Transform Tired Cabinets: DIY MDF Painting Made Simple

If your kitchen cabinets are looking worn and dated, a fresh coat of paint can give them new life without the high cost of full replacement. Painting kitchen cabinets is a budget-friendly weekend project for DIYers, but tackling medium density fiberboard (MDF) cabinets presents some unique challenges compared to wood. MDF is an engineered wood product made from wood fibers bound with resin and wax. With the right prep work, primer, and paint, you can achieve beautiful, long-lasting results painting over MDF. This step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know to paint your MDF kitchen cabinets like a pro.

We'll cover all the necessary materials, prep work, priming, painting, and protection steps required to take your MDF cabinets from tired to spectacular. With some elbow grease and attention to detail, you can completely transform the look of your kitchen on a DIY budget. So grab your paintbrushes and let's get started revitalizing those cabinets!

Gather the Necessary Painting Supplies

Painting MDF cabinets requires careful preparation and the right mix of supplies to ensure success. Here's an overview of the essential tools and materials you'll need:

• Sandpaper - 220 grit and 400 grit
• Tack cloth
• Drop cloths
• Painters tape
• Screwdrivers
• Detail brushes
• Paint tray, roller, and roller covers
• High-quality primer - solvent-based
• Cabinet paint - semi-gloss or gloss finish
• Old rags and microfiber cloths
• Mineral spirits/paint thinner (if using oil-based paint)

We recommend visiting a specialty paint store and seeking advice on the best primer and paint for your project. Stay away from big box store "one coat" promises - the real pros know that proper prep and multiple coats lead to the most durable finish.

Prep the Cabinets for Painting

Preparing your MDF cabinets thoroughly before painting is the most important step for achieving flawless results. Here are the key prep steps:

Remove Doors, Drawers, and Hardware

Detach all doors, drawers, knobs, and pulls from your cabinets and set the hardware aside in a bag for safekeeping. This allows you to paint the inside cabinet frames and doors evenly. Use a screwdriver to remove any hinges or screws.

Fill Holes and Imperfections

Examine the MDF surfaces closely and fill any screw holes, cracks, or imperfections with a wood filler designed for MDF. Allow the filler to dry completely before sanding smooth.

Sand Away Rough Spots

Since MDF has a smooth front face, you'll mainly need to sand the edges which are more porous. Start with 220 grit sandpaper and work your way up to 400 grit, removing any raised edges or texture. Then sand the faces lightly to rough up the surface for painting.

Remove Dust with Tack Cloth

Wipe down all surfaces thoroughly with a tack cloth after sanding to pick up any fine dust or debris. Paint won't adhere properly over dust.

Protect Your Work Area

Cover any nearby floors, countertops, or appliances with drop cloths. Use painter's tape to mask off areas around the cabinets you don't want accidental paint drips or splatter to land.

Prime Cabinets for Superior Paint Adhesion

Priming is non-negotiable for the best paint results on MDF. We recommend using a high-bonding solvent-based primer made specifically for MDF and other composite wood materials. Here are some tips for priming success:

Select the Right Primer

Top choices include Zinsser B-I-N Shellac-Base Primer or KILZ Adhesion Interior Latex Primer. Avoid water-based primers which can cause swelling.

Stir Primer Thoroughly

Always stir your primer gently but thoroughly before and periodically during use. This ensures the resin and pigments are well incorporated.

Apply Primer with Brush, Roller, or Spray

Use your preferred applicator - brush, roller, or spray gun to apply the primer in thin, even coats. Pay special attention to edges and crevices.

Allow Proper Dry Time

Give the primer adequate time to fully dry per manufacturer instructions before sanding or painting over it. This ensures proper adhesion.

Painting Tips for a Flawless Finish

With your MDF cabinets now prepped and primed, it's time for the fun part - applying the color! Follow these tips for beautiful painted cabinet results:

Lightly Sand Between Coats

Gently sand each coat of paint with 400 grit paper once dry, before applying the next coat. This helps remove any drips or unevenness.

Wipe Clean with Tack Cloth

Use a fresh tack cloth between coats to remove fine dust for an ultra-smooth finish.

Apply Paint Evenly

Carefully paint the cabinets using a premium cabinet paint, applying thin and even coats. Waiting proper dry time between coats prevents drips and runs.

Check for Patchiness

Inspect each coat once dry for any thin or patchy spots and do an additional coat as needed to achieve full, uniform coverage.

Allow Paint to Fully Cure

Give the painted cabinets several days to fully cure and harden before reinstalling doors and hardware or putting them back into use.

Protect and Finalize Your Painted Cabinets

Put the finishing touches on your freshly painted MDF cabinets with these final steps:

Apply Protective Topcoat (Optional)

For added protection, consider applying a clear polyurethane, lacquer or wax topcoat. This adds an extra layer of durability.

Reattach Doors, Drawers and Hardware

Once fully cured, put the cabinetry back together with all doors, drawers, and hardware installed.

Remove Drop Cloths and Tape

Carefully peel away any painter's tape and drop cloths used to protect your work surfaces.

Allow Full Cure Before Heavy Use

Hold off on placing heavy pots, pans or appliances inside newly painted cabinets until the paint has fully cured to prevent damage.

Handy Tips for Painting MDF Cabinets

Follow these tips and tricks to get the most flawless, durable results from your MDF cabinet paint job:

• Degrease cabinet exteriors even if not in kitchen to avoid paint issues.
• Lightly abrade vinyl surfaces to improve paint adhesion.
• Label hardware bags clearly for easy reinstallation.
• Ask your specialty paint store for the best MDF primer and cabinet paint.
• Apply paint with the wood grain for an authentic look.
• Work in a well ventilated area and allow plenty of dry time between coats.

Refreshing outdated MDF kitchen cabinets with a fresh coat of paint is an affordable DIY project that can give your space a whole new look. Follow this guide to properly prep, prime and paint your way to revitalized cabinets. With some time and care, you can save thousands of dollars over the cost of new cabinet installation. We hope these tips help you achieve kitchen cabinet perfection!