procedure that will require compliance with the technology and many rules. It should be noted right away that such work stretches for a long time, it may take more than one week. In any case, everything can be done independently, while getting the necessary decorative surface.

Many people ask themselves: is it possible to paint MDF at home, and why is it necessary? The answer to the first part of the question is yes. Indeed, you can paint the panels with your own hands. But it’s worth mentioning right away: if you don’t have at hand spray booth the result is not always ideal. And the staining procedure is necessary for the following reasons:

  1. Painted elements become more resistant to high temperatures and humidity. Therefore, they are allowed to be used in the kitchen and in the bathroom, where they can fulfill various roles.
  2. By decorating, it is possible to diversify the dull interior, refresh the look of the room. Hue is selected based on design ideas.
  3. Painting MDF panels is also needed in order to extend their service life.

Painting MDF allows not only to diversify boring interior but also extend the life of the product

Of course, this option also has some disadvantages. For example, this procedure is sometimes much more expensive than the use of decorative films. In addition, the surface becomes prone to fading.

The choice of materials for staining

In principle, all paints for MDF are selected taking into account the composition of the material. And this, first of all, is a small wood fraction, which means that paint and varnish solutions for wood are suitable for work. But to obtain a really high-quality coating, it is advisable to use special mixtures.

When choosing materials for painting MDF, you should pay attention not only to color, but also to the purpose of the paint.

Polyurethane enamels

This material should be preferred for the following reasons:

  • The coating is wear-resistant, withstanding exposure to household chemicals.
  • The solution has no bad smell, which allows you to work in cramped home conditions.
  • It is allowed to apply the mixture with a sprayer, roller and brush.
  • Painting MDF with enamel is done independently, this procedure does not require professional skills.

Naturally, choosing this material, pay attention to the manufacturer. It should be famous brand which is sold in specialized stores. When purchasing goods from an unknown manufacturer, there is a high probability of getting a fake.

Advice! If it is not possible to choose a polyurethane composition, then pay attention to alkyd enamels and paints (oil and acrylic).


When choosing paint, you need to pay attention to the manufacturer

varnish

Thus, the question of how to paint MDF panels is no longer a problem. But another dilemma arises - the surface needs additional protection, how can this be done?

Indeed, in order to increase resistance to mechanical stress, to protect against chemical compounds, varnish is used. And for such work, a two-component polyurethane composition is especially well suited, which has all the desired parameters.

Stages and technology of painting

The procedure for painting MDF with your own hands is carried out in several stages. They can be divided as follows:

  1. Grinding.
  2. Putty.
  3. Padding.
  4. Coloring.
  5. Lacquering (patina).

The implementation of each stage is a guarantee that the result will turn out as it was intended.

Grinding

Work begins with grinding the surface. This is a rather laborious undertaking that needs to be done carefully.

The panels are sanded with sandpaper with a grain size of 120 to 240 units. The process is carried out in several stages and different materials. It is necessary to do everything very carefully, not lingering for a long time in one area. This procedure is carried out in order to remove small irregularities, as well as to remove a small pile, which covers the entire surface.


The procedure for grinding MDF allows you to get rid of small irregularities on the surface of the plate

On a note! If there are milled areas on the front side, then it is better not to touch them. There is a good chance that the sandpaper will smooth out the corners of the pattern.

Puttying

Puttying MDF for painting aims to correct the existing shortcomings of the panel. It happens that during grinding or due to improper storage, cracks or dents appear on the surface. To hide them, puttying is carried out. Of course, if there are no such problems, then this stage skip.

The technology itself looks like this: the acrylic mixture is carefully applied to the desired area and leveled with a rubber spatula. After drying, be sure to grind.

Padding


Priming the surface of the MDF board is best done with an airbrush, then the primer layer lies more evenly

This stage is mandatory. It is conditionally divided into two processes:

  • Applying the first coat of primer
    • This is done with the help of an airbrush, so they prepare a room and a place to work. It is better to close the rest of the items with cellophane film in advance.
    • The mixture is sprayed over the entire surface of the panel in an even layer. This is done in order to lift the remaining pile and reduce the absorbency of the base materials.
    • Further, when the plate dries, it is subjected to grinding with fine sandpaper.
  • Second layer coating
    • The second layer is applied in order to fix the result and remove the remaining flaws.
    • Drying should take about a day, after which the panel painted with a primer is sanded.

Coloring

Can MDF be painted with a brush and roller? Yes, but this must be done very carefully. There is a high probability that stains and streaks will remain on the surface. Therefore, it is best to use a spray gun.

