Painting MDF panels. DIY painting of MDF panels

Furniture facades, doors and other products made from MDF can be painted. But when working, inexperienced craftsmen face various difficulties, including difficulty in obtaining smooth surface without streaks, strong absorbency of the material and others. We will reveal the features of choosing paints for MDF boards.

Can MDF be painted?

facades, furniture panels, panels, door trims and other products made from MDF are in great demand due to their characteristics. This is the only material among its analogues that can be processed by all possible ways: milling, figured cutting, lamination, laminating, dyeing. Let's take a closer look at the latter.

Painting MDF is a complex process and it begins with the selection of the base material – paint and varnish. If you want to get a perfectly smooth surface with a semi-matte or glossy sheen, then simple oil paint PF-115, even from an expensive foreign manufacturer, is not enough. An inexperienced master will face several problems at once:

It turns out that MDF cannot be painted? Our answer is that it is possible, but it is necessary to use a whole range of products, or, in the language of professionals, use a special program of paints and varnishes, which include:

Several types of primer compositions: barrier primers or insulators with a pore-filling effect, elastic and easily sanded multicomponent compounds, basic pigmented compositions with a solids content of at least 50%.
Paint with high hiding power, thixotropy, and after polymerization - wear resistance and durability.
To create a smooth surface with a glossy/semi-matte sheen: varnish or polishing kits (paste + nap disc for polishing).

What paints are suitable for MDF

The easiest way to paint laminated boards. This is the surface of finished furniture and door facades, wall and ceiling panels. The film acts as a primer and leveling layer. Will fit the following types LMB:

Enamels based on alkyd, alkyd-urethane or oil based(Novbytkhim, Dyo, Tikkurilla)

Alkyd enamels Tikkurila

These are household compositions based on synthetic oils or polymer resins. They belong to the universal category, that is, they can be used for interior and exterior work, they have good adhesion to most materials: metal, wood, glass, chipboard, MDF, OSB, etc.

After curing, a dense and durable film is formed, the advantages of which are high hiding power, resistance to mechanical and chemical influences, abrasives, and water.

Among the disadvantages, we note a strong chemical smell that negatively affects human health, as well as a huge amount of low-quality products on the shelves of stores and markets.

Enamels based on polyurethane resins (Elakor, Ive, Teknos)

One- and two-component complex compositions with an increased degree of wear resistance and incredible durability - more than 20 years. These are premium products with an appropriate price (from 400 rubles/kg). Most often, these paints are used by professional painters.

Acrylic enamels (KrasKo, Tex, Belinka)

Compositions based on water-soluble acrylate or latex copolymers are considered the safest and are recommended for use in residential and children's premises. The easiest way to paint facades, doors and panels is with compositions produced in the form of aerosols. The resulting coating is slightly resistant to abrasives and mechanical damage, while perfectly protecting the surface from water and temperature changes.

Special enamels for furniture or nitro paints of the NTs series (Lakra, Sadolin, Alpina)

This category includes a series of highly specialized compounds designed for working on wood, chipboard and MDF. They are characterized by high hiding power, excellent adhesion, short drying time and for a long time services. Recommended only for internal use, since the film has a low frost resistance coefficient.

MDF panels used for the production of furniture facades, door and wall cladding are more difficult to paint due to the high absorbency of the material and the need for sanding. In addition, when working with a brush, roller or spray gun, the pile rises strongly, which makes the surface uneven and rough.

And if for priming you can choose highly specialized pore-filling elastic compounds that dry quickly and are easy to sand, then the following varieties are suitable as paints:

Household acrylic compositions produced in the form of aerosols

They give a fairly smooth glossy surface, but at least 4 layers will be required. On milled door bevels and sharp corners of furniture, the paint will quickly wear off, so it is recommended to apply a wear-resistant alkyd or PU varnish over the coating.

Professional two-component polyurethane enamels (Milesi, Ilva, Renner)

Consist of a base composition and a hardener. They can be tinted by hand or machine in more than 2000 shades. It is used mainly in production, less often at home.

