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There are a lot of misconceptions about painting MDF doors. These include “MDF surfaces lead to peeling or chipping over time,” primer isn’t necessary, or you have limited colour options for MDF surfaces and it is difficult to achieve a smooth finish.

But in reality, once you have a proper preparation and painting technique specifically for MDF, it will result in a flawless finish comparable to solid wood doors. That’s what we’re gonna do in this blog. We will address these misconceptions and guide you to properly prepare and paint your MDF doors.

Debunking Myths about Painting MDF Doors

MDF Surfaces Lead to Peeling or Chipping Over Time

This misconception overlooks factors that contribute to the durability and longevity of painted MDF surfaces. While MDF is an engineered wood product, its tendency to have paint issues is often exaggerated.

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WORN OUT VINYL CABINET

The reality is that peeling or chipping paint on MDF surfaces is usually not a result of the material itself, but rather improper preparation or application techniques. When painting MDF, thorough surface preparation is essential to ensure proper adhesion of the paint. This includes cleaning the surface, sanding to create a slightly rough texture for better adhesion, and applying a high-quality primer specifically formulated for MDF. 

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peeling vinyl cabinet

Using the right type of paint and applying it in thin, even coats can help prevent issues such as peeling or chipping. By following these best practices, homeowners and DIY renovators can achieve durable, long-lasting finishes on their painted MDF surfaces.

Primer Isn’t Necessary

While MDF may have a smooth surface, primer is an essential factor in the painting process. Primer seals the surface, preventing wood fibres from absorbing the paint unevenly. This ensures that the paint sticks uniformly, resulting in a smoother and more professional finish. Primer also enhances the durability of the paint job, providing a strong foundation that resists chipping, peeling and other forms of wear and tear.

Skipping the primer may save time initially, but it can lead to costly and time-consuming issues down the line. With our painted doors, you can ensure high-quality primer use designed for MDF to make them maintain their beauty and integrity for years to come.

Limited Colour Options

This myth fails to recognise the versatility and adaptability of MDF when it comes to paint selection. In reality, MDF can be painted in an extensive range of colours, allowing renovators and builders to achieve any desired aesthetic.

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painted colours

Whether you prefer bold and vibrant hues or subtle and neutral tones, TKDC ensures that there's a paint colour to suit every style and preference, debunking the myth of limited colour options. Our painted doors are also available in matt, satin and gloss finishes and a huge door design selection. 

Not Environmentally Friendly

Contrary to this misconception, TKDC embraces water-based paints for painting MDF doors, which offer several environmental advantages over traditional solvent-based counterparts. These paints contain fewer harmful chemicals that contribute to air pollution and pose health risks to both humans and the environment. 

By opting for water-based paints, renovators can reduce their environmental footprint while still achieving high-quality finishes in their kitchens. They are also easier to clean up and dispose of, further minimising their impact on the environment.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Raw MDF 

MDF doors offer a range of advantages and disadvantages, making them a popular choice for DIY renovators. One of the primary advantages of MDF doors is their affordability. Compared to solid wood doors, MDF doors are typically more budget-friendly, making them an attractive option for those looking to save on costs without sacrificing quality. 

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raw mdf

MDF doors are known for their versatility. They can be easily shaped, routed, and carved to achieve various designs and styles, providing endless customisation options to suit their aesthetic preferences. With our Raw MDF and painted doors, you can choose over 500 door designs for total customisation of your kitchen. 

However, MDF doors also come with some disadvantages that should be considered. One significant drawback is their susceptibility to moisture damage. Unlike solid wood doors, MDF doors can swell or warp when exposed to excessive moisture, leading to issues like distortion over time. Additionally, while MDF doors can be painted or veneered to mimic the appearance of solid wood, they lack the natural grain and texture of real wood, which may be a downside for those seeking an authentic look and feel. MDF doors are not as durable as solid wood doors and may be more prone to dents, scratches, and other forms of wear and tear, particularly in high-traffic areas of the home.

Advantages:

1. Affordability

2. Versatility in door design options

3. Smooth surface ideal for painting or vinyl wrapping

4. Consistent density and uniformity

Disadvantages:

1. Susceptibility to moisture damage

2. Lack of natural grain and texture

3. Less durable than solid wood doors

4. May be prone to dents and scratches

Basic Steps to Paint Raw MDF Kitchen Doors

Painting MDF doors can be a rewarding DIY project that adds a fresh, customised look to your home's interior. Whether you're updating existing doors or creating new ones, painting MDF doors requires careful preparation and execution to achieve professional results. 

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door preparation for painting

Before diving into the painting process, it's essential to understand the unique properties of MDF and how they influence the painting technique. MDF is an engineered wood product made from wood fibres bonded together with adhesive resins under heat and pressure. 

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painting process

With the right tools, materials, and techniques, you can achieve professional-looking results that showcase the beauty of your painted MDF doors.

Upgrade Your Kitchen With TKDC’s Raw MDF Doors

When it comes to MDF doors, we stand out as a trusted provider offering both raw MDF and painted options. Ordering raw MDF doors provides you with a blank canvas to unleash your creativity, allowing for custom painting or finishing to match your unique style and décor preferences. 

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painted kitchen

With our commitment to quality and craftsmanship, we ensure that each raw MDF door is manufactured to the highest standards, providing a durable and versatile foundation for your renovation project.

Alternatively, TKDC also offers painted MDF doors, providing the convenience of ready-to-install doors with a flawless finish. By choosing painted doors from TKDC, you can skip the painting process altogether and enjoy the benefits of professionally painted doors delivered directly to your doorstep. 

The Kitchen Door Company prides itself on producing high-quality, Australian-made doors at a very affordable rate. Contact us at 08 9456 0165 or sales@tkdc.com.au where one of our friendly staff will be able to assist you.