Medium-Density Fiber (MDF) is widely used for making furniture and home decors. Mainly MDF is used instead of wood because it costs less than wood. But if you ever want to customize your MDF made furniture by painting to make it look more beautiful or cover up the edges, then a primer is a must needed material you are going to need.

Best Primer For MDF

The best primer for MDF ensures that the paint sticks well on the surface. As MDF is unsuited with water-based material, you must use a primer that seals the surface so that the water can not damage the surface. If you use a primer before using the paint, the primer will give the ultimate smoothness on your surface.

To make the process of finding the best primer for MDF hassle-free, we will share our views on some top-rated primer available in the market.

While buying a primer for sealing your mdf surface, avoiding the water-based primer will be a wise decision. Though we have suggested two water-based primers, we will recommend that you analyze the surface first.

The best primer for mdf must have the ultimate stickiness, holding the paint for a long time and quick-dry feature.

You can use any primer if the primer can create the ultimate bond on a hard to paint surface. Creating a bond and sealing the surface from stains and bleeding are the main purposes people use a primer. Try to pick the one that does the job best.

What is the best primer for MDF?

After reading this write-up, we hope it will not be hard for you to pick the best mdf sealer. So why make it late? Let's jump into finding the best.

Preview
KILZ Original Low VOC Primer, Interior, 1 Quart
XIM 1 qt Products 11022 White, 400 White Solvent-Based...
Zinsser 00904 B-I-N Pigmented Shellac Oil Primer-Sealer...
Rust-Oleum Zinsser 3608 Cover Stain Oil Base Primer...
INSL-X SXA11009A-01 Stix Acrylic Waterborne Bonding...
Zinsser Rust-OLEUM 249933 1-2-3 Plus, 1 Quarts (Pack of...
Product Name
KILZ Original Low VOC Primer, Interior, 1 Quart
XIM 1 qt Products 11022 White, 400 White Solvent-Based...
Zinsser 00904 B-I-N Pigmented Shellac Oil Primer-Sealer...
Rust-Oleum Zinsser 3608 Cover Stain Oil Base Primer...
INSL-X SXA11009A-01 Stix Acrylic Waterborne Bonding...
Zinsser Rust-OLEUM 249933 1-2-3 Plus, 1 Quarts (Pack of...
Brand
KILZ
XIM
Rust-Oleum
Rust-Oleum
INSL-X
Rust-Oleum
Used On
Interior
Interior/Exterior
Interior/Exterior
Interior/Exterior
Interior/Exterior
Interior/Exterior
Size
32 fl Oz
31 fl Oz
1 qt
13 Oz
1 Gallon
1 Qt
Dry Time
1 Hour
30 Minutes
45 Minutes
30 Minutes
3-4 Hours
1 Hour
Based On
Oil
Oil or Solvent
-
Oil
Water
Oil
Preview
KILZ Original Low VOC Primer, Interior, 1 Quart
Product Name
KILZ Original Low VOC Primer, Interior, 1 Quart
Brand
KILZ
Used On
Interior
Size
32 fl Oz
Dry Time
1 Hour
Based On
Oil
Details
Preview
XIM 1 qt Products 11022 White, 400 White Solvent-Based...
Product Name
XIM 1 qt Products 11022 White, 400 White Solvent-Based...
Brand
XIM
Used On
Interior/Exterior
Size
31 fl Oz
Dry Time
30 Minutes
Based On
Oil or Solvent
Details
Preview
Zinsser 00904 B-I-N Pigmented Shellac Oil Primer-Sealer...
Product Name
Zinsser 00904 B-I-N Pigmented Shellac Oil Primer-Sealer...
Brand
Rust-Oleum
Used On
Interior/Exterior
Size
1 qt
Dry Time
45 Minutes
Based On
-
Details
Preview
Rust-Oleum Zinsser 3608 Cover Stain Oil Base Primer...
Product Name
Rust-Oleum Zinsser 3608 Cover Stain Oil Base Primer...
Brand
Rust-Oleum
Used On
Interior/Exterior
Size
13 Oz
Dry Time
30 Minutes
Based On
Oil
Details
Preview
INSL-X SXA11009A-01 Stix Acrylic Waterborne Bonding...
Product Name
INSL-X SXA11009A-01 Stix Acrylic Waterborne Bonding...
Brand
INSL-X
Used On
Interior/Exterior
Size
1 Gallon
Dry Time
3-4 Hours
Based On
Water
Details
Preview
Zinsser Rust-OLEUM 249933 1-2-3 Plus, 1 Quarts (Pack of...
Product Name
Zinsser Rust-OLEUM 249933 1-2-3 Plus, 1 Quarts (Pack of...
Brand
Rust-Oleum
Used On
Interior/Exterior
Size
1 Qt
Dry Time
1 Hour
Based On
Oil
Details