Since the components are toxic to humans, it is recommended to paint furniture and facades outdoors using personal protective equipment (goggles, mask, gloves).

Specialized enamels for MDF (Palina Coating, Galamix)

These are complex compositions based on polyurethane or urethane-acrylic. Applied to the surface of furniture or doors with a spray or brush, the resulting coating has excellent resistance to mechanical, chemical and abrasive influences, and practically does not fade over time.

Automotive enamels (Duxone, Jet, Colomics)

These compounds are highly specialized and are designed for working on metal. Paints have undeniable advantages: excellent adhesion to any materials, thixotropy, abrasion, water and chemical resistance, rapid polymerization. In addition, the resulting coating can withstand temperatures from -40 °C to +100 °C. Auto enamels can be used to paint facades and other furniture elements and doors. Ready Wall panels can be painted without prior preparation.

Polymer powder paint for wood and MDF (Reka, Pulver)

The composition was originally produced for industrial painting of metal and wood products, but in the last few years small volume packaging for household use has appeared on the market. In addition to the polymer compound, you will also need special equipment for its application.

Powder paint first melts at temperatures above 120 ° C, and then sticks to the base. A series of low-temperature or ultraviolet curing compounds are produced for MDF facades. Heating is carried out for several minutes, then the coating is applied to a horizontally located material and polymerized.

Powder paint allows you to obtain a wear-resistant surface with various decorative effects: patina, shagreen, textured metallic, leather, silk and much more. The technology has not become widespread in everyday life due to the complexity of application and the high cost of materials.

The purpose of painting is to obtain a beautiful surface that will not be afraid of water, scratches or stains. If you need to paint wall panels, then this is the best option. acrylic aerosol. Kitchen furniture facades and doors must be resistant to temperature changes and various chemically aggressive substances ( household chemicals, products), so polyurethane, automotive wear-resistant compounds or polymer powder paint are better suited for them. But furniture for the living room, nursery or bedroom can be coated with furniture enamels, which do not wear out over time and are easily updated if necessary.

MDF - wood fiber board - 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 commonplace in our kitchens, our offices and many other places.

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

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

Resists moisture well;
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 finishing 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 from other materials, lose their shine over time. During operation, they may require replacement, or the furniture facades no longer harmonize with the respectable appearance of a freshly renovated kitchen. Whatever the reason, there are two solutions. The facades need to either be changed or repainted.

MDF painting facades is a relatively simple matter and does not require any special knowledge from the performer. If you have the desire and the necessary materials and tools, you can cope with this task to an ordinary person, not experienced in modern construction technologies.

This article will discuss how to paint an MDF facade with your own hands.

Fiberboards lend themselves well to painting. This fact once again confirms high quality 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 need additional training surfaces for painting, unlike most existing materials. If there is a layer on the surface of the fiberboard old paint, then all surface preparation will consist of removing this layer, which will not be difficult and will not take much time;
The MDF surface is very resistant to mechanical deformation. Due to this, the surface can not only be painted, but even minor changes can be made to the surface texture.

We paint MDF ourselves

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

Surface preparation;
Primer;
Selecting the type and color of paint;
Applying paint.

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

Roller and paint brush;
Painting tape;
Construction hair dryer;
Latex gloves;
Primer for wood;
Fine-grit sandpaper.

Surface preparation

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

As mentioned above, the MDF surface, provided that it has no mechanical damage, does not require preparation for painting. using a hair dryer. Do not attempt to perform this operation manually - it will be time-consuming 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 using wood putty. At the end of the preparation process, the surface must be carefully treated with fine-grained sandpaper.

Surface primer

The best primer for MDF surfaces is a wood primer. 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.

Selecting 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 capable of creating a durable coating.

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

Applying paint

The paint has been selected. The primer has dried. You can start doing what you started all this for, applying paint. Cover areas not intended for painting, if any, with masking tape and begin painting the surface. The method and method of applying paint is at your discretion. Paint must be applied in one direction.

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

The video shows MDF facades being painted:

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 1,200 to 2,000 rubles per square meter of surface.