The technology itself resembles priming. The paint is applied in several layers, each of which is pre-dried. It is important to achieve an excellent result, so the mixture begins to be sprayed from the milled areas to the edges, and then proceed along and diagonally. It is much more convenient to paint smooth panels.


You can use brushes and a roller to paint MDF, but to get a uniform layer it is better to use an airbrush

On a note! In order to understand in more detail the drying time of the solution and its quantity, it is necessary to carefully study the manufacturer's instructions. And also select the desired operating mode for the sprayer.

If you want vintage

If there is a desire to give the surface a more expressive look, to age it a little, then they resort to patination. It is advisable to do this when there are drawings and patterns.

Patina is applied in this way:

  • the selected area is passed with a sponge dipped in the mixture;
  • leave until completely dry;
  • the painted area is polished;
  • proceed to the final stage.

The effect of artificial aging can be created independently by resorting to surface patination.

Varnishing

The procedure is performed according to the instructions:

  1. Lacquer is prepared for use.
  2. The first layer is applied at the rate of about 150 grams per one square meter.
  3. After waiting for the first layer to dry well, apply a new layer.
  4. Repeat the drying process.
  5. Begin the final sanding. First, sandpaper with a large grain is passed over the surface, then a finer one is used. To avoid rolling lumps, the area is sprayed with water.
  6. The panel is left for several days (from 4 to 7) and polished. For this, it is better to use a power tool.

There are many tips on how to properly paint MDF. The main thing is to follow a clear plan and be careful.

MDF - fibreboard - is a relatively young material. Its production began in the USA in 1966. In a short period of time, this material has almost completely replaced wood in furniture production.

Furniture fronts have become a common sight in our kitchens, our offices and many other places.

MDF is a medium density material, which is made by pressing (under high pressure and at high temperature) fine chips. Lignin, a naturally occurring substance found in wood, acts as a binder.

Of course, in terms of its strength characteristics, this material is significantly inferior to wood, however, as a material for surface finishing, it is a worthy replacement for it (wood). The main advantages of MDF include the following:

  • Good resistance to moisture;
  • Heat resistant;
  • High surface strength;
  • Very technologically advanced and easy to use;
  • Low cost;
  • Resistant to various microorganisms and fungi.

The use of MDF for decoration gave a new impetus to the flight of design ideas and made it possible to significantly expand the possibilities of decorating furniture.

But DDF facades, like facades made of other materials, lose their luster over time. During operation, they may require replacement, or the furniture facades have ceased to harmonize with the respectable appearance of a freshly renovated kitchen. Whatever the reason, there are two possible solutions. Facades need to be either changed or repainted.

Painting MDF facades is a relatively simple matter and does not require any special knowledge from the performer. If desired and necessary materials and tools, an ordinary person who is not experienced in modern building technologies is quite capable of coping with this task.

In this article, we will talk about how to paint the facade of MDF with your own hands.

Wood fiber boards lend themselves perfectly to painting. This fact once again confirms the high quality of this material and its high manufacturability. To understand the reasons for such a loyal attitude of the material to the products of the paint and varnish industry, you should pay attention to the main advantages of MDF:

  • Due to the homogeneity, naturalness and solidity of the surface, the material does not require additional surface preparation for painting, unlike most existing materials. If there is a layer of old paint on the surface of the fiberboard, then all surface preparation will consist in removing this layer, which will not be difficult and will not take a lot of time;
  • The surface of MDF is very resistant to mechanical deformations. Due to this, the surface can not only be painted, but even make minor changes to the surface texture.

We paint MDF on our own

The algorithm for painting a furniture facade from MDF with your own hands includes the following steps:

  • Surface preparation;
  • Primer;
  • Choice of type and color of paint;
  • Applying paint.

In the process of performing these operations, you will need the following materials and tools:

  • Roller and paint brush;
  • Scotch masking;
  • Building hair dryer;
  • Rubber gloves;
  • Primer for wood;
  • Fine-grained sandpaper.

Surface preparation

First of all, in the process of surface preparation, it is necessary to remove all fittings from it.

As mentioned above, the MDF surface, provided that it does not have mechanical damage, does not require preparation for painting. using a hair dryer. Do not try to perform this operation manually - it will take a long time and may cause significant damage to the surface of the material. If there are noticeable mechanical damages on the MDF surface, they can be removed with wood putty. At the end of the preparation process, the surface must be carefully treated with fine-grained sandpaper.

Surface primer

As a primer for surfaces MDF is better just a primer for wood. The method of applying the primer is entirely up to you. Can be used .

It will take a day for the primer to dry completely.

Choice of paint type and color

When choosing the type of paint for an MDF facade, it is recommended to give preference to auto enamel. Representatives of this relatively new family of paints and varnishes are characterized by high heat and moisture resistance, and are able to create a durable coating.