KILZ Original Multi-Surface Stain Blocking Interior Oil-Based Primer

KILZ Original Low VOC Primer, Interior, 1 Quart

If you want to make the paint color bright, vibrant using the least amount of paint, primer is the only option for that. And what can do a better job than KILZ Multi-Surface Stain Blocking Interior Oil-Based Primer? This brand has a trust of 40 years from its consumer, and for that, KILZ was recognized with "Paint Brand Of the Year" in 2015.

Water can lessen the durability of the MDF surface. But if you use KILZ Original Interior Oil-Based Primer, it will block various stains, especially water and smoke. It has a low VOC oil-based formula that doesn't allow the MDF surface to consume water.

The oil-based formula also ensures the smoothness of the topcoat paint. After applying the primer, you will be able to apply the paint within 1 hour. The quick-dry formula consumes less time.

This KILZ Original Interior Oil-Based Primer is ideal for sealing interior surfaces such as wood, plaster, paneling, brick, and painted metal. The 32 FL Oz gallon will perfectly cover 300-400 square feet.

Pros

  • VOC oil-based formula.
  • Seals water effectively.
  • Low-odor formula.
  • Works best as the base for the paint.
  • Ensure easy and smooth finish.

Cons

  • Coverage may get low often.
  • For indoor use only.

XIM 11022 Primer Sealer Bonder

XIM 1 qt Products 11022 White, 400 White Solvent-Based...

Let's talk about the market's best solvent base white sealer for ultimate bonding on the surface. It's XIM Primer Sealer Bonder.

While painting a hard surface like MDF, you must use a primer so that the paint can stick well on the surface. This primer is an ideal sealing solution for surfaces that are tough to paint. If you want your MDF surface to create the perfect bond with the topcoats, then XIM Primer Sealer Bonder can be the ultimate choice. Meeting the VOC standards requirements, this sealer has proven to create the ultimate bonding and adhesion on the hard surface.

This primer has a wonderful money-saving advantage. You can use this primer on indoor and outdoor hard surfaces like metal, glass, tiles, Formica, fiberglass, and plastics.

Never mind about using oil or latex-based topcoats on this primer. Undoubtedly you will get maximum adhesion on your tough surface.

Another important thing that made this primer one of the best primers for MDF is its waterproofing formula. Most people use a primer to save their MDF surface from water stains. And that's what XIM Primer Sealer Bonder does really great.

Pros

  • Ideal for tough surfaces.
  • Provides ultimate adhesion and bonding.
  • Meets VOC standards requirements.
  • Both for indoor and Outdoor Use.
  • Proper smoothness.

Cons

  • Overpriced.
  • It takes time to dry.

Zinsser Pigmented Shellac Primer

Zinsser 00904 B-I-N Pigmented Shellac Oil Primer-Sealer...

How would you feel if you ever used a primer perfect for stain blocking with maximum smoothness? Stain such as water, smoke, etc. If you are priming your MDF surface, simply blocking the water on the surface is a lifesaver. It gives longevity to your MDF surface. And do you know what's best for blocking the water stains? Its Zinsser Pigmented Shellac Primer.

So if you are remodeling or restoring the water and fire damage, you can use this primer. This primer is also ideal for topcoats and undercoats.

The ultimate stain blocking power will save the edge of your MDF made furniture or anything indoor or outdoor. The best part about this primer is its stickiness. It can easily stick to any surface, even if the surface is tough to paint.

Another important thing that we must mention is its low odor formula. Most of the time, while priming any surface, the strong odor can create discomfort to your work. But if you use Zinsser Pigmented Shellac Primer, you can easily get rid of the bad odor.

