MDF edges

[lcm1947]

In the new issue Vol 15 issue 86 of Shopnotes I noticed an interesting article on working with MDF. It suggests using drywall joint compound to seal the porous edges so it will take paint better. Since I am currently needing to paint some plywood I thought I'd try sealing the edges of it so I did. I haven't yet painted it but that compound sure seals it good. It fills up all those hundreds of little tiny tiny voids. Unless it doesn't come out well after painting it it sure seems like a good idea that I'd pass along. Anybody ever do this?

[jnesmith]

Interesting. I've seen it suggested for MDF as you say, but never for plywood. Let us know how it turns out.

[newbie2wood]

I read the same article but was wondering if the joint compound would be prone to flaking. It may be good for filling voids but if the compound is on the surface and painted over, it could be easily damaged.
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Ocean View Condos Prathumnak

[lcm1947]

I don't think I'll have a problem on flaking. I spread and pushed it into the holes with a credit card and then wiped it off with the edge of the card so it really took it all off except for what was left in the tiny pores. I'll let you know how it turns out.

[Jan]

joint compound

I've been using joint joint compound to patch all sorts or nicks and dings on interior doors for years. For some reason my tenants bang up the doors in my rentals. Skim coat, sand, prime, and paint and it's done. I've never had it fail and when you consider how well it holds up on the walls there's no reason it should.

Jan

[psal2]

In the new issue Vol 15 issue 86 of Shopnotes I noticed an interesting article on working with MDF. It suggests using drywall joint compound to seal the porous edges so it will take paint better. Since I am currently needing to paint some plywood I thought I'd try sealing the edges of it so I did. I haven't yet painted it but that compound sure seals it good. It fills up all those hundreds of little tiny tiny voids. Unless it doesn't come out well after painting it it sure seems like a good idea that I'd pass along. Anybody ever do this?

Mac,

Did you ever get around to doing this. It sounded interesting and I was wondering if it worked.

[Boomer_01]

Does the water in the joint compound cause the plywood to swell? I can see there MDF probably wouldn’t expand from the moisture because it is permeated with adhesive, but I would be concerned about plywood.


Boomer

[gmack5]

Does the water in the joint compound cause the plywood to swell? I can see there MDF probably wouldn’t expand from the moisture because it is permeated with adhesive, but I would be concerned about plywood. Boomer

One of the worse things you can do to MDF is get it "Moist"! MDF is NOT even close to being water resistant!

There is a product out that IS water resistant, it's made from Wheat Straw and they use an adhesive that contains NO formaldahide (sp). Used to see it used all the time on a WW show called "Router Workshop" (not on locally anymore ).