Painting naked MDF

[Aworryingtrend]

That's painting naked MDF, not painting MDF naked .

We have just had a cupboard built in our downstairs bathroom which is floor to ceiling. It is built from plain MDF. What do i need to 'do' to it before I paint it? Can I just put some primer straight on or should I sand it first? Do I need to knot it?

Also any thoughts on what finish to go for? The flooring is oak-effect karndean and the walls are creamy with these tiles round the sink/toilet.

I'm thinking white gloss will not look right, but can't think what will.

Any thoughts appreciated!

[lalalonglegs]

You don't need to sand it but there are special MDF primers on the market - it's terribly absorbent so you need something that's going to stop it sucking up all the paint. I don't know what you mean by knotting it.

I always think cupboards look best plain white gloss.

[ViolaTricolor]

There are no knots in MDF, so no to knotting. I would also go for white gloss or maybe something less sheeny depending on your taste.

I'm going to watch your thread now because we have new MDF boxing over some pipes and I'm keen to hear any more priming tips.

[greenlotus]

We found that the cut edges soak up the most paint, we primed them with PVA (glue) and then normal primer, eggshell paint on top.

[noddyholder]

I have had a cupboard built like that in our hall.We primed it with special mdf primer and then 2 coats of f and b french grey eggshell.It looks great and was fairly easy.

[Aworryingtrend]

Thanks all for those tips, will be making a trip to B and Q this weekend. I am leaning more towards eggshell I think but we will see.