Modern manufacturers of car enamels offer the attention of consumers wide choose rich products colors. There is no doubt that in this kaleidoscope of colors and shades you will be able to choose the best color option for yourself, which will allow furniture facades to harmoniously fit into the interior of your room.

Paint application

Paint selected. The primer is dry. You can proceed to what you started all this for, to apply paint. Glue the areas not intended for staining, if any, masking tape and start painting the surface. The method and method of applying the paint is up to you. Paint must be applied in one direction.

As a result, you will get a durable, lacquered or matte coating, depending on the texture of the paint, that will give furniture facades the new kind and will reliably protect them for a long time.

The video shows the painting of MDF facades:

If you are skeptical about your abilities and do not want to take risks, then you should seek help from specialists. But in this case, the price of painting MDF facades will be significantly higher and will range from 1200 to 2000 rubles per square meter of surface.

Technology MDF manufacturing came to our country from America thirty years after the beginning industrial production ocean material. For external work, plates are not used for several reasons.

  1. High cost. There are many varieties of lumber that offer better performance at a lower cost.
  2. Insufficient physical strength. In terms of resistance to dynamic and static loads, the slab does not meet the requirements of developers. It's easy to damage, but hard to replace.
  3. Susceptibility to precipitation and temperature climatic conditions. There are options for moisture resistant boards, but they are not suitable for sheathing the outer surfaces of walls.

MDF board is used for the manufacture of furniture and interior wall cladding. It is these cases that we will talk about. Painting of MDF facades will be considered only for indoor areas. Let us dwell separately on painting the facades of MDF furniture.

There is no need to list specific brands, and it is impossible to do so. We will only talk about the varieties and brief characteristics paints, taking into account the method of their manufacture. The specific type must be selected taking into account the operating conditions of the MDF board, design preferences and financial capabilities. The range in price and quality is quite large, there are plenty to choose from.

Paint typeBrief performance indicators
Water basedThe most popular for painting large surfaces, have satisfactory performance characteristics, are completely safe for residents. They can be white and colored, for interior and exterior use.
Acrylic-siliconeCombine the advantages of acrylic and silicone paints, an environmentally friendly product. Inhibits the reproduction of microflora and mosses, have high rates resistance to mechanical stress.
SiliconeRepel water, not afraid of moisture and impact high temperatures. Surfaces are easily cleaned of dust and dirt. Due to the high elasticity, the thermal expansion of MDF boards is easily compensated.
Polyvinyl acetateOne of the cheapest, recommended for indoor use with minimal risk of damage. During use, the recommendations of the manufacturers should be strictly followed, otherwise delaminations appear.
OilyTraditional dyes, in addition to giving a beautiful appearance to surfaces, effectively protect them from moisture penetration. Primers are recommended to improve adhesion.
AlkydThey have a perfectly smooth surface, are made on the basis of alkyd enamels. Plastic, resistant to abrasion. The disadvantage is that under the influence of direct sunlight they quickly fade.

Before you buy paint, calculate the surface area and purchase materials with a margin. Consumption is specified by the manufacturer. If it is recommended to coat the surface with a primer before painting, do not simplify the work. Insufficient adhesion of the paint to the MDF board causes peeling. As a result - the need for expensive and time-consuming repairs.

Prices for different types of building paints for wood

Construction paint for wood

Types of varnishes for MDF

The technology of varnishing surfaces is much more complicated than working with paints, but the effect justifies all efforts. When choosing a particular varnish, it is necessary to take into account not only its properties and price, but also the place of application and operating conditions. The following types of varnishes can be used to cover MDF boards.

Lacquer typeComposition and brief characteristics
AlcoholicThey are made from ethyl alcohol and artificial resins. For the price they belong to the low category, the drying time, depending on the conditions and the thickness of the layer, is 20-30 minutes.
Alkyd-carbamideTwo-component compositions, characterized by increased strength. Composed of carbamide and alkyd resins, a hardener must be added before use. Differ in the increased durability and excellent gloss.
EpoxyTwo-component, increased impact resistance, can have a long contact with water. Used to cover MDF tables.
PolyesterResistant to aggressive chemical compounds, excellent resistance to elevated temperatures. Multi-component varnishes based on polyester resin.
NitrocelluloseThe composition contains resins, plasticizers and solvents. They have high water resistance, are polished, mechanical strength is average.
Acrylic urethaneDiluted with water, safe for health, have increased adhesion to surfaces. Can be in conditions for a long time elevated temperatures and humidity.
PolyurethaneProduced in one, two and three-component. The full hardening time is up to two weeks, they are characterized by increased wear resistance, have a high coefficient of adhesion with all lumber.
AcrylicOdorless, non-toxic, diluted with water. Long-term contact with food products. In terms of performance, they are average.

