What primer should I use on MDF

[BldnACab]

I am almost at the stage in my cabinet where I can start painting. I would like to put a couple of coats of primer on it. This seems to be the popular thing to do.

My question: Is there a special type of primer/paint to use on MDF, or will any old Latex or Oil based paint work?

Thanks

BldnACab

[Santoro]

I just used a few coats of black latex semi-gloss and it looks great. MDF paints realy nicely even without primer.  

Anyway,  If you had stains or paint on your MDF, maybe you should opt for BIN or one of those stain-sealing primers.  Otherwise I imagine that any primer that is compatible with your paint would do the trick.  

[Minwah]

I bought some (water based) 'MDF Primer' from my local DIY shop.  My painter & decorator mate reckons it is just the same as emulsion - I'm not 100% sure how true this is, but it does seem very similar...

[froggerman]

I always use an oil based primer on MDF.

[RandyT]

I am almost at the stage in my cabinet where I can start painting. I would like to put a couple of coats of primer on it. This seems to be the popular thing to do.

My question: Is there a special type of primer/paint to use on MDF, or will any old Latex or Oil based paint work?

Both will work.  The thicker the better, as the MDF can drink it up pretty well.  Just make sure you do light sand between coats, and if you see any thin spots where the material has soaked up the paint, give it another coat of primer.  Otherwise, you'll see that same spot in your finish coat.

RandyT

[Jakobud]

I always use an oil based primer on MDF.

Uh... isn't that ridiculously messy?

I'd stick to water based paints if I were you (any paint supply store will tell you the same thing).  If you want really good advice on primer, just ask the folks where you buy the paint.  Like goto Home Depot and ask them. They deal with the stuff every day.

[cdbrown]

A painter friend of mine was very specific in telling me to make sure I use a primer designed for use on MDF and to do 2 coats before top coating.  Didn't say water-based or oil-based, just make sure it is a MDF primer.

[rhoelsch]

I used new construction primer on mine(leftover from when my basement was drywalled)--2 coats, sanded between.  Nice and smooth.  Just make sure you use a smooth roller, if that's the way you're going.

[Wade]

I painted my MDF cab with water based semi-gloss paint.  Black in some areas and blue (with primer first) in other areas.  The non-primed areas turned out the best, by far.  Skip the primer and just use the highest quality water based paint you can find.

I used a smooth foam roller with several thin coats, and the end result looks VERY good.  It looks like laminate unless you get inches away from it and really inspect it.

Wade

[BldnACab]

Still a little confused about what to use. I will probably ask the people at the paint store and see what they say as well.

Thanks for all the replies.

BldnACab

[Minwah]

Well I have to say that the 'MDF Primer' I used was actually very good - a bit thin, and requires a few coats (not neccessarily a bad thing).  It seemed to seal the MDF well and also left a very smooth finish (I rolled it on).

I would certainly use a matt paint as I find this easier to sand back between coats.

[Wade]

Minwah,

   If you don't mind me asking, why did you sand between coats?  There was no need to sand after any of the coats of paint I applied.

Wade

[BldnACab]

I would certainly use a matt paint as I find this easier to sand back between coats.

Excuse my ignorance, but what is a matt paint?

BldnACab

[Santoro]

I would certainly use a matt paint as I find this easier to sand back between coats.

Excuse my ignorance, but what is a matt paint?

BldnACab

I think he meant 'matte' aka "flat" paint.

[BldnACab]

I would certainly use a matt paint as I find this easier to sand back between coats.

Excuse my ignorance, but what is a matt paint?

BldnACab

I think he meant 'matte' aka "flat" paint.

Ah, thanks.

BldnACab

[Minwah]

Minwah,

   If you don't mind me asking, why did you sand between coats?  There was no need to sand after any of the coats of paint I applied.

Wade

Um well I don't always do that, but I believe it is usually recommended to do so if you want a smooth finish.

And yes by 'matt' I mean flat.  We spell it that way in England

[Wade]

Minwah,

   So sometimes you attempt a perfectly smooth surface vs. the slightly textured surface created by a smooth foam roller?  I can appreciate that.

Wade

[Minwah]

Minwah,

   So sometimes you attempt a perfectly smooth surface vs. the slightly textured surface created by a smooth foam roller?  I can appreciate that.

Wade

Yeah I see what you mean, you'll always get a texture from a roller I suppose.  I just like to start off with as smooth surface as possible, and then any 'unsmoothness' you finish with is down to the roller.

I haven't done any proper top-coating to my cab yet, but I picked up an unusual (to me anyway) roller, which is supposed to give a very smooth finish.  It is like a normal foam roller but with a thin surface of velvety stuff.  I'm interested to see how it turns out...