Painting of MDF products is carried out in two cases. The first is when application is required. protective coating, the second is for decoration purposes. In this case, various paints and varnishes. How to paint MDF will be discussed below.

Advantages of painting MDF

Currently, this material is actively used in the creation of furniture and interiors. And all of them are subject to painting, which acts as a decorative and finishing coating.

Its use provides the following advantages:

The painted MDF element is not afraid of elevated temperatures - this makes it possible to use it in the kitchen, where hot dishes will be placed on it;
Decorating in non-standard colors will help add brightness and originality to the interior of the room - it can be “metallic”, “mother of pearl” or other unusual colors;

No harmful to health chemical compounds is a definite plus for painting MDF at home - the only condition for this is the use of high-quality paints and varnishes;
Durability – applying paint can significantly extend the life of the product.

Of course, this method of protecting surfaces also has disadvantages. They consist in the fact that the price of painting parts significantly exceeds the cost of gluing such products decorative film. In addition, under the influence sun rays, the painted surface may fade.

Materials for painting MDF

Since MDF is a wood product, it can be coated with almost any wood paint or varnish. But get it for real high-quality coating is possible only if specialized compounds are used.

These include:

polyurethane primer,
polyurethane paint,
as well as varnish for MDF.

Let's talk about them in more detail.

Polyurethane primer

When thinking about how to paint MDF panels, you need to first take care of priming the products. It will prevent paint from being absorbed into the material, thereby reducing its consumption.

In this case, you will need a special water-based polyurethane primer. It will hide the texture of the material and create a layer with high hardness and adhesion. In addition, the resulting coating will be smooth and easy to sand.

It is best to apply this primer using a sprayer. If it is not available, you can use a roller or brush. Subsequent drying takes 8-10 hours and is carried out at room temperature.

Advice! To achieve the best result, this procedure must be carried out in full accordance with the instructions established by the instructions for use of this composition.

Polyurethane enamel on MDF

Compared to other paints and varnishes, it has the following advantages:

the coating obtained with its help is wear-resistant and chemically resistant;
has no odor because it does not contain volatile components;
Can be used to paint components intended for both indoor and outdoor use.

It is produced by various manufacturers. The products of the Italian brands Sirka and Sivam are in great demand. Their popularity among polyurethane materials for MDF is similar to that of the electrically conductive paint Zinga, in a number of compositions for anti-corrosion treatment of metal.

This polyurethane paint can be two- or one-component. The first type requires the addition of a hardener to it before use.

The second variety does not require such an additive and is available in ready-to-use form. Both types are applied by spray, roller or brush.

These coloring compositions, as well as fire-retardant metal paints Polistil, are sold in special metal buckets. Their weight can range from 1 to 25 kilograms.

Along with the above-mentioned brands Sirk and Sivam, other brands such as Tikkurila and Teknos are also popular. But they are all quite expensive.

Therefore, if necessary, paint materials of other, lesser quality, can be used instead. famous manufacturers. Or use cheaper alkyd enamels rather than polyurethane enamels.

It is also worth paying attention to acrylic and oil paints. In particular, when deciding how to paint an MDF arch, you can take a closer look at domestic acrylic compositions.

Advice! Choose moisture-resistant dyes. The product coated with them can be easily washed in the future, which is very convenient.

Varnish on MDF

MDF panels are construction material, intended for finishing premises, cladding facades of cabinet furniture or walls, it is made from wood shavings low or medium thickness. These parts are considered an environmentally friendly finishing element, since synthetic materials are not used in their production. adhesive compositions, and natural wood resin is used, which reliably fixes all layers of the product and forms a single whole. MDF panels have medium and low density, depending on the number of layers and composition of the wood. Over time, during the operation of these parts, their surface may become scratched, the coating loses its gloss or has defects, as a result, the integrity of the entire panel is compromised, and appearance the entire finish becomes unsightly. Any owner in this case is faced with the question: how to update the facade of the panels without completely changing them?

This article discusses the possibility of painting products such as MDF wall panels, whether it is possible to paint MDF, as well as the process of carrying out such work at home.

