A Guide To Painting On Hardboard Or MDF Board

These days, artists favour wooden or hardboard surfaces over canvas because of their longevity as a painting medium. You can do your art on any solid, smooth surface, from boards to hard panels. Surprisingly, there is a huge difference between hardboard, Plain MDF Board, and wooden bases.

In this guide, we will go over the differences between hardboard and MDF board in detail. Moreover, we will also discuss the following significant topics:

• What is the MDF Board?
• Features of MDF board
• Can you Paint on the MDF wooden Bases?
• Best Artwork for the MDF bases!
• How to Paint on Hardboard or MDF bases?
• How to secure the artwork on the Wooden Bases?

What is the difference between Hardboard and MDF bases?

Since William Mason produced the first "brand" of hardboard in 1942 under the name Masonite, this material has been synonymous with "hardboard." Hardboard is commonly mistaken for HDF or MDF, two other types of fiberboard (MDF).

Each type of panel has its own unique features, such as density and internal bond strength, because every manufacturer uses a unique method to manufacture the boards with restored wood.

What is the MDF Board?

Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) panels are manufactured by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals in a compressor, mixing them with varnish and a resin binder, and then pressing and heating the resulting mixture. MDF typically performs better than plywood. Fiberboard has the adaptability of plywood despite being made of individual fibers. Compared to particle board, it is far more durable and dense. 

Features of MDF Board:

• It is Moisture resistant board.
• Offers lightweight, premium standard, and medium-density material.  
• When considering the density of the fiber used to create the panel, the density of the board becomes significant.
• It offers a smooth and elegant surface for easy artwork.
• Guarantees durability and artistic appearance. 

Can you Paint on the MDF wooden Bases?

Yes, of course, you can smoothly paint the MDF wooden bases using any artwork you want. The sleek-smooth surface offers a polished look and explicit feature to grip the artwork on the base smoothly. 

Advantages of Using an MDF Wooden Base:

• Regular in size
• Excellent form Dimensional stability (less expansion and contraction than natural wood)
• Works well with paint and wood glue
• Offers Superior Adaptability

Disadvantage:

• Higher density than both plywood and chipboard
• The expansion and subsequent cracking of low-quality MDF when exposed to water is a real possibility.
• In humid conditions, it could potentially distort or swell if not properly sealed.
• Blades will become dull faster than most other woods when using this material. 

Best Artwork for the MDF bases!

As hardboards or MDF bases offers a solid, sturdy, and versatile surface, you can work any type of artwork on it. It is a well fit for every art and craft element. The following are some trending lists of artworks used on these bases:

• Acrylic/oil Paint
• Resin art
• Decoupage activity
• Embossed art
• Textured art
• Lippan Art
• Thread/rope art

Use the MDF circle board or MDF base for craft and combine them with handcrafted elements like circle acrylic sheet, glass granules, fabric, glitter glue, etc.

How to Paint on Hardboard or MDF bases?

MDF requires sanding and priming before it can be painted directly. There are so three main phases to painting MDF boards:

• Sanding:

While painting on MDF is straightforward, it is necessary to sand the board in between coats to prevent paint from flaking off at the corners. Before beginning anything else, make sure to seal the MDF board's edges so they are smooth and will take paint evenly. 

Seal the edges of your MDF with joint compound or drywall compound, acrylic paint sealer, PVA wood glue, etc. to make it complete kids- friendly. When the compound has been set completely, you can sand the edges with fine grit paper to make them smooth and uniform. Wipe the MDF down with a clean cloth to get rid of the grime. 

• Priming:

Applying a coat of white Gesso to your MDF will prevent the wood from absorbing the paint, allowing you to give it a smooth, professional finish. If you're working with MDF that has already been painted and sealed, you can skip the priming stage and get right to applying your first coat.

Apply two or three coats of the MDF paint primer using a paintbrush, roller, or spray gun. It is important to keep in mind that applying multiple thin coats of primer will result in a finish that is more durable and superior than applying one thick coat or several thin layers combined.

After the MDF has been primed, any rough spots on the surface should be smoothed out using fine-grit sandpaper and a light touch. You'll find that a quick wipe will make it as smooth as silk if you give it a try.

• Painting:

When it comes to cleaning and painting, MDF demands the utmost attention to detail due to its one-of-a-kind composition.

Everything from acrylic, and oil to chalk paint is ideal for MDF painting. If you are using chalk paint or resin art, you don’t even need to prime the base. You can use texture art, acrylic painting, sponge art, Mirror art, Lippan art, and everything with the MDF board. This is why MDF boards are known as the most adaptable base for art.

• For Instance, if you are using Round MDF Board for wall decor, sand it properly using sandpaper and prime the base with Gesso. 
• Place the acrylic round sheet in the centre.
• Decorate the MDF base with acrylic color and work the mandala dotting art on it.
• Your handcrafted acrylic wall hanging mirror is ready to hang on your walls.

How to secure the artwork on the Wooden Bases?

Paintings run the risk of turning yellow if the board on which they are painted is not properly primed, as this allows acids and oils from the board to seep into the paint. In these kinds of circumstances, acrylic gesso is widely acknowledged as a reliable protective coating option.

Putting the finishing touches on your newly painted MDF surface is the very last step in the process. When the paint has completely dried, apply a thick coat of sealant to the MDF board. This will make the board water-resistant, scratch-resistant, and resistant to future discoloration.

By using a finish such as polyurethane, varnish, shellac, or lacquer, you can make MDF more durable and reduce the amount of upkeep it requires. After waiting for it to dry, you will be able to appreciate the newly minted smoothness of the MDF.