Satisfy your curiosity to what is MDF

What is MDF, and how can you use it in your projects? Well, MDF is basically a type of hardboard that can be used as a core for laminated surfaces. It can also be painted. MDF is made with wood fibres, which are mixed with a resin and then pressed and heated to form a board. With no woodgrain, MDF cuts, drills, and routs very easily, with no risk of chipping or breakage.

Painting MDF

MDF has many great qualities which make it perfect for certain applications. Because it is made from tightly pressed fibre MDF has perfectly smooth sides free of any flaws you might find in a piece of plywood, such as knots or a deep woodgrain. This perfectly flat surface accepts most oil based paints, such as varnishes, melamine, and other enamels. Care must be taken, however, to ensure that you do not use too much paint; MDF does not absorb paint as well as wood does, so streaks are a real concern. To increase the adhesion of the paint, you can coat your MDF with a mixture of glue and water before you paint.

Painted MDF do's and don'ts

Once you have painted your MDF, you should be very careful to ensure the surface does not become scratched. Once again the lack of absorbency is somewhat of a drawback with painted MDF, because touching up a scratch becomes very difficult. It is a good idea to paint your MDF in place to prevent it from being damaged.

MDF mouldings

Crown mouldings and other custom routed mouldings are becoming increasingly popular, and MDF is one of the most cost effective materials with which to make these mouldings. If you are planning to rout an edge on your mouldings, MDF is the best material because of its excellent cutting performance and clean edges. When you are working with wood there is always a risk that the wood will split or chip – with MDF mouldings this risk disappears.

If you are planning to work with MDF, you must make sure your workshop has an adequate dust collection system, as cut MDF may exude chemicals like urea formaldehyde. With the right safety precautions, however, you will find that working with MDF is easy and fun, and you will be glad you asked "what is MDF?"