This information will help when choosing a brand of varnish, consider maximum amount individual factors. Keep in mind that the quality of the composition largely depends appearance and time of operation of facades from MDF.

Prices for various types of building varnishes for wood

Building varnishes for wood

Technology for painting furniture facades from MDF

Enough complex work require care, skill and patience. They are made in several stages, each of which significantly affects the final quality. Painting facades is much faster and better done with an airbrush, if it is not there, use high-quality brushes with a soft, durable bristle.

The room should be at least + 20 ° C, if there are a lot of individual elements of the MDF facade, then think over the places for their drying: racks, supports, etc. In most cases, after painting the plates, it is recommended to varnish them, it protects the surfaces from damage, hides small flaws, significantly improves the design look. Varnishing is a complex process that requires special tools and equipment. How MDF boards are varnished, we will describe below, but for now we will focus on painting.

By what criteria to choose paint, we have already told. For furniture facades, we can only add that the color of the paint should take into account the purpose of the furniture and the intensity of its operation.

Step 1. Surface preparation. For furniture facades, in addition to cleaning from dust and degreasing surfaces, sanding with emery No. 150-180 should be done.

It is long and difficult to work manually, and it is almost impossible to achieve the desired quality. We recommend using a professional electric reciprocating surface grinder or a cylindrical grinder.

The edges are ground with special four-sided sponges. It is desirable to work in a respirator. When grinding, do not stop the tool in one place, it must always be in motion. One track must be overlapped by the next by at least a third of the width. You do not need to press the sanding paper hard, if problem areas remain on the surface, then it is better to walk over the entire area again, and not make a recess in one place.

practical advice. Any polishing is accompanied big amount fine dust. Take all measures so that it does not fall into adjacent rooms.

Step 2 Thoroughly clean surfaces from dust. You can’t do with simple brushes, you definitely need a powerful vacuum cleaner or compressor. Check the condition of the parts, if there are sharp edges, remove them. The IMF does not have great strength, sharp corners will certainly crumble.

Step 3. Coat surfaces with primer. Experienced craftsmen recommend using two types of primer, each twice. It is possible to prime with one primer without a break for drying, apply the first layer with horizontal movements of the spray gun, and the next immediately with vertical ones. Adjust the amount of primer, there should be no puddles on the surface. The first primer is used to prevent further absorption of materials, and the second to improve the adhesion coefficient between them. The second is applied only after the first primer has completely dried. Primer consumption per square meter is 80-100 grams.

Practical advice. It is very difficult for novice craftsmen to determine the flow rate by eye. To get the skill, we recommend taking a small piece of MDF, weighing it on an accurate scale. Coat with primer and immediately reweigh. Next, the area of ​​the sample is calculated and the increase in weight is determined. With the help of elementary mathematical calculations, the primer consumption is determined. Little - add more. Now remember how the MDF surface looks like, covered with an optimal layer, and in the future prime with the same amount.

We strongly recommend that you work only with a pneumatic sprayer, you will never achieve "factory" quality with a brush. A professional will always notice traces of villi. Moreover, the sun's rays fall on the furniture at different angles, and such lighting enhances all the shortcomings of the facial coverings. Immediately treat the ends of the structures with a primer.

If you need to paint the reverse side of the plate, then proceed to work only after the front has dried. Drying time is specified by the manufacturer, but you need to make adjustments taking into account actual indicators indoor microclimate.

Step 4 Start grinding the soil, use special sponges. If they are not available, take washcloths for washing dishes, on the reverse side they have glued scotch brite. This is a special material used for fine sanding, which not only levels the coating, but also leaves micro-scratches on the surface, which improve the adhesion of the next coating. Movements are arbitrary in various directions. Circular movements of the sponge are not recommended, only reciprocating.

Step 5 Blow off or vacuum any dust that has formed on the surface. It is very convenient to work with an airbrush for another reason - it can cut off the paint supply and use it to clean surfaces from dust like a compressor.

Step 6. Proceed to applying the second type of primer. She predominantly white color, improves the performance of the following coatings. It also needs to be primed twice, followed by sanding. Blow dust off the MDF again. The algorithm of actions is no different from the technology described above.

Step 7 The second layer of primer must be carefully sanded with electric tools with fine sandpaper. Do not rush, large flaws will already become noticeable on the finished product. If there is no experience with such machines, then we strongly advise you to practice on unnecessary pieces of MDF. You will learn how to press the sandpaper to the surface with what force, how to move it quickly, how much MDF is removed in one pass, etc.

