Can I paint MDF Furniture?

Question

I have 2 1980's old Sauder pantries. I think they are made of MDF with some sort of thin laminate over them (the kind of stuff you'd have bought at a WalMart or Kmart! LOL!) Both pieces are still in great shape structurally but that old brown wood grain has to go! Does anyone know IF they can be sanded, primed and painted? Or are they a lost cause? I hate to dump them. They are very functional but I would like to give them a facelift with some neat paint jobs. Any suggestions? PS I contacted Sauder for advice and they never answered me!! :o( Thanks!

Susan H · Answer

Yes they can be painted. I had an MDF entertainment center and i wanted it to be that dark IKEA shade of brown. So I lightly sanded and used a latex primer then used a paint pad (my favorite) to apply 2 coats of satin latex and it came out great. It didn't peel or stick. Good luck.

LinJ47 · Answer

Thanks so much for the quick response! I think I'm just going to dive in and do it!!! Do you think I should finish them off with some water based polyurethane to protect the finish?

Shari · Answer

With the all the primer and paint choices on the market today, virtually anything can be painted. Of course, chalk paint is really popular right now and is suppose to stick to anything without prep work or priming but I absolutely detest the waxing step that is recommended to give some luster and protection to the flat, matte finish.

If you decide to use latex paint (which is my personal preference), just be sure to get a good quality bonding primer and the best quality paint you can afford. Multiple light coats are better than a single heavy application and allow adequate drying time between coats. I do not recommend the all-in-one primer/paint combos that all the paint companies are pushing now. They may be okay for walls but I have not been happy with the results I got on furniture. I wouldn't recommend using paint out of an aerosol can either. It's too hard to get an even, consistent finish.

A protective finish coat is a matter of personal preference. It depends on how much use and possible abuse you think the pieces may get. Personally, I don't use a protective coat on my painted furniture because a lot of my pieces are painted white and even non-yellowing top coats can change the color of the paint. If I get a few nicks or dings in the paint from daily use, I prefer to just use a little brush and a dab of paint to touch them up.

Colimbia1 · Answer

Agree with Linda and Susan - lightly sand and use a primer. Kilz is a good one I think. I would suggest that if these are used in your kitchen where there is grease and steam in the air to use a protective coat. If you use Chalk Paint, don't use the wax. Instead use a clear varnish. You can test whatever kind of primer, paint and protective cover on a piece of wood and see what you like best.

Jeanette S · Answer

These pieces are fantastic! I love the narrow depth of these. Be sure and post results!

Diane Daughdrill · Answer

I used chalk paint on my MDF desk and it didn't stick. I should've primed it first. Now I have to redo the entire thing or chunk it out.

The Garden Frog with C Renee · Answer

Spray paint. That is an easy way to do this piece too. Rustoleums 2x the spray paint needs no primer and you could just take your time and spray paint the piece- just make sure the piece is clean and free from dust. Rustoleum has a great line of paints. The possibilities are endless!

Lorrie Schumacher · Answer

Sand it (just lightly scuff it up) so the paint can grab. Primer lightly. Paint with whatever you desire (I prefer enamel-I think it's tougher and stands up better to daily use with furniture, but latex is ok too.) I ALWAYS put a clear coat on furniture-otherwise it will chip constantly with use. It will slightly change the color over a long time, but well worth the headaches of constantly touching up. White will look a little yellow after awhile. If you aren't going to use it much and it's just decorative, (and you are worried about color) you can forgo the protective finish.

Kris Kowalski · Answer

Chalk paint would work nicely. You don't need to sand first. Just make sure it's clean. The Lowe's website has the recipe to make your own. I've used it and really like the results.

Leslie Try · Answer

I did an MDF with chalk paint and it turned out great. Don't find the waxing that bad. Just turn on HGTV and you can get lost in their programming........that's one of the best features of chalk paint, you can paint in the dining room without worry!!

Chris aka monkey · Answer

@LinJ47 yes any kind of paint can be used i suggest though a water based paint for easier clean up poly acrylic makes a fabulous top coat. lala xx

GR · Answer

I've painted every kind of surface including MDF with chalk paint. As long as the surface is really clean there shouldn't be a problem (in fact the paint seems to go on better if it isn't wood!) I use wax or varnish depending on the use it's going to get. Waxing can be a pain but I still prefer it to sanding and priming :-)

LinJ47 · Answer

Thank all of you for these wonderful tips!! I think I'll go with the light sanding, priming, latex paint (might even go for a little darker glazing for added drama) and then coat the whole shebang with clear poly. It's SO great to get all this feedback from more experienced 'Repurposers' (is there such a term?? There is now!!). Many thanks to all of you! xoxox Linda

Diane Daughdrill · Answer

thanks Kris for the link! :)

Debbie DeVault Alexander · Answer

I'm new to this chalk paint and waxing. Can someone fill me in?

Can I paint MDF Furniture?

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