Mdf instead of plasterboard??

matty_hunt

Hi.
I wonder if someone could throw some expertise my way. I need to recover a stud wall with plasterboards and either skim and paint or paint direct. However, at work we have a surplus of mdf boards. Could I use these instead of the plasterboard and paint direct? Would I still need to skim first, or is mdf unsuitable?
Any advice welcomed and appreciated.
Thanks.

1984ReturnsForReal_2

Doesn't MDF expand when it gets wet?

With, say for example, paint or wet plaster?

OK_Sauce

I have used MDF to make stud walls before. There is no need to skim, just fill the screw holes with filler. Painting with regular emulsion doesn't seem to be a problem. I think I used a wood primer first though.

iamcornholio

Nothing wrong with MDF in principle in a room or areas not subject to high humidity, but joints, filling screwhead holes and overall "flatness" need to be considered. Even so you may want to seal the edges prior to fixing

Skim plaster on MDF will probably fall off

If the partion needs to be fire rated, then you have to porperly seal any joints, or double-board and overlap joints

matty_hunt

Thanks everyone for the replies. It is for a kitchen wall that is to be mostly covered with units so not too much of it on display and thought I might get away with filler not showing up but hadnt thought of the humidity. Shame, was hoping to save a few quid but guess I will have to plasterboard afterall...or could I seal it all with a pva solution or the like?

cheers

iamcornholio

There may be a sealer available, you'll have to google to find one.

Obviously the sealer will have to be able to take the emulsion paint finish, so check that it can.

But the joints will crack, and moisture will get in so attention/sealant to the ends of the boards is very important.

But you will still have an obvious and visible crack at the joints, so unless that is not an issue or can be disguised, then for the £4 cost of some 8x4 boards, joint filler, and plaster, that may be the best option

keystone

Plasterboard and skim - no question.

Cheers

matty_hunt

Thankyou everyone. I think I should just do it the normal way, plasterboard and skim. Always interesting to know if there are other ways of doing these things though.
Cheers

ormus

another long term project eh?

(9 months old).

aboard_epsilon

mdf may be a good idea ..at least you then have something a bit more substantial to screw your units onto .

all the best.markj