Can MDF Bathroom Cabinets Look Like Stained Wood?

Question

I have old builder grade bathroom cabinets and want to update them. I thought they were wood that had been painted, but when I removed the paint from one of the drawers and found MDF. I was hoping for wood that I could stain a dark rich color. Is there any way to get the stained wood look from MDF?

Gladys · Answer

I don't know the answer on this, but anxiously await comments because we bought two MDF cabinets also, and I tried staining, but it didn't work, and I need to know what does work. Thank you for asking!

Sallie N · Answer

As you can see from the photo I NEED to do something. Someone here knows the answer and all will be revealed

Keith · Answer

I know there's painting techniques that can resemble stained wood, but I believe you'll find that's one of those 'easier said than done' projects.. and most contact paper looks like, well, contact paper, and it wouldn't hold up long term.. you could also consider covering it all with wood veneer, and then stain and finish, but veneer isn't cheap (you'd likely be able to buy a new vanity for what it costs).. I'd suggest painting it and starting a 'new vanity savings account' :-) Sorry, I know these aren't the answers you're looking for, but I'm just passing on my opinion and experiences..

Z · Answer

Sallie, when I designed and built our custom closet we decided to go with MDF over plywood because of how smooth it was and it saved a couple hundred dollars at the time. I still wanted the look of wood so I purchased Minwax oil based gel stain and a chip brush (they're the cheep ones you can by in multiple packs) and went to work. Up close you know it's not wood, but it does have a richer look that solid paint in my opinion. I did this on raw MDF..... http://www.hometalk.com/diy/-2517450

Tradition Wood Works · Answer

Like Keith said above, it can be done but a lot of work, we have done similar type finishing but it takes some practice to get a good look.
I'm guessing the doors are mdf and not the cabinets. You might be able to get new doors made of wood fairly reasonable, you have to consider your time vs the reward.

Venezias Finishing Touch · Answer

If you base coat them with an light orangish primer. Then get some oil artist paint in the tube Burndt Umber is a good color.  I like rembrandt. and some Liquin. squeeze paint onto a pallet. Keep liquin separate. dab brush into paint first then into liquin and start brushing. You will get an idea of how dark you want it. the more liquin the lighter it will be. Play around by shaking your hand to get some wood grain going. It takes a very long time to dry so there is plenty of work time. After it is dry you must put a clear coat over it.

Sallie N · Answer

You guys are the best and have given me lots to think about. Thanks for the support. I'm a new DIYer so any help is appreciated. I'll be back with more questions I'm sure.

Rita Shehan · Answer

You could try Rustoleum Cabinet Transformations. My daughter used it on some old cabinet doors and she is quite happy with the results.

SUPPLY.com · Answer

Here is a handy guide for prepping MDF to be painted/stained - http://www.familyhandyman.com/woodworking/tips/what-is-mdf-plus-tips-for-using-mdf/view-all

SUPPLY.com · Answer

You're welcome @Sallie N, hope it helps!

Sallie N · Answer

Everything helps. I'm looking for something that I can do to the cabinets that won't cost to much money or time. Looks like I'll be using a can of white paint with new knobs. That's something I can do on the weekend.

Momcat1211 · Answer

Be sure to put some nice nobs/pulls on the doors as well that will give it that updated feel that it needs.  If you want that modern look finish it out with nice looking finishes.

Kris · Answer

We moved into a home with builder grade bathroom cabinets with a bad white paint job. I opted to distress them for a shabby chic look. I used a dry brush technique and antiquing glaze. I don't know if this is too rustic for you, but it's an easy option

Abbe N · Answer

YES! http://www.hometalk.com/diy/kitchen-dining/kitchen-dining-furniture/white-cabinets-painted-to-look-like-wood-3852119

Abbe N · Answer

I did it and so can you! It was not that hard.

Edward Noyer · Answer

I would really consider adding molding as there is nothing to give visual interest to the doors as even getting the MDF looking like wood it will end up looking like an MDF bookshelf from a box store.  I would reconsider the wood stain and paint the door in a light color and dry brush a darker shade, once dry use painters tape and mark off a center panel I'm a complimentary color.  Cheaper than molding and will make the cabinets look more like a piece of furniture.

Denise · Answer

Put some small trim molding on the doors to add interest, then paint inside the molding area with a matching color, or even a 'pop' color. We have mdf cabinets in our apt. kitchen, and I hate them. I wish I could do something like this to brighten them up. Good luck

Denise · Answer

Molding not on edges, but on face front, about 2 inches in, from all sides, like some people do with walls

Denise · Answer

Lolol. I understand. HGTV is addicting! Good luck whatever you decide to do. Sounds like you and I both have champagne tastes and beer pocketbooks!! Good luck

Rob Bromley · Answer

They now have inexpensive wood graining rollers that you roll on during the second coat that looks just like knots and various wood grains. Turns mdf into realistic hardwoods! While it is not intuitive, the base coat (after prime) could be a light orange or yellow. Once dry, the second coat should be darker like Kilz Tonka Bean or Behr Rich Mahogany mixed with a liquid mixing glaze. Adding an additional coat of the darker color will darken the overall appearance.

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Can MDF Bathroom Cabinets Look Like Stained Wood?

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