MDF Primer?

[dbbyleo]

What exactly is an MDF primer?
I've been doing some research on how to best paint MDF (I'm building a built-in cabinet).

In terms of priming, I seen this term floated around in several areas - "use an MDF primer".

But going to my local DIY store, I see nothing in the shelves that call out "MDF Primer".

Is this a UK thing, is there an equivalent in the US? DIY store clerks says she haven't heard of the term, but there is this stuff called PVA primer, which is used for drywall - things that are really porous. Is this the same thing?

Of course, the typical primer I find are those in the likes of ones made by Behr and Kilz. Another suggested she's had great results with Glidden Gripper.

Any suggestion from you all in terms of what primer to use?

Question 2: Fumes?
Should I be concerned of MDF fumes and is this another reason why I need to made sure I use the right primer to seal MDF?

 

[taffy]

hi dbbyleo

if you type MDF primer in your google or whatever search box and search
web you will come up with sites that will more than likely answer your queries about primer and the safety issue's surrounding the use of MDF.
taffy[/img]

 

[dbbyleo]

When I do a search for "MDF Primer" on Google, most, if not all, web sites in the hits are from UK or Australia. Is the use of MDF in the UK, Australia, and the like, more prominent than in the US?? None of the major paint/primer manufacturers (such as Behr, Glidden, Kilz, etc) I'm use to in the US makes anything special for MDF or call anything as an "MDF Primer".

 

[taffy]

sorry never thought to look where they were based. It would seem that is more widely used here and in oz if you give us a day or two i'll try and find some websites and firms that are available in U.S, oddly enough never heard of companies that you mention,would not think that there be that much difference between us eh. The dust when cutting mdf is the problem, very fine,i would suggest using a good qaulity dust mask keep it on even when finished cutting.

 

[dbbyleo]

It doesn't seem to an issue that has a lot of attention in my neck of the woods. I've asked several different DIY stores paint specialists about "MDF Primer" and even about the "fumes" issue, and the seem not too concerned - as if they've never really heard about it.

Yet, in this website, there seems to be plenty of conversation surrounding the use of MDF primer for sealing and even talks about these "potentially harmful" fumes. Then I realized, thuis website is based in the UK. And when I do wen searches about MDF, the majority of the hits are out of the UK.

It would make you think that MDF is NOT commonly used in the US.

Anyhow, would appreciate any info you can send about MDF. Using a "regular" primer that I can purchase in my DIY seems to work fine on a small piece of MDF I tested on.

My real concern now has to do with these "fumes" I've read about in this forum - though many also say it is ONLY "potentially" hazardous when cutting...."A cabinet made from MDF releases an insignificant amount of formaldehyde over time, but pose no real concern."

So I just want to get a real handle on the issue.

 

[petewood]

We work with a lot of mdf and I looked into the health & safety implications recently. There is no significant risk from formaldehyde fumes when cutting, although as Taffy says you should use a good dust mask as any fine dust can be harmful.
You do not need to use special mdf primer. Most primers will do, but to get a good finish you will need to sand cut edges well.

 

[dbbyleo]

Thanks Pete. I was building this built-in in kids room. Since I happen to notice some threads on fumes, I thought I'd better do more research. I think, now, I feel comfortable that there isn't any risk of a health hazard from using MDF as furniture material.

Thanks taffy for the replies.

 

[taffy]

cheers