Step 8 Prepare your paint. The cooking technology is indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging.

Follow all recommendations. We have already mentioned that in order to work with an airbrush, the consistency must be more liquid. Immediately paint twice in transverse directions. You should already have hands-on experience in determining coating quality and paint quantity. Paint consumption ranges from 60–180 g.

After the coating has dried, you can start varnishing the surfaces. For furniture interiors, this is a mandatory step. The varnish not only serves as an additional and reliable protection, but also significantly improves the appearance of MDF products.

Lacquering MDF boards

We will describe how this is done below. But for quality, four main conditions must be observed:

  • do not use cheap varnishes;
  • strictly follow the technology;
  • have necessary tools and equipment;
  • have experience in complex painting work.

You will gain experience in performing such work and the ability to use tools during the priming and painting of products, it will already be much easier to work with varnish. You can determine the amount of varnish on the surface by eye, and the spray gun will “automatically” move in the right directions and at the optimal speed.

Step 1. According to the instructions, prepare the varnish, consumption is approximately 100-150 g per square meter.

Start varnishing from the ends of the MDF, due to this technology it is possible to minimize the number of areas with uneven thickness. Varnish that gets a little on the front surface does not pose a threat to the final quality.

After the first layer has dried, treat it with the finest abrasive. Professionals recommend using abrasive fiber No. 1200 according to the international classification. It can be purchased in specialized stores.

Step 2 Remove dust from the surface. Examine surfaces from various angles in a well-lit room. Everything is fine - cover the surface with a second layer of varnish. By the way, some facades are recommended to be varnished with a thickness of up to 0.5 mm, and for this you will have to increase the number of layers to five or more. On the industrial enterprises a different technology, where the varnish is immediately poured onto the surface of the required thickness, then the sheets are fed on a conveyor to the drying chambers. At home, this technology cannot be applied.

Step 3. The quality is satisfactory - proceed to fine grinding and polishing of the finishing layer. For fine sanding use Velvet Nos. 1500, 2000 and 3000. Gently but carefully work the surface with each number, removing dust periodically.

Practical advice. The quality of grinding will improve significantly if the surfaces are slightly moistened with water. The varnish will not overheat, during operation, microcracks do not form on the surface from the action of abrasive materials. Microcracks refract light rays, the surface becomes matte.

With each number, walk over the entire surface at least three to four times. The pressing force is somewhat less than when grinding the primer. Sanding takes a lot of time. If you are tired, it is better to move the work to the next day, and not stop completely.

Step 4 Polishing. For polishing, you need a special polishing paste and a perfectly even hard wheel. There are a lot of pasta, it's not a problem to choose. Review the recommendations and compare them to your individual conditions. Do not rush, constantly monitor the condition of the surfaces to the light.

If you have a fairly large amount of work, then we advise you to purchase special electric polishing machines. They not only speed up and facilitate the work, but also significantly improve the quality. Apply the polishing paste on the disc with a layer of about 1-2 mm, do not level it, during operation, the excess paste will independently be removed from under the disc and remain on the surface of the MDF. Further, as needed, the rotating disk itself captures the right amount of material.

As the last step, you can use rubbing surfaces with compounds that provide a mirror shine.

Prices for the range of polishing machines

Polishing machine

Painting facades of outbuildings from MDF

We mentioned that this material is not recommended for exterior cladding. But there are cases of its use for temporary decoration. facade walls small old outbuildings. This is done by those owners whose financial condition does not allow them to purchase new materials; for cladding the facades of outbuildings, they use various used building materials, including MDF panels.

In order to increase the life of structures, we recommend painting external surfaces. Do not skip the primer, the price of the material is available to all developers, it takes a little time to carry out the work, and the effect is obvious. Choose the type of primer according to the type of paint. On the packaging, the manufacturer indicates which primer to use. The primer is done twice, the brush or roller must move in perpendicular directions. If for some reason this cannot be achieved, then prime each layer at least at an angle. In addition to increasing adhesion, the primer reduces the consumption of expensive paints and prevents stains that appear from the base. You can paint with brushes of various sizes and rollers. But rollers alone are not enough, the joints must be carefully painted with brushes.

Step 1. Measure the surface area to be painted. Buy paint taking into account the area and consumption, do not buy paint "back to back", always have a supply of material. You will work more calmly, and the surplus will always be useful for the production of cosmetic repairs.

Step 2 Thoroughly clean the MDF surface from dust, it is advisable to use a vacuum cleaner. Dust particles can be noticeable on the surface of the paint, it is impossible to remove them later. You will have to completely repaint the plate.

