Hello-
I built soffits in my basement using MDF. All the cut edges of the
MDF are either inside unexposed joints or are covered up by pre-primed
moulding.

Can I prime the smooth outer surfaces of the MDF with just regular old
PVA primer before I paint or is there something special that should be
used with MDF?

My plan is to prime with PVA and then applya white latex paint. I
plan on using an airless sprayer.

Thanks for any feedback...

Kevin

After a little more research, I'm thinking about using an oil based
primer ( probably the 'odorless' Killz ) along with a Latex paint.
Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Kevin

On May 13, 11:23 pm, " wrote:
After a little more research, I'm thinking about using an oil based
primer ( probably the 'odorless' Killz ) along with a Latex paint.
Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Kevin

Since nobody replied I guess I'll answer your question. Definitely do
not use a latex primer. The water based product may "soften" the
surface of the mdf and cause it to swell slightly. Not enough to cause
real damage, but enough to make it a little rough. An oil primer,
"cheap" will work, will seal the surface quickly and give you a good
bite for your favorite topcoat.

Ed

THANKS!

cyberbob wrote on 14 May 2007 in group
alt.home.repair:

Since nobody replied I guess I'll answer your question. Definitely do
not use a latex primer. The water based product may "soften" the
surface of the mdf and cause it to swell slightly. Not enough to cause
real damage, but enough to make it a little rough. An oil primer,
"cheap" will work, will seal the surface quickly and give you a good
bite for your favorite topcoat.

I've been building custom shelves for a couple of years from MDF, and I
always use latex Kilz. I've never had a problem. I put on one coat of
Kilz, which dries in a couple of hours. I then sand it smooth and put on
two finish coats of latex paint. Depending on the paint, I can get a
mirror finish.

There's nothing wrong with using the oil-based primers, but strong smells
are triggers for my wife's migraines, so I avoid them.