Painting MDF

[dcbwhaley]

Can emulsion paint be applied directly to MDF?

[.]

obviously.

[The Medway Handyman]

Yup! Works well.

[Rob]

No, it melts it.

[Richard Downing]

I get better results by priming it with a coat of emulsion diluted about

15%. This both seals the surface and raises a kind of 'grain'. A rub down with 240 grit then, before two top coats. I use a mini roller.

R.

[johnty]

depends how far away it is.

[Tim Hardisty]

I've used "MDF primer" (from Screwfix) which seals the surface but doesn't raise the grain. Could be emulsion with a much higher PVA content maybe? Tim Hardisty. Please remove HAT before replying by email.

[The Natural Philosopher]

Yes. However MDF does shrink a little, and you get fine hairline cracks appearing between butted panels.

I am contemplating lining paper...