Step 3 Get your paint and tools ready. If the material has been stored in a warehouse for a long time, then the composition should be thoroughly mixed before use. When painting the surface with a spray gun, the paint will have to be slightly diluted with a solvent. Which one to choose is written on the package. For a guarantee, you can first pour a small amount of paint into the solvent. If the paint has curled, the solvent is unsuitable.

Step 4 Dip a roller or brush into the paint and start painting the surfaces.

Can be applied with a brush or rollers

Practical advice. Move the brush from top to bottom, so you will see streaks of excess paint and eliminate them in a timely manner. If you paint the opposite, you will have to constantly return to the area previously covered with paint to eliminate streaks. You can not notice them or forget to return - a problem will arise. If the drips dry out, then the removal will take a long time. In some cases, they will have to be cut with a blade and correct the surface of the coating.

Step 5. Paint the junctions with a brush, make sure that there are no traces of villi. In the implementation, you can find low-quality paint brushes, their pile is weak. To avoid leaving it on the surface, rub the brush vigorously against any clean surface before use. Insufficiently fixed hairs will come out and will not create problems during staining.

Step 6. Let the first coat dry, the time depends on the characteristics of the paint. Professional painters do not advise drying at open windows– dust enters the room and sticks to the paint surface.

Step 7 If the quality of one layer is unsatisfactory, apply a second one. The technology is the same.

While painting surfaces, you can draw various patterns and ornaments. To do this, first draw the contour lines with a pencil. Each color must be pre-pasted with masking tape.

Prices for paint sprayers

Airbrush

How to remove old paintwork

Take off paintwork not so easy, a lot depends on its composition and your capabilities. Consider three ways to clean MDF surfaces.

  1. Mechanical. Coatings are removed with a metal brush or spatula. The work is very difficult and not always effective. In this way, only very old peeled coatings can be removed, and even then not from the entire surface. It is much easier to use various electric grinders with coarse abrasive material. We warn that there will be a lot of dust, take measures so that it does not fall into adjacent rooms. For respiratory protection, you need to use respirators or masks. Sandpaper will clog quickly and will need to be changed frequently.

  2. Thermal. The paint layer is heated with a building hair dryer (an ordinary one is not suitable!), The coating softens and is removed with a spatula much easier. The disadvantage is that not everyone has a building hair dryer, and buying it for small-scale work is not economically viable.

  3. Chemical. Various solvents are sold in specialized stores. Surfaces are wetted with them and left for several hours. Practical advice. To enhance the effect of the chemical preparation, it is recommended to cover the area to be treated with plastic wrap after soaking, seal the edges with adhesive tape. Next, soft coatings are removed with a spatula. You need to work only on the street, some compounds are very aggressive. Respiratory protection is mandatory. If necessary, the procedure is repeated several times.

Regardless of the method of removing old coatings, the MDF surface must be sanded before a new painting, there will always be traces of a brush or spatula. In addition, not all areas of the coating can be removed manually.

Prices for different types of paint removers

Paint remover

To paint MDF wall cladding with rollers, buy them with a fine pile. Such rollers leave fewer traces, the paint lays down more evenly and has time to level out during the drying time.

The longer the paint dries, the more marriage it can hide on its own. Quick-drying materials do not provide such an advantage, the surface dries quickly and is poorly leveled.

Absolutely all MDF boards emit chemical compounds into the air. The notorious "environmental friendliness" depends only on their quantity. IN various countries sanitary control authorities set their own acceptable standards. What is considered harmful to some, is accepted by others as environmentally friendly and allowed to be used. The amount of harmful compounds released can be minimized by deep impregnation. This is another reason not to abandon this operation while painting MDF.

If problem areas were found on the surface after the work was completed, then they can be hidden with overhead decorative elements. Now on sale there is a large selection of drawings on self-adhesive polyethylene film. With them you will not only hide your marriage, but give the surfaces a beautiful exclusive look.

Pile on MDF boards does not rise, only natural wood has this drawback. When choosing paints and varnishes, pay attention to this feature. By the way, coatings that do not raise the pile during drying are much more expensive than ordinary ones, do not overpay money for unnecessary properties.

Video - Technology for painting wooden houses

Coating MDF panels with varnish may be required in two cases. The first is when you need to protect the MDF structure, for example, doors or furniture facades. The second is when you need to decorate products. How to choose and apply varnish for MDF products? What are the nuances of its use? What are the advantages of lacquered MDF panels?

Composition, advantages and purpose of plates

MDF is wood fiber boards. They are environmentally pure material and have an average density. This material has gained great popularity due to its characteristics and properties:

  1. MDF panels have high level moisture resistance. They do not deteriorate under the influence of moisture.
  2. Good resistance to high temperatures.
  3. Strength.
  4. Affordable price. This construction material much cheaper than real wood.
  5. Resistance to fungi and microorganisms.
  6. Ease of maintenance.
  7. The ability to produce products of any shape.
  8. MDF can be coated with special varnishes, paints, enamels.