You can use this primer on your office or home supplies with lightning-fast dry time.

Pros

  • Excellent Stain Blocking Power.
  • Suitable for both top and undercoats.
  • Lightning-fast dry time.
  • Better Coverage and consistency sheen.
  • Seals the porous perfectly for a smooth finish.

Cons

  • Expensive.

Rust-Oleum Corporation GIDDS-800201 Oil Base Primer

Rust-Oleum Zinsser 3608 Cover Stain Oil Base Primer...

It's ok if you don't want to risk your money by buying a primer because we have a suggestion for you. For priming your MDF surface, you may be looking for the best mdf primer. 

Let us tell you that Rust-Oleum Corporation GIDDS-800201 Oil Base Primer is a risk-free option for its superior quality. Rust-Oleum is a brand that has been satisfying its customers by providing the market's best quality product. And in terms of this primer, no exception has happened.

This paint has a high hiding formula that will cover any imperfection on the surface, sealing stains such as water, smoke, and grease. It can seal the porous surface that will prevent water from leaking through it. 

If you are doing any construction, repairing, remodeling, or small painting project on any interior or exterior surface, Rust-Oleum Corporation GIDDS-800201 Oil Base Primer will give you the maximum stickiness and flat finish without any doubt.

You will not have to compromise with the coverage if you use this primer on your MDF surface. Besides creating the ultimate bond with the paint, it also gives great coverage. Only two coats and you are done. The quick-dry formula of this primer also saves your time and labor.

Pros

  • High-hiding formula.
  • Ultimate coverage.
  • Creates a superior bond.
  • Flat finish.
  • Great cover up on imperfection.
  • Great deal.

Cons

  • Nozzle gets clogged.
  • Strong odor.

INSL-X SXA11009A-01 Stix Acrylic Waterborne Bonding Primer

INSL-X SXA11009A-01 Stix Acrylic Waterborne Bonding...

Priming your MDF surface can be really satisfying and easy with INSL-X Acrylic Waterborne Bonding Primer. The feature that makes this primer one of the best mdf primer sealer on the market is its ability to create bonds with any paint used for the topcoat.

Sometimes primer doesn't help the topcoat paint to create that ultimate bond with the surface. But if you use this primer on your MDF surface, you will be able to use almost any paint you want for the topcoat. No matter which paint you use, this primer will create unparallel adhesion and a smooth finish.

You can also use this primer as a topcoat for its excellent enamel holdout. So you will not have to spend extra money on buying paint for the topcoat if you want to. Just buy a gallon of INSL-X Acrylic Waterborne Bonding Primer. The ultimate coverage of 300-400 Sq. Ft. per gallon will not disappoint you in any way.

As this primer can create a bond on any surface, you can use this paint for those surfaces that are hard to coat, such as glossy tiles, galvanized metal, fiberglass, glazed brick, etc.

So this high-quality acrylic primer deserves a place on the list.

Pros

  • Ideal for the hard-to-coat surface.
  • Excellent adhesion.
  • Low VOC.
  • Dry quickly, even at a low temperature.
  • Perfect for both top and under cat.
  • Great coverage.

Cons

  • Durability is a concern for this primer.

RUST-OLEUM 249933 1-2-3 Plus Quart

Zinsser Rust-OLEUM 249933 1-2-3 Plus, 1 Quarts (Pack of...

Would you believe if we tell you that we have a water-based primer on our list that blocks water? And surprisingly, Rust-Oleum, a widely known brand and appreciated by professionals, made this possible.

This is the first water-based primer in the market that effectively blocks water. And that's what you need for your MDF surface. 

If you want to protect your mdf surface from water, this primer is perfect for that. RUST-OLEUM 1-2-3 Plus Quart adhere on any interior or exterior surface. So it will give the ultimate stickiness to the MDF surface with the smoothest finish.

You will hardly get any water-based primer that dries fast in any humidity. But the fast-drying formula of RUST-OLEUM 1-2-3 Plus Quart dries within one hour, which is surely commendable. This will save you time and labor.

The edges of an MDF surface is more paint absorbent than any other part of the surface. But with this primer, you will be able to seal the edge perfectly. Therefore, when you use the paint on the edge, you will get the perfect cover-up on every imperfection.

