End panel of my cabinets
Can I tone or stain MDF?
by
GAGalNSC
+12
My home is newer and the builder's grade cabinets installed have MDF or another product that appears to be photo paper to match the existing stain of the birch doors and facing. Can these end panels be stained or toned (a dye or stain product to increase the tone of the color) or do I need to replace these with a veneer?
You don't need to replace them, that's a lot of work. There are many ways to paint or stain them. These videos will give you so many ideas!
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=stain+mdf+to+look+like+wood
My guess is that stain would not have something to "soak" into if this is MDF or "foil paper" finish on parts (like Ikea uses on some of its products); I am concerned too that any contact with a wet product like stain might actually cause potential damage to the existing finish. MDF can be wiped down with a damp cloth (maybe), but it doesn't work well generally with moisture. If you want to change the color, I would check with my local big box store or hardware store about a good bonding agent and primer for this type of finish and then paint. If you want to restain instead, I think you had the right idea about "resurfacing" with wood veneer sheets. That doesn't strike me as a particularly easy thing for someone who isn't a pro at it to do, though.
You should be able to stain or paint the veneer the same as the cabinet doors.
Sorry for the confusion over my use of the term "foil paper." That is the term Ikea uses for the finish on their less expensive items that uses a form of printed paper product over an MDF surface to give the appearance of wood. I don't think the paper would take the stain or if it did, it would act as you suspect it might - pucker and wrinkle. I did a fast check - according to this website, you can stain MDF but because it does not absorb the stain like real wood, you have to let each coat dry for at least a couple of days and then apply a protective hard finish coat. https://generalfinishes.com/blog/2014/04/what-pre-existing-surfaces-can-i-apply-general-finishes-gel-stain-aka-one-coat-wonder
I would definitely not stain the MDF. I have tried this, and it looks horrible. I see where you have ordered the veneer so good luck! :)
Your builders should’ve used veneered plywood on all outward facing cabinets sites. It cost extra money to have the good stuff that’s why he gave you the cheap stuff instead.
I purchased new wood veneer end panels and have two coats of stain on them so far. One more should bring it to the level of what I'm trying to achieve and then I do 2-3 coats of topcoat. My cabinet doors are birch and honestly, I think the face plate is another species of wood so adding this to the mix can't hurt. :)