Most of the MDF panels are used in the furniture industry. They are used to make office and home furniture, trade equipment, doors. They are also used for the manufacture of facades, countertops, acoustic systems and other things.

Why varnish

Coating MDF panels with varnish is required quite often. Why? There are several reasons.

  1. Lacquered surface easily copes with temperature increase environment. For example, hot dishes can be placed on a lacquered table made of MDF.
  2. Lacquer can be used to create various decorative effects. It can be gloss, matte-silky surface, mother-of-pearl, etc. It is noteworthy that such effects are used both for interior decoration, as well as for the external one.
  3. High-quality varnishes will not make MDF panels less environmentally friendly.
  4. The coating significantly increases the life of the product.

There is one drawback. Lacquered or painted structures/plates are more expensive than conventional ones.

How to coat wood fiber boards

For surface treatment, a special varnish is used. It helps to create a smooth coating that is resistant to mechanical and chemical stress. The treated surface is glossy and matte. Gloss - the result of the use of varnish based on synthetic resins. Matte effect gives a water-based acrylic coating.

Lacquer for coating MDF is a two-component substance. Before starting work, a hardener must be added to the base. Usually such varnish has no smell.

The prepared working mixture should be used within two to three hours. The coating can be applied with a spray gun or a conventional brush.

Like everyone else Decoration Materials, varnish for MDF panels has its advantages and disadvantages. In addition to the fact that it has good moisture and heat resistance, it protects the material from the appearance of fungus and harmful microorganisms, creating a dense film on the surface of the plate. The lacquered surface is easy to clean, does not wear out, and retains a good appearance for a long time. By covering the product, for example, doors, with a varnish composition, you can emphasize the texture of the base, give a certain shade.

In the event that the texture of a wooden product needs to be hidden or given a different color, it is often performed.

The disadvantages of the varnish coating include its fire hazard, drying time, a rather high price and increased consumption.

When choosing a varnish for coating MDF panels, you need to pay attention to some parameters:

  • drying time should not exceed 72 hours;
  • drying time from dust - no more than 15 minutes;
  • operating temperature - from +5 to +25 degrees;
  • in the composition of the varnish of volatile substances should be no more than 20%;
  • consumption is not more than 0.5 kg per square meter.

The working process

Before you start varnishing MDF structures, you need to prepare tools and additional materials:

  1. Tassels. You will need 2 pieces. One (narrow), with which you can paint over small details, and the second (medium) - for painting the rest of the parts. An alternative is a roller or spray gun.
  2. Container for mixing components.
  3. Drill with special nozzle or construction mixer.
  4. working capacity.
  5. If there is a need to apply a pattern or ornament to the door, you need to prepare adhesive tape, stencils and a sponge.
  6. Sandpaper.
  7. Gloves.
  8. Solvent.

It is advisable to close the workplace with paper and prepare a stable door stand in advance.

Operating procedure

Before varnishing, a layer of primer must be applied. What for? Firstly, the primer finally cleans the surface of dust and small debris. Secondly, it helps to avoid unnecessary consumption of the working mixture. Thirdly, it improves the absorbent properties of the material. And, fourthly, it makes it possible to make the staining more uniform. Also, thanks to the primer, you can detect minor damage to the door leaf.

The workflow consists of several steps:

  • first you need to apply a layer of primer;
  • using putty to cover up small cracks, scratches and chips;
  • walk on the surface of the doors with sandpaper;
  • prime again;
  • using a brush, apply varnish to the ends, lines of the pattern and other inconvenient places;
  • paint the main part of the door with a brush, roller or spray gun;
  • if necessary, apply a second coat of varnish.

Nuances

  1. Do not skip the surface preparation process, in particular, grinding.
  2. Before work, the mixture of varnish and hardener must be filtered. It is advisable to use the composition within 3 hours.
  3. If a sprayer is used, the pressure should be 3 atm., and the size of the nozzle should not exceed 2 mm.
  4. It is necessary to dry each layer at a temperature of about 35 ° C. On average, the varnish dries for 5-6 hours.

Lacquering on MDF panels has many advantages. It increases strength and extends the life of the product. Varnish also plays a decorative function: it can make the surface matte or glossy, give it the desired shade.

MDF or fibreboard in a different way began to be produced in the United States in 1966 and is a relatively "young" material. However, it has been an excellent alternative to wood for many years. furniture production. MDF facades have become commonplace in kitchens, offices and other premises. How to properly prepare an MDF surface for painting, what tools and materials you will need, and how to do everything yourself - read right now.

