Can you varnish MDF?

Francesanne

We've had made to measure radiator cover made from MDF. We're extremely pleased with finish, design & cost. We're keen just to coat cover with satin varnish. It's for our small study & would suit the room. Can anyone advise if MDF is suitable for varnishing? Many thanks.

forgotmyname

MDF will need sealing. You can buy proper DMF sealer.

PVA glue may work as long as it doesnt get wet in the future, But some paints may react with it. So the correct MDF sealer is worth the money.

Francesanne

forgotmyname wrote: »

MDF will need sealing. You can buy proper DMF sealer.

PVA glue may work as long as it doesnt get wet in the future, But some paints may react with it. So the correct MDF sealer is worth the money.

Many thanks for help. I've ordered tin of MDF clear sealer. Will give covers 2 coats before varnishing.

jcb208

I would Just varnish it ,no need to mess around with sealer ,thin the 1st coat 20%. Varnish is a good sealer anyway

Francesanne

jcb208 wrote: »

I would Just varnish it ,no need to mess around with sealer ,thin the 1st coat 20%. Varnish is a good sealer anyway

Don't want to take a chance, so will use sealer to be on safe side.

Reece_

Fair enough since you've already purchased it but I wouldn't bother with a specific mdf sealer either , if you wanted to use anything prior then I'd go for a shellac sealer , it's generally cheaper than mdf sealer and does the same job , most sealers are shellac based anyway.

Since you've got it already I'd just offer the advice of decent sanding in between coats especially on edges to get a nice finish , something between 120 and 240 grit will be good.

Francesanne

Reece_ wrote: »

Fair enough since you've already purchased it but I wouldn't bother with a specific mdf sealer either , if you wanted to use anything prior then I'd go for a shellac sealer , it's generally cheaper than mdf sealer and does the same job , most sealers are shellac based anyway.

Since you've got it already I'd just offer the advice of decent sanding in between coats especially on edges to get a nice finish , something between 120 and 240 grit will be good.

Many thanks on the sanding between coats advice. Will certainly do that.