Step-by-step instructions for repainting MDF kitchen facades

MDF panels are a building material intended for finishing premises, cladding the facades of cabinet furniture or walls; it is made from wood chips of low or medium thickness. These parts are considered an environmentally friendly finishing element, since synthetic adhesives are not used in their production, but natural wood resin is used, which reliably fixes all layers of the product and forms a single whole. MDF panels have medium and low density, depending on the number of layers and composition of the wood. Over time, during the operation of these parts, their surface may become scratched, the coating loses its gloss or has defects, as a result, the integrity of the entire panel is compromised, and the appearance of the entire finish becomes unsightly. Any owner in this case is faced with the question: how to update the facade of the panels without completely changing them?

MDF panels on the wall

This article discusses the possibility of painting products such as MDF wall panels, whether it is possible to paint MDF, as well as the process of carrying out such work at home.

How to update the lining on the loggia?

Today there are several effective ways to help update clapboard walls: Painting. Applying varnish. ... Before painting and varnishing, you need to prepare the wall covering:

1. clean from dirt;
2. degrease with an alkaline solution;
3. sand with an abrasive wheel or sandpaper;
4. coat with antiseptic.

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DIY MDF door repair

If the surface of the film on facades made from MDF requires replacement, this task can be dealt with without resorting to the services of hired specialists.

Problems may include:

• the coating begins to peel off from the edge;
• swelling of the film appeared;
• the surface is damaged.

If the film comes off, what do they do: remove the door and unscrew the handles, hinges and locking fittings, and place the facade on a flat surface. If a corner or a small strip has come off, it is recommended to heat the coating and apply the film with strong smoothing movements. To fix it, a flat plate and a weight are placed on top.

For heating, use a household hairdryer or iron (when using it, cover it with fabric or Teflon film). If the furniture is not old, you can level it with your hands, heating the adhesive during friction.

If the factory sizing does not hold the surface, use quick-drying “Super-Moment” or universal polymer glue for fixation. The work is guided by the instructions for use of the product.

To repair a film façade whose coating has bulged, you will have to cut the bubble into 4 pieces crosswise with a utility knife. Sometimes the cause is dust or debris trapped under the film during furniture manufacturing. You need to thoroughly clean everything inside of foreign objects, apply glue and press. Depending on the type of glue, MDF doors are kept under load from several hours to several days.

If damage occurs (holes, cracks, fire marks), you need to completely renew the coating. Handles, hinges and other fittings are removed from the part, cleaned and dried, and then a film is glued on. A furniture company or specialized store will help you choose the right color and texture; the main thing is to show a sample.

Good to know! Most often, the film peels off near heat sources (stove, oven, radiators) and water (sink).

Original special effects

• The “chameleon” effect allows you to see new colors of the facade from different lighting angles. Day and evening they constantly change their color, making the kitchen mystically mysterious. The chameleon can demonstrate its unusual beauty only on radius facades.
• The crackle effect and decoupage are often used to create classic interiors, kitchens in Provence or retro style. With its help, the surface of the furniture slightly ages and acquires a whole history of use. The crackle technique is used to imitate a web of fine wrinkles. The decoupage technique allows you to cover any thematic image with a web of wrinkles.
• The effect of pearls or mother-of-pearl is formed due to special processing, during which a coating with an optical effect is applied to the product. It creates a slight shimmer and clearly demonstrates how beautiful the play of shades can be.
• The “metallic” effect is created by mixing the coloring composition with special components that form a recognizable metallic sheen on the surface of the product. It is suitable for creating voluminous cabinets in golden or gray color.
• Stencil tint – creating an additional pattern on a painted surface. It is applied using stencils or an airbrush. Designers recommend using a similar effect only for decorating one or two facades of upper or lower cabinets.

Crackle effect

Photo printing looks elegant on painted facades. Using it, designers apply an openwork silver pattern and create a whole world using complex plots or floral prints.

Restoration of glossy coatings

Another way to restore the kitchen facade with your own hands is varnishing. This method allows you to show the beauty of the texture of different species, gives the furniture an expensive and representative look.

In order for the surface to sparkle with gloss, it is pre-prepared. All fittings are removed, after which the paint from the facade or old varnish is removed. The wood is cleaned with emery, first coarse-grained, then fine.

Existing cracks in kitchen facades are sealed with putty, which is matched to the color of the wood. To make it look more similar, sometimes colored pigments are added to it. The putty must be dried before you begin varnishing the facade.

If necessary, use a special transparent primer. She:

• levels the surface;
• creates a protective layer;
• enhances the texture of the source material.

