DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

This might be strange to some but I actually like the surface/ colour of the MDF picture frames that I have bought. But my GF assures me they need to be darker. Is it possible to varnish MDF to get a more finished finish!!

Regards

Bo

Hi,

Perfectly possible, in fact if you look at the edge of many a veneered occasional table that has been made to a price you’ll see the edge is just stained and varnished MDF. These days it’s too expensive to properly veneer the edge.

Don’t use a water based finish – MDF turns into wet weetabix anywhere near water – use three coats of a solvent based varnish. De-nib (very lightly sand) between the first two coats to keep it smooth. If you want to make it darker still, then use a coloured varnish rather than try and stain the MDF. It can go blotchy if you try –looks ‘orrible

Nice one cheers for the info very informative.

Regards