Clear(?) treatment for MDF... ? Is there such a thing as a CLEAR treatment these days?

accipiter · 2025-01-21T20:06:07+0000

As the double ? marks indicate hopefully... the reason for posting is asking for any (new!?) CLEAR treatments that don't alter timber colours - be it softwood, hardwood or sheet materials of any type - being available these days.

Reason for asking a (possible) ridiculous question? Having taken advantage of some of the discounted stock from Homebase due to the store closures etc., I got a couple of the MDF half height wall panels to line a wall in the porch way.

SWIMBO has now informed me that she is "well taken" with the colour of the untreated MDF surfaces... and I've told her "it ain't going to be possible" to keep it as it is and the boards need sealing so colour will change.

I've been absent for quite a while regarding any *NEW* treatments that just may have come on the market during this time that possibly do this. I've some old tins of stuff I've accumulated over time so I know none of these are suitable.

SO... Yes - or No to such being available? I'm guessing at no but need to ask

Jameshow · 2025-01-21T20:14:18+0000

Thinned Matt yacht or polyurethane varnish?? Would seal it but the colour is likely to be dependant no so much in the varnish but on the UV light and how that affects the finish? Yachts have plenty of UV so something in that line would be ideal?

Nightwood · 2025-01-21T20:17:49+0000

If you need to seal MDF before decorating, you can't go wrong with this Rustins Quick Drying MDF Sealer. The clear finish is suitable for applying varnish and paint - far more versatile than a white MDF sealer that can only be painted on.
One-coat application is quick and easy - it's touch-dry in 30 minutes and re-coatable in just 2 hours, so you'll waste no time cracking on with your project. The low-odour, water-based sealer is suitable for all grades of MDF.

Nightwood · 2025-01-21T20:24:20+0000

As an add-on note the Rustins Quick Drying MDF Sealer can be brought in small-size tins from Amazon, B&Q, Toolstation, and Brewers hope that helps

Bingy man · 2025-01-21T20:28:02+0000

Even if you leave it untreated it will fade depending on the location to any windows or other light sources.

accipiter · 2025-01-21T20:44:38+0000

Thank you all that have responded so quickly - much appreciated

. I take all comments/guidance offered on board. I'll add a photo or two (?) tomorrow giving an idea of location and daylight (UV) entry to the porch.

I'm close to the local Homebase tomorrow morning so I can check out the Justin's QD MDF sealer but will compare prices against Toolstation etc.

I may have to end up applying a 'caramel' coloured paint - mixed to match - type...

Bingy man · 2025-01-21T21:03:14+0000

It was a good few years back when I used the mdf sealer on my workbench but I don’t think it changes the colour much - the exception could be any cut edges ..