Latex paint on untempered masonite?

Julie
by Julie
If we lightly sand then prime the smooth side of an untempered masonite board and then use latex paint, will it hold the paint? And will the board hold up? We're using untempered masonite to cover up an 1940ish plank-board wall.
  3 answers
  • Sure will. The only thing you need to remember is not to sand to aggressively as Masonite is really only paper and it will soak up moisture from the paint at greater rates if the surface is scratched up to much. And use a good quality primer. If this is being used in a damp environment I suggest that you use a oil base paint instead. Masonite is not really suggested to be used in damp locations as it has a tendency to swell. What about using a 1/4 inch Sheetrock instead? Although not really suggested again in a damp environment it will not react nearly as bad as Masonite will.
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Aug 06, 2012
    I'd go with some Luan ply...it is at least real wood and "set" with stronger urea based glues... the grain can be leveled with some fine sand paper after priming.
  • Julie Julie on Aug 08, 2012
    Thank you both! Great suggestions. It's a hallway, not a damp environment, so that's good. But you both gave us some things to think about before starting.....