The peculiarity of working with varnishes is that it is applied in several layers. The first layer is made as a base layer, allowed to dry, after which the next one is applied. The last layer is made the thinnest and most transparent. It gives the facade a glossy shine and enhances the depth of the pattern.

The varnish should be allowed to dry before hanging the doors in place. Drying it with a hairdryer is not recommended. Characteristic ripples may appear. It will ruin the appearance.

Reasons for the formation of defects

There are a number of reasons why painting MDF panels may be necessary, including:

1. Mechanical damage to the surface as a result of impact with a sharp object or other material. The top layer of the MDF panel consists of laminated or plain paper with paint applied to it; when exposed to a hard object, the film breaks, which exposes the core of the entire product;
2. Paint fading, loss of color brightness. This deformation is caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays and atmospheric air, which contains a small amount of moisture. Over time, the coating becomes matte, loses its shine and original appearance;
3. Temperature changes also negatively affect the external condition of the surface of MDF panels, since the internal structure consists of wood, which absorbs moisture from the atmosphere and at the same time swells over the entire area. When the temperature rises, MDF dries out and may crack; moreover, the glue contained in the panel loses its ability due to moisture, which leads to peeling of paper, lamination and shavings.

MDF and water

These causes of deformation lead to an unsightly appearance of the entire surface and disrupt the overall design of the wall. If these defects occur, you can paint MDF panels after first completing a number of preparatory procedures, but you should understand that painting parts with your own hands at home brings a result that differs from processing with paints in production.

Coloring

It is important to remember that paint is applied only to areas that do not have external defects. Therefore, small scratches and chips are sealed in advance with wax or putty.

Acrylic paint or auto enamel is used in the work: it is more expensive, but more durable. Car spray is easier to apply, lays down more evenly, and better protects it from moisture and temperature in the kitchen.

Painting stages:

• We remove the doors and unscrew the fittings. Fixed elements that need to be protected from painting are sealed with masking tape.
• If the MDF surface is covered with film, remove it. A hair dryer will make the job easier.
• We process it with fine sandpaper, remove dust and degrease.
• Apply primer in two layers. For hard-to-reach places we use a brush, for smooth surfaces we use a roller. You can apply the primer using a spray gun. Be sure to let the first coat dry completely before applying the second.
• Apply the paint with a brush or roller in one direction. The aerosol is applied only with the use of a respirator. Surrounding objects also need to be protected.
• After the paint has dried, cover the façade with a layer of transparent varnish.

Moldings, overlays and decoupage

These restoration methods will give the kitchen set unique features: there is no limit to the scope for imagination.

Before applying jewelry, the surface for it is prepared: the application area is sanded, cleaned and degreased.

A 3D decoupage pattern is formed using a stencil: a material is applied through it to form a bas-relief. A popular option is to use wood putty. After drying, the pattern is sanded with sandpaper and covered with a protective layer of transparent or colored varnish.

Volumetric decoupage

Applying putty through a stencil

Decoupage with putty

For decoupage using napkins or decoupage cards, PVA glue is applied to the selected material. Then the drawing is applied to the cabinet door and smoothed out. After drying, apply 4 layers of matte or glossy varnish.

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Moldings are overhead wooden or plastic elements. They, like decorative overlays, are attached with glue to a previously prepared surface. For wooden moldings it is possible to attach them to small nails without heads.

Moldings and overlays

Updating your kitchen with moldings

Moldings for furniture

Furniture decor

Restoring countertops and kitchen tables: interesting ideas

To refresh a countertop or table surface made of chipboard, staining, decoupage and varnishing are used. But there are other ways, such as tiling, as in the photo below.

A countertop surface improved with ceramic tiles receives many advantages:

• Not afraid of water.
• Becomes more resistant to mechanical damage.
• Easy to clean and remove dirt.

The disadvantage of this modernization is a significant increase in the weight of the countertop. But since kitchen furniture is used permanently, there is no big problem here.

The tiles are laid using regular tile adhesive. But the work has its own characteristics:

• First, we attach metal corners to liquid nails along the perimeter of the tabletop. They serve as edging for the tiles and cover the end of the covering.
• We lay the tiles: tightly and with minimal gaps. The glue dries quickly, so you shouldn’t cover the entire tabletop with it at once. It is recommended to apply it in small portions under one or two tiles.
• We wait at least 6 hours until the glue dries completely, rub the seams and cover with a protective layer of varnish.

