MDF is a wood material that is used in many households. It is cheap and is used in the interior designing of living or workspaces. Some common places where MDF is used are furniture, flooring, kitchen cabinets, and many more. MDF has a rough surface that does not look eye-catching if left unpainted. Painting it is the most preferable option to enhance the look. Some of the MDF is painted after covering it with an undercoat of a layer of primer to achieve a smooth and finished look.
Now that you know about MDF, you should be thoughtful while choosing the color as well. For example, if the MDF is for the kitchen you would want to go for light tones that look decent in a kitchen and give a homely feeling while working. Yes! Colors do have an impact on your moods and feelings. The hues and palette you choose to paint your interior are totally based upon your interests and color coordination around your house.
| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | Bedec Soft Satin Multi-Surface PaintBest Paints for MDF
| Check Price |
 | Rustins Quick Drying MDF SealerBest Quick Drying MDF Sealer
| Check Price |
 | RonsealBest One Coat Melamine & MDF
| Check Price |
 | Dulux PrimerBest Primer & Undercoat For Wood
| Check Price |
 | Greaves co MDF PrimerBest Paints for MDF
| Check Price |
 | MDF Primer UndercoatBest Blackfriar MDF Acrylic Primer Undercoat
| Check Price |
To paint your MDF for giving it a finished look, it is necessary for you to choose paints that are of quality and protects your wood too. We have listed down the Best Paints For MDF for 2023 that will help to make your interior classier and aesthetic.
Best Paints for MDF of 2023
1. Bedec Soft Satin – Multi Surface Paint
Bedec soft satin is a perfect water-based paint that is light on the surface giving out a marvelous finished look ever. Bedec is not specifically an MDF paint but is definitely suitable for all kinds of surfaces including the MDF as well. It is a perfect paint in many aspects. First of all, it is a combination used as an undercoat and topcoat. This means you don’t have to get yourself an individual primer for your MDF.
This paint is a fast-drying paint which is a need if you have other work going on in your home. This can save you time and allows you to avoid ruining the paint in any way possible.
Specifications
- Environment friendly
- Soft glow, satin, and matte finish
The best thing about this paint is that if you are into DIYs then you can use it on your small projects as well. The fast-drying quality of this paint will give you much room to create many more projects easily and effectively without making a mess out of different paints.
As this paint acts as an undercoat as well it does not require you to set the surface specifically before painting. It allows you to paint directly yet giving you the best-finished look of MDF. A can of Bedec paint can cover up to 15 meter square per liter and allows you to coat it with another layer just after 4 hours of the first layer.
This is not it, Bedec paints provide the best flexibility and quality towards its surface. No matter what the weather conditions or environment around you, MDF is the paint won’t crack or dull in color. Though to reach the perfect level of satisfaction you might want to cover it with 3 to 4 coats. The paint comes in 39 different colors allowing you to have a vast variety to choose among different tones. It is supplied in different volume ranging from 750ml to 2.5 liters.
Pros
- Environment friendly
- Soft glow, satin, and matte finish
Cons
- Low coverage
Final View
The environment-friendly aspect in the Bedec paint helps you to avoid any kind of odor while keeping your surface toxic-free. It is breathable which does not spoil your surface as well. Dries quickly and can be used in a kid’s room or kitchen where the food has to be prepared. Thus, it is the best paint for any kind of household DIY project.
2. Rustins Paints & Sprays – Quick Drying MDF Sealer
This Rustics Quick Drying MDF sealer is the best product to seal your paints on MDF. It is supplied in small 500ml tins. It is a waterproof and quick-drying product used mostly as an undercoat as it accepts all kinds of paints on it.
Though the product has a weird smell it is mentioned as the most environmentally friendly product. It dries out very quickly and can be used indoors and outdoors making its application wider. The coverage it provides is phenomenal. One coat over all the MDF blocks is enough. Two coats might be required on the surfaces that are highly absorbent such as the corners of the wood or MDF.
Specifications
- Accepts any kind of product
- One coat product
The water consistency it acquires has many advantages. One of the major advantages is that you can apply it according to your desires. Such as you can apply it through spray, brush, or rollers depending on your preferences. Sprays and rollers usually take up less time and allow you to get done with your work swiftly.