MDF is a unique modern material, which is made by pressing wood waste under high pressure and at elevated temperatures. The material for the binding of the components is lignin, which is of natural origin - it is extracted from wood.

The obvious advantages of MDF, which are used for the manufacture of facades, experts include:

  • excellent moisture resistant qualities;
  • heat resistance;
  • surface strength;
  • versatility and ease of use;
  • resistance to harmful microorganisms and fungi;
  • budget cost.

Since MDF facades lose their original luster over time, they need to be replaced or painted. Even a beginner can paint a facade from such material with certain skills and suitable equipment. Since the material is homogeneous, it does not need any preliminary preparation. The only exception is the removal of a layer of old finish, if any. The surface of MDF facades is resistant to mechanical stress. You can not only cover it with paint, choosing a color to your taste, but also change the texture a little.

If we talk about the technology of painting MDF facades, then it includes several simple steps:

  • minor surface preparation
  • soil application;
  • choice of type and color of coating material;
  • its application to the prepared surface.

When painting MDF facades at home, you need to prepare:

  • paint brush or roller;
  • masking tape;
  • building hair dryer;
  • primer for wood;
  • fine-grained sandpaper;
  • rubber gloves to protect hands.

To carry out professional painting of MDF facades, you will need a room with an area of ​​​​about 40 square meters. meters with a separate chamber for painting, a place where you can grind parts, dry and store blanks, and then finished products. The temperature in it should be at least 20 degrees. The painting chamber must be equipped with an exhaust hood and a rotating table. There should be shelving in the drying room, and a powerful vacuum cleaner in the grinding sector.

Facades are carried out using a spray gun. Keep in mind that the material consumption is 60 - 200 grams per square meter. meter.

The type of paint will depend on the diameter of the nozzle, air pressure, the chosen method of spraying, the number of layers applied and the frequency of coating.

Surface preparation

The paint application procedure includes the preparation and application of the selected finishing material.

If the paint will be applied to the furniture, the headset should first be disassembled. It is not required to unwind it completely, it is enough to remove only the parts that are planned to be covered with paint. It is recommended to remove handles, inserts and other fittings. If this is not possible, a special masking tape will help protect them.

If the surfaces to be treated are always close to gas stoves and electric furnaces, it is advised to choose paints for painting that have fire retardant properties, such as Polystil metal products. In order to protect the hood and air outlets from corrosion in the future, an electrically conductive paint such as Zinga should be purchased.

To prepare the surface yourself, you need to completely remove the existing paintwork from it. When the cleaning is completed, the MDF facade is also cleaned of dust. It is difficult to manually clean the surface, it is recommended to use a building hair dryer. The next step is sanding with fine-grained sandpaper.

Next is priming. Before starting work with the composition, it must be shaken. To prepare the surface, it is advised to take a primer intended for wood. But if there are plastic components, it is better to use a primer designed for plastic. The primer should be allowed to dry well, up to 2 days. Only when it is completely absorbed by the surface, it is permissible to proceed with staining.

Coloring and coating

Staining can be done in two ways:

  • Usual. It involves traditional paint application, resulting in a beautiful matte or glossy finish. It all depends on the type of paintwork material that you choose.
  • Textured. Here, glisal is used for coating in order to get an unusual surface at home.

When painting regular paint you should stick adhesive tape on those parts that you will then cover with other colors if you plan to have a two-color or multi-color finish. It is necessary to apply paint in the selected direction in the direction of movement of the tool. Before applying the next layer, the previous one should dry well. After finishing painting, all parts are screwed into place.

When coated facade MDF glizal first you need to choose a color. To achieve an unusual shade, it is permissible to add a little paint of the color that you like to the glisal. Bring the solution to the desired consistency will help plain water. Before applying the composition to the MDF board, it is advised to first try it on paper.

Staining with glisal is easy to carry out. You should stir the composition, put your hands in protective gloves, stock up on a sponge, a brush with soft bristles and a bag. Glizal is applied with a brush to the surface with a layer, which is advised to do medium thickness. After applying the composition, a sponge is applied to the still wet surface, achieving the formation of interesting bubbles. Their size depends on how large the pores of the sponge are. If you use not a sponge, but a crumpled plastic bag, you can get a beautiful texture on the surface, reminiscent of the bizarre patterns that frost leaves on windows in winter. A textured pattern should be made on the surface without waiting for the glazing to dry.

When the material dries after a week, it is required to varnish the surface. It is better to choose a transparent varnish in order to emphasize all the advantages of the glazed coating, and apply it in 1 layer. In conclusion, you need to return all the pieces of furniture to their place.