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In the following article, we take a look at how to apply laminate to MDF boards for anyone looking to give their furniture that extra shine.
Why laminate?
Medium-density fireboard (MDF) are today’s standard wood product used in building household furniture items such as cabinets and drawers. It’s usually credited to its consistent size and strength as well as being easy to shape when creating different furniture items. Most people choose to laminate MDF as it gives the appearance of a polished and high-quality product. The laminate is usually shiny, hence the effect once applied on the surface of the MDF. Laminating also protects the surface of the board from moisture and gives the surface a smoother feeling due to its non-porous material.
Things to note
During lamination, care must be taken to ensure the laminate paint bonds properly as bubbling can occur when the paint or primer has not dried. This can result in the primer easily scratching off long after completing the process. Other concerns can be attributed to a lack of proper adhesion after the paint has cured. For the best products and advice, Theos Timber Limited offers affordable and professional help for anyone looking to check out different MDFs including veneered mdf and related products.
Getting started
The first step in laminating MDFs is cleaning the item with a piece of cloth dipped in lukewarm water. This is an important step that ensures the removal of unwanted stain or residues that can affect the painting or primer step. Tough stains such as grease can be cleaned out using a Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) solution or only vinegar and water. It is good to wipe off the surface thoroughly if chemical cleaners are used before proceeding.
Sanding off.
Before getting to laminate MDFs, using sandpaper to gently sand off the surface helps to ensure that the primer and paint properly adhere to the board. One needs to lightly wipe the surface in the same way as wiping down a counter with a piece of cloth.
Adding the primer
Different types of primers can be used on the surface, such as KILZ, Zinsser, and shellac-based primers. It is essential to choose primers that are meant for shiny surfaces. The primer should adhere to the laminate to avoid bubbling. One or two coats can be used depending on one’s preference.
Completing the paint
After adding the primer, it is essential to let it dry before adding satinwood or eggshell paint. This can be done using two or three coats, depending on the primer. Lightly sanding in-between each layer can bring out a professional finish.