As the name indicates it is truly a fast-drying paint. It takes only 30 minutes to dry up completely while it allows you to paint another coat just after 2 hours of the first coat. This helps you save energy and time while protecting the paint from getting destroyed. The MDF sealer covers up to 12 meter square per liter, it is also a very inexpensive product with a very good coverage quality.
Pros
- Accepts any kind of product
- One coat product
Cons
- Watery consistency may swell the MDF
Final View
If you are always short on time then it is the best product for your painting sessions that have stayed pending. As it dries up really fast as compared to the other products it is the most convenient paint and undercoat for you. The best quality is that it accepts any kind of varnish or paint making it more preferable than other sealers.
3. Ronseal One Coat Cupboard Melamine – Ronseal One Coat Cupboard Paint
This paint is known to be the highest coverage paint in the market. It is known to be a one coat paint for melamine and MDF. It claims to use only one coat for full coverage. The Ronseal also guarantees that it doesn’t need a primer before the painting as it contains such properties that make sure to give smooth finished results.
Specifications
- Quick drying time
- Perfect finish
The paint is exceptionally good with its vast color palette. It is amazingly good and vibrant on dark hues while it would not disappoint you at all with light shades as well. The paint also has a perfect consistency which is not very dense or watery, saving you from drippings of paint.
The paint dries fast and gives a really fine satin finish to your MDF which is attractive and an instant eye-catcher for the viewers. The paint has the qualities of being highly durable and tough which is always prevented from any kind of happenings in its environments whether it be environmental or changing weather conditions. A liter of paint can cover up to 8 meters per square of an area very easily with one coat or 2 coats maximum for perfect coverage.
Pros
- Quick drying time
- Perfect finish
Cons
- High toxicity
Final View
An inexpensive paint that gives you full coverage with a fine satin look, it is the best paint for your MDF. It claims to have one coat application and that is the most budget-friendly and time-saving feature a product can offer to you.
4. Dulux Primer & Undercoat Paint – Primer And Undercoat For Wood
Dulux has always been the best one in the market for years. Its high-quality paints stand out in the market. Same is the case with the Dulux primers and undercoats. The undercoat is good for any type of wood, even MDF. It can be used for interiors and exteriors without a doubt which still guarantees to give the perfect end results every time.
Specifications
- Quick dry
- Compatible with all application tools
The paint has a perfect grip and coverage no matter what the surface is. Which means any kind of surface is able to accept the Dulux paint. While applying it is not necessary to apply primer as it already has such characteristics of primer.
It is available in 250 and 750 ml of tins which is enough for you to cover most of the areas in your house conveniently. Usually, a tin can cover up to 16 meter square per liter. The absorbance of the paint is very high due to which you may require a double coat on your MDF.
The paint is of high quality and also improves the adherence of the paint. It is easy to apply and dries really fast. It is a reliable product that is convenient to use. It is also very affordable that helps you to paint according to your needs.
Pros
- Quick dry
- Compatible with all application tools
Cons
- Dull color, may require more coats
Final View
With the company name and perfect word of mouth, we can definitely say it is a good choice for painting your MDF. The fast-drying technology and good coverage will definitely do justice to your interiors and exteriors without damaging them as the paint has very little amount of toxicants inside.
5. MDF Primer – Best Mdf Primer
Specifications
- Inexpensive
- Good coverage
If you are looking for the best primer to go under your paint on MDF then this is exactly the one you need. Primers are of different types but a good quality primer should be of a balanced water ratio. It should not be very thin in consistency or the wood will suck all the water and eventually swell. It shouldn’t be very thick either as the brush strokes might appear on the surface that would actually show on paint too.
This is a water-based primer for use on MDF to seal the surface prior to painting. It can be coated with water-based or solvent-based paints. A 1-liter tin is enough to cover a 12 square meter per liter.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Good coverage
Cons
- A water-based on top of it might make the MDF swell up
Final View
Greaves and co make sure that your surface is all smooth and ready to be painted while you work on your projects. Its water consistency is made just perfect for it to prime the MDF. A single coat is enough for your MDF block to be covered perfectly.