Reasons for the formation of defects

There are a number of reasons why painting MDF panels may be necessary, including:

Mechanical damage to the surface as a result of impact with a sharp object or other material. The top layer of the MDF panel consists of laminated or plain paper with paint applied to it; when exposed to a hard object, the film breaks, which exposes the core of the entire product;
Paint fading, loss of color brightness. This deformation results from the impact ultraviolet rays and atmospheric air, which contains a small amount of moisture. Over time, the coating becomes matte, loses its shine and original appearance;
Temperature changes also negatively affect the external condition of the surface of MDF panels, since the internal structure consists of wood, which absorbs moisture from the atmosphere and at the same time swells over the entire area. When the temperature rises, MDF dries out and may crack; moreover, the glue contained in the panel loses its ability due to moisture, which leads to peeling of paper, lamination and shavings.

These causes of deformation lead to an unsightly appearance of the entire surface and violate overall design walls. If these defects occur, you can paint MDF panels after first completing a number of preparatory procedures, but you should understand that painting parts with your own hands at home brings a result that differs from processing with paints in production.

Painting process for MDF panels

Before answering the question of how to paint MDF panels, you need to understand the composition of this product. MDF board, wall or facade, consists of several layers of compressed paper and sawdust, laminated with a transparent or colored film on the front side. Most often, it is the top layer that is subject to damage and wear, so when planning to update MDF, you need to prepare the specified types of coatings.

In order to prepare MDF panels for painting at home, you will need:

Sandpaper for preparing the surface and removing gloss or varnish;
Solvent for degreasing the surface from glue and liquid residues;
Dry rags or other lint-free cloth.

These materials are necessary for pre-treatment of MDF panels for painting and sealing cracks and scratches on the laminate.

All work must be carried out in accordance with the action algorithm. At the first stage, you need to sand the panel with fine sandpaper; this can be done manually or using pneumatic tools. It is important to follow the varnish removal technology, to prevent overheating of the surface or the formation of large marks on the laminate. The wood-fiber surface is under the decorative film, so when sanding you need to carefully monitor the thickness of the top layer so as not to erase it completely. After this procedure, the coating will no longer shine and will become rough and slightly scratchy.

Next, you need to clean all cracks and chips from dirt and dust, and also clean their edges. All irregularities, if necessary, are smoothed over with a special putty, which forms a single whole with the base of the panel; it also needs to be leveled with sandpaper.

After the surface has been processed and leveled, it must be wiped with a dry cloth and degreased with a chemical solvent, which will displace and evaporate all water and wash away dust and dirt.

At the next stage, the top coating is primed with a special paint; it has a grainy texture and can be applied using compressed air or a simple brush. It can be used to cover the surface in several layers, with intermediate sanding, until the required smoothness is achieved.

Next, the base paint is prepared, tinted and thoroughly mixed so that all the elements are mixed together. You can paint MDF panels manually or with a special paint air gun, but this will require a compressor unit and a moisture-water separator. The composition is applied with smooth movements in two layers: the first - across the main direction, the second - along the entire length of the part. Thus, the formation of smudges and paint sagging is prevented.

The final step will be to treat the top paper-wood layer of the panel with transparent varnish. This procedure is not necessary, but after it is carried out, the surface of the MDF product becomes glossy, its top layer seems renewed, and the appearance of the entire structure is restored.

For your information. It is important to observe the drying intervals for elements between layers of primer, paint and varnish, since otherwise they will curl and crack, and you will have to do all the work again.

How to paint and renew MDF panels

For MDF panels, you can use alkyd or acrylic enamel, but when choosing paint you should take into account the type of primer, the operating conditions of the panels, and the composition of the top layer. If it is laminated paper with a synthetic, weakly absorbent film, then it would be advisable to use acrylic or water-dispersion enamel. These materials are environmentally friendly and are perfect for interior painting indoors, while the surface of the panel will be renewed and also additionally protected from the moisture of an aggressive external environment.

Thus, if the entire painting technology is followed, the question of whether it is possible to paint MDF panels becomes completely solvable at home.