Another original way to transform a tabletop is to create a mosaic or ornament under tempered glass. Several slats or corners are screwed to the surface, which will divide the tabletop into zones. Decorative filler is poured into these sectors: small pebbles, coins, shells, beads or sand. From above, all this splendor is covered with impact-resistant glass, which is glued on.

Restoration of the ends of chipboard furniture

The front surface of sets made of this material is restored using the methods described above. Other damage typical of furniture of this type, such as chips at the ends, can be repaired using melamine edges.

• In the store we select a new edge according to color and thickness. We measure the length of the required segment in advance and buy material with a small margin.
• We remove the old edging. To do this, heat the end with an iron.
• Using a chisel we remove the unevenness of the end, and then sand it with fine sandpaper.
• We put the new edge in place and smooth it with an iron. After the glue has hardened, we trim off the excess with a sharp knife and sand the joints.

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Varnishing

The procedure is performed according to the instructions:

1. The varnish is prepared for use.
2. The first layer is applied at the rate of about 150 grams per square meter.
3. After waiting for the first layer to dry well, apply a new layer.
4. Repeat the drying process.
5. Final sanding begins. First, sandpaper with a coarse grain is passed over the surface, then a finer one is used. To avoid lumps forming, spray the area with water.
6. The panel is left for several days (from 4 to 7) and polished. For this it is better to use a power tool.

There are many tips on how to properly paint MDF. The main thing is to follow a clear plan and be careful.

The corridor is lined with MDF panels in a light wood look from floor to ceiling. The thickness of the panels is about 5 mm, I don’t see any film on top, it looks like a regular paper and cardboard layer on top. We touched it a little with our hands, decided to wash it with a damp dish sponge, rubbed it here and there a dozen times and rubbed it until there was a light spot in the middle of the wall, it would be okay if I stopped, otherwise I rubbed it in a couple more places. The first thought was to cover the entire corridor with stain or varnish, maybe darken it a little color, it doesn't matter. I'm leaning towards painting with a roller. What can you guys use to paint over worn areas and preserve the overall color if possible? Maybe varnish with a tint. Is it possible to cover MDF with it? I don’t understand how I did this. Thanks for the advice and Happy New Year everyone.

Why do this?

Many people wonder: is it possible to paint MDF at home, and why is this necessary? The answer to the first part of the question is yes. Indeed, you can paint the panels yourself. But it’s worth making a reservation right away: if you don’t have a spray booth at hand, the result is not always ideal. The coloring procedure is necessary for the following reasons:

1. Painted elements become more resistant to high temperatures and humidity. Therefore, they can be used in the kitchen and bathroom, where they can fulfill different roles.
2. By decorating, it is possible to diversify a dull interior and refresh the appearance of the room. The shade is chosen based on the design ideas.
3. Painting MDF panels is also necessary in order to extend their service life.

Painting MDF allows you not only to diversify a boring interior, but also to extend the service life of the product

Of course, this option also has some disadvantages. For example, this procedure is sometimes much more expensive than using decorative films. In addition, the surface becomes prone to fading.

Removing stains

Often on a polished surface there are stains from spilled coffee, iodine, oil, wine or other unknown coloring liquid. You can deal with them by wiping the stains with gasoline.

If necessary, repeat the procedure several times until it disappears completely. Finally, wipe with a mixture of denatured alcohol and linseed oil, this will restore the polish.

Stains from hot mugs, irons, and kettles are removed using ammonia or regular vodka.

What materials should I use?

Since MDF is a material that consists of wood fiber, it can also be painted with conventional wood paints. However, to get a truly high-quality result and uniform coloring, you will need special formulations, including:

• polyurethane-based primer;
• paint (also polyurethane);
• varnish for MDF (if necessary).

Polyurethane enamel does not contain volatile components and can be used for both interior and exterior use.

Upgrade with PVC film

Restoration does not always mean only returning facades to their original appearance and replacing fittings. Modern methods of decoration make it possible to change the appearance of a kitchen beyond recognition, using quite affordable means.

One of these options is vinyl film, or rather, a sticker with an image on PVC film. Moreover, the image can be anything - from a wood pattern to an ornament of any complexity or a landscape.

Quite often, this technique is used to change the style of the kitchen or simply diversify the design. To do this, decorate an area or two doors with a sticker. If they want to update their entire set, all facades are covered with vinyl film. The choice is entirely determined by the style of the room.

Paneled facades are very suitable for such kitchen renovations. The frames are painted or also covered with a film of a different color, and the inner surface is decorated with self-adhesive film.

The photo shows a successful solution in the Art Nouveau style.