6. Blackfriar Quick Drying MDF – Acrylic Primer Undercoat
Blacfriar has made all the professionals and creative thinkers surprised by its phenomenal characteristics. Though it is expensive it has managed to cross the expectations of everyone out there. The primer paint is formulated in such a way that it can be used both for interiors and exteriors. It is supplied in only two colors in the market that are, white and gray. Giving your furniture an elegant finished look.
Specifications
- Higher opacity
- Higher coverage
The dark undertones of blackfriar help to improve the quality of paint no matter what the color of paint is. It improves coverage and also reduces the overall cost of your project as the paint then requires less number of coats.
The best thing about this undercoat is that it is compatible with almost all kinds of surfaces. Yes! Not only MDF but hardwood, plywood, and any type of surface you can think of. It is definitely an all in one product for your project.
It is a water-based primer that suits best with water-based MDF paints. It dries quickly and is very environment friendly with almost no toxicants at all. The product is available in 250ml 500ml and 1-liter tins that cover the maximum of your surface area with full coverage and fewer coats.
Pros
- Higher opacity
- Higher coverage
Cons
- A bit expensive
FInal View
With the compatibility of all application tools, surfaces, and paints this is the best product to invest in. It has a high value for money with excellent coverage and fewer intoxicants that helps you to paint even if you’re living in humid or colder regions.
Buying Guide
If you have to paint your MDF and are looking for guidelines on how to buy and what paint to buy which best suits your MDF then this is the perfect place for you as we have the perfect buying guide which will help you to find exactly what you are looking for.
Equipment Needed
First of all the equipment that you need should not specifically be high-end and very professional. If you are starting from smaller projects then the following are the basic requirements you will be needing.
Best Paint for MDF?
After selecting the equipment for you it is necessary to know which paint you need for your MDF and how to select it. Using the right paint for your MDF will give you the desired results or you won’t be satisfied at all.
Water and MDF never mix well. After you prime your MDF the paint doesn’t damage your wood. However, the MDF might get affected by the water-based paints. Water swells the board up and it destroys your MDF. It can be sometimes cured but the damage remains unsolved.
Average emulsion paint is can produce patchy surfaces and the paint may peel off. You should choose oil-based paint it will definitely give better results. You should be aware that oil-based paints have a strong odor than water-based paints. This issue can be solved by keeping your windows and doors open for at least 6 hours after you finish painting. The ventilation will help with the odor to disperse more quickly.
You can find out more about thinning paint using water by finding out different ways where it can give a more finished look. In short, a ratio of around 70:30 paint to water is the most convenient for you.
FAQs
What paint is best for MDF?
Acrylic and latex paints are best for MDF. They are easy to apply and gives the best finish ever. This helps even the beginners to use these paints easily and conveniently.
Does MDF paint well?
The MDF is the easiest to paint and gives the most finished look as it is already made to its finest in the factory. It makes it easier to paint and sometimes might not even need a primer. As the surface is the finest the edges might be a little rough. They can be sand papered to even them or you can simply use a good undercoat or primer. This evens out the entire MDF and helps you paint easier.
Can you use Water-based paints on MDF?
We would not recommend using water-based paints directly on an MDF as the wood would absorb the maximum water which would result in the swelling of the wood. This might not be long lasting and give you headache at the same time. It is more convenient to use oil paints mixed with water in a proper ratio. But using water-based paints on an MDF is not as big of a problem.
What can I seal MDF with?
Your MDF paint can easily be sealed through PVA glue. You can mix the glue with small amounts of water to form a semi-liquid consistency to coat all over your board.
Conclusion
Choosing the best paint for your MDF is important to give your interior or exterior a perfect finished look. This can only be achieved if you get quality paints with good primers undercoats and topcoats. Not only the paints but these all products help you to achieve your desired outcome. Choosing the best one from the entire market can be a little difficult. Therefore, we have our top 3 picks for you.
Above mentioned are some of our best picks for you which will help you to have a perfect finished MDF. We hope your project turns out just the way you want it to be with the help of these paints and undercoats. In the end, what matters is that you choose a good quality MDF and paint for your projects.