Tips for painting SupaWood [MDF]

SupaWood - or more commonly known as MDF - is the most affordable board product to use when making cabinets, furniture, wall panelling and various other home projects.

 

While the finishing on this board is sanded perfectly smooth and ready to paint, there are a few tips that you can use to ensure that your project has a professional finish.

 

 

1. Always specify SupaWood when buying board - There are a lot of cheaper MDF board products out there that don't quite make the grade. If you're not sure, take a look at the board before you buy. It should be perfectly smooth and free from fibres and imperfections.

2. Although already sanded, it's best to give the surface of the board a sanding with 600-grit sandpaper before painting. Feel the surface of the board before you sand and then feel the difference after sanding. Now you know why it's a good idea not to miss this step!

3. Supawood edges are more porous than the surface and difficulty to paint.

a. Sand with 400-grit sandpaper until shiny.

b. Rub a light layer of wood filler into edges and sand with 220-grit sandpaper. The wood filler needs to be fairly wet when working onto the edges with your finger.

4. The only time it may be necessary to prime SupaWood [MDF] is when using spray paints. Due to the high absorbency rate of the board, SupaWood tends to suck up spray paints like a sponge. It's a good idea to prime with an acrylic PVA before applying spray paints.