Replies

1. 
   Mad_Dog | Jan 22, 2002 04:32am | #1

   *
   Hi Ken,

   MDF can be used this way. I assume you want to have a good paint surface, or else you'd go with something else.

   I have used MDF on two different window projects and also as jambs for pocket doors. About 6 months after I did this, I became concerned that the material would perform poorly if it got wet. So far, the homeowners have had no problems with it. One of the jobs had window seats as well as other trim components made from MDF.

   It is quite hard, and doesn't easily ding. It machines well, though creates a dust storm you'll never forget. To me, this is the worst dust of all-it's just as fine as drywall but lighter, so floats in the air longer. I like to work it outside.

   I think your idea of finishing the edge with wood may be a good one. The key will be the glue, I wouldn't count on nails or brads to hold real well in the MDF. It is a bit tricky to deal with the edges in general otherwise.

   Mainly, I'd be concerned about waterproofing it. Use a good oil-based primer and two coats of acrylic latex on all edges.

   Oh, by the way, I made some "cherry" shelves out of MDF and pulled it off nicely. You can make a simulated woodgrain with it, especially on the paper face.

   Good luck,

   MD

1. 
   Jeff_J._Buck | Jan 22, 2002 05:52am | #2

   *I've trimmed out a few rental units by ripping sheets of MDF. These places take an above average beating, and so far....no landlord complaints. The edges will dent if struck........but then again....so will pine. The wood egdes should help.....and so would a slight round-over on the inside edges. Jeff

1. 
   Canbuildit4you | Jan 22, 2002 06:13am | #3

   *Ken,The material works well as the other Guys have said, however don't use it over a fresh concrete or "Gypcrete" floor. (Horror story!) Phil Powell

1. 
   Andy_W | Jan 22, 2002 06:46am | #4

   *Ken:I have used mdf a lot of times for just what you are suggesting. If you are painting, I wouldn't even be concerned about about banding it with solid wood, just sand the exposed edge and paint it. The first coat of primer can raise the 'grain' a bit, but if you sand it lightly, 2 finish coats (preferably with a foam roller) will seal it very nicely, leaving no 'grain' at all. Hand nailing raises small dimples where the nails are set, but a sanding block knocks them down pretty quickly. I would not use it however, where there is any chance of it getting wet, such as a window sill or near a tub/shower.Good luck, and let us know how it turns out.Andy

1. 
   Sandy_Marincic | Jan 29, 2002 03:36am | #5

   *Hi Ken,I used MDF for a fireplace mantle - looked great after a lot of coats of high gloss spray paint, but it a million coats to get a nice shine on the routed face. I was told later that there is a sealer designed specifically for mdf, and that even one coat would have made my life easier.Sandy Marincic

2. 
   Mongo_ | Jan 29, 2002 09:25am | #6

   *Just use a paste pore filler on the milled edges of MDF. Brush it on with an acid or paint brush, let it dry, sand, then prime and paint.

3. 
   Wayne_Law | Jan 30, 2002 02:08am | #7

   *I haven't tried it, but I wonder if shellac would make a good sealer for the edges.

4. 
   Speiserboo | Jan 30, 2002 05:37am | #8

   *we used mdf as casing, ac plywood for extension jambs, with poplar as a sill. Made some old totally funky windows look really sharp. Until the painters came in. Damn that green was ugly.Aaron

5. 
   Scott_Kelley | Mar 04, 2002 07:30pm | #9

   *I have used MDF for projects ranging from Substrates for veneers, Custom trim where wood couldhave too much expansion, sets of paint grade bookshelves, mantles and floors. MDF works great for trim( except in bathrooms or any area where moisture is.If you are wondering what water does to MDF, just drop a drip of water on it. It nails wonderfull. (no risk of splitting). I also can conform to rolling walls very well. I generally put an edge on it though(Chamfer, roundover, ogee ect... This seems to minimize dammage. It also paints great. You can do wonders with a 4x8 sheet, a table saw, sliding compound,laminate trimmer, and creativity.As a matter of fact I have a question. Has anyone had any experience with using polyurethane for finish? I know some who have done it. It looks great. There are some tricks though. It seems to show any flaws. Even ones you cannot see prior to application. Anyone, Anyone? Thanks

6. 
   lonecat | Mar 04, 2002 08:24pm | #10

   *Do they make it in 9' sheets?

7. 
   SamD_ | Mar 05, 2002 05:07pm | #11

   *Stuff is a little tricky (for me anyway) when it comes to filling nail holes. Definitely want to prime the holes (after gouging out the raised material) with oil base primer, not latex. The latex seems to swell the MDF making it damn near impossible to fill and sand smooth (the stuff almost seems to continue swelling, later, after you're done sanding). As everyone noted, sure does machine nice...... Sam

8. 
   Matthew_Steadman | Mar 06, 2002 03:57am | #12

   *I've only seen 5x8