Pros

  • Blocks water.
  • It perfectly seals the surface.
  • Maximum Coverage.
  • Quick Dry.
  • Ultimate hiding formula.

Cons

  • Price can be a concern.

Evercoat Gray Feather Fill G2 Primer

Evercoat Feather Fill G2 Premium Polyester Primer...

Everyone wants their MDF surface to be flat and smooth. They need to cover up the imperfection. But what's the first thing they seek to do that job? Obviously, a primer that gives better adhesion and a smooth finish. That's why now we want to talk about a primer that gives both. Its Evercoat Gray Feather Fill G2 Primer.

You may have an MDF made furniture with a lot of imperfection on it. Or maybe you just want to change the look of your MDF surface. Whichever you want to do, you will require something that will hold up easily onto the surface. Evercoat Gray Feather Fill G2 Primer will ensure that stickiness will hold the paint on the surface for years.

This advanced and premium polyester primer also ensures better smoothness than any other primer on the market.

And yes. There is another unique feature in this primer. And that is the shrink-resistant formula.

When you are painting a hard to coat surface like an MDF, the paint may shrink sometimes. But to prevent that shrinking, Evercoat Gray Feather Fill G2 Primer has a solution for you. You just have to buy one.

Pros

  • Easy and smooth spraying.
  • Quick-dry formula.
  • Excellent leveling.
  • Perform best with 1k and 2k etch primers.
  • Shrinkage free.

Cons

  • Durability is questionable.

General Finishes Stain Blocking Primer

General Finishes Stain Blocking Primer, 1 Quart

When you are spending extra money on something, you will expect something more. And if you are looking for a primer that will perform exactly like you expected while spending some extra money, General Finishes Stain Blocking Primer is not going to let you down.

This primer is specially designed for effectiveness. It's not for you if you want to buy something at an affordable price point because this primer costs more than any other primer in the market.

But if you don't want to compromise with the quality of the primer, this is the right one to pick. It can stick to any surface, no matter how hard it is to paint that surface. The adhesion level is really impressive for any professional use. You will be able to apply any paint for the topcoat after using this primer.

You can apply this paint with any tool you want. And it's super smooth and high-quality finish can protect your MDF from any bleed through.

This primer's sophisticated resin system and high-quality ingredients made this one of the best primer for painting mdf.

Pros

  • Sophisticated Resin System for making the primer effective.
  • Prevent all kinds of bleeding.
  • Long-lasting.
  • Proper adhesion to any surface.
  • Smooth and flat finish.

Cons

  • The only downside of this primer is its high price.

How to Paint MDF?

Step 1

At the very first step of painting, MDF sanding is important. Mainly, the face or the surface comes sanded from the factory. But the edges are not. They are rough and fuzzy. So they are porous. Therefore you need to seal them before you apply the paint. And sanding is a must for ultimate stickiness. 

If you sand the edges with sandpaper to match the surface smoothness, you will need 220 grit sandpaper for sanding. After sanding, clean the dust with a soft cloth piece unless the paint will not stick to the edges.

Step 2

You will need a primer to seal the porous when you are done with sanding the surface and the edges. You can pick a suitable primer for your project from our list. Then you will have to prime the edge and surface so that the paint sticks well on the surface.

 Also, a primer will protect your MDF surface from stains and bleeding through. In this case, acrylic or solvent based primer for mdf will be a good and safe option.

Step 3

After sealing the surface with the primer, now it's time to use the topcoat paint. For the topcoat you can use any paint. But if you can, try to avoid water-based paint because the MDF surface is porous, which is unsuited for water-based paint.

Step 4

Wait for the topcoat to dry. When it's dry, examine the surface thoroughly whether it needs another coat or not. If the surface requires another coat for smoothness and ultimate cover-up, make sure you apply that second coat when the previous coat is fully dried.

Conclusion:

Any painted MDF surface will look the same as wood if you can make sure that the surface is smooth and properly sealed. And when you use a primer on it, making your MDF look like wood is almost done.


As we have suggested, the market best primer for mdf; picking the right primer for the surface is easy and stress-free. Searching all over the internet can now end with any of the primers we recommended.


Pick one for your next DIY project. Don't forget to invite us to see what an amazing job you have done.

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