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For the past couple of years, I’ve been finishing off rooms in my very basic modular home. The crown molding I’ve bought has been either primed or unprimed finger-joint wood. I’m ready to do another room, and now find that the local stores also carry primed MDF molding. It not only has a much smoother finish than the other types, but is about $.12/lf cheaper than primed FJ. I’ve never used any kind of MDF molding. How good is it? Is it more stable than wood after installation? Does it nail the same; for example, are pilot holes needed? Do inside corners need to be coped or will mitre joints work? As you can see, I’m full of questions, and hope someone out there can give me the “straight skinny.” Thanks.
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I would not use it if at all possible. The stuff is nothing more tham cardboard. When coping it will crumble if it is to tight. Long peices will break if not careful. Forget about closing up an outside mitre by nailing it, the stuff will split rather than pull together. Save yourself the pain and get FJ instead
*John, I use a lot of MDF with no problems. But I have learned to over cut inside & outside corners, [47 vs. 45],to get a tight joint. Use lots of glue on outside corners. Sometimes I hot glue the piece first, then install it. Use a latex wood filler for nail holes and sand smooth, prime, etc.
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Just my humble opinion but I would'nt use the stuff if you want a good looking job to last. The stuff is now going to be called "MDB" (medium density bulls*#%}. Pauls got it right, also leaves pock marks if not pre drilled, and when moisture gets to it, it does NOT stay straight without a billion or so nails. Spend 12 cents.
*MDF mouldings........I won't even use FJ if I can avoid it."A" grade all the way.Ed. Williams
*After fightin 120' of twisted FJ 4-1/4" crown, I couldn't agree with you more Ed.
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Thanks for all the suggestions. I think I'll stick with the FJ stuff. For the lengths I'll be needing, the MDF will be way too flexible. The only advantage the MDF has to me is the smoothness of its finish. Otherwise the FJ is better. Guess I'll get to the lumber yard and then to work.
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For the past couple of years, I've been finishing off rooms in my very basic modular home. The crown molding I've bought has been either primed or unprimed finger-joint wood. I'm ready to do another room, and now find that the local stores also carry primed MDF molding. It not only has a much smoother finish than the other types, but is about $.12/lf cheaper than primed FJ. I've never used any kind of MDF molding. How good is it? Is it more stable than wood after installation? Does it nail the same; for example, are pilot holes needed? Do inside corners need to be coped or will mitre joints work? As you can see, I'm full of questions, and hope someone out there can give me the "straight skinny." Thanks.