Preparing MDF edges for chalk paint

[Marineboy]

Hi all, looking for some advice on finishing MDF. I'm replacing our kitchen cabinet doors which I am decorating with a simple pattern routed in with a v point cutter. I've experimented on an off cut with chalk paint, 2 coats applied with a roller then waxed and it looks good. I sealed the edges with PVA prior to paint and that seems to have worked ok though not as smooth a finish as on the flat sides. I've read somewhere to use wood filler (eg Titebond) instead and wondering if anyone has used this method or has any other ideas. Thanks.

 

[ED65]

These previous threads should help:
advice on painting mdf
MDF Edges

Might I ask why you're using chalk paint and then waxing it? Isn't the whole point of chalk paint the, er, chalky finish?!

 

[Nelsun]

I'd ponder using chalk paint with or without wax for kitchen cabinets. It's a lovely finish but it's not the most durable and wax would make for a hard time touching it up in the future.

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[Marineboy]

Thanks for the replies - i have had limited experience of chalk paint but you need the wax to protect the surface from absorbing stains. Its other advantage is that it is very easy to apply, little or no prep needed, and it adheres well even straight over wax, so retouching the odd scuff would not be a problem.

 

[Marineboy]

Meant to say - thanks ED65 for those links, some very helpful advice there.

 

[Nelsun]

Its other advantage is that it is very easy to apply, little or no prep needed, and it adheres well even straight over wax, so retouching the odd scuff would not be a problem.

It can indeed be painted on just about anything... but it's not *quite* that magical. It'll go over wax but it'll scuff off quicker than you can wink. Using wax under a coat of chalk paint is one way to make distressing the paint easier once it's dried as it comes off wax that much easier than the non-waxed bits. I've used chalk paint + wax on a number of things and it gives you a lovely finish after a good coating of elbow grease

Definitely prime the MDF first as covered in the linked threads. Chalk paint dries fast enough without the MDF sucking all the moisture out of it.

 

[HexusOdy]

As said Chalk Paint is Super soft. You can take a rag to a finished piece and rub paint off no bother, even when waxed and especially on edges.

You should be ok on kitchen doors which generally aren't being touch, as long as you use the handles.

Generally I have found chalk paint goes on MDF fine, even without a primer. The cut edges are always rougher than the face as thats the nature of MDF. It's probably not the finish, more likely needs good sanding.

 

[Marineboy]

Thanks for all your advice guys