Plasterboard or MDF?

[RichA]

Can MDF be painted to look like a skimmed wall?

My builder is suggesting building a range cooker canopy, ie a fake chimney, in MDF rather than plasterboard (stronger/easier).

Is it possible to get a wall like finish with MDF?

 

[RichA]

e.g. in this kitchen is the dark blue/black cooker surround likely to be made from plasterboard or MDF?
Thanks

 

[acurachris]

Can MDF be painted to look like a skimmed wall?

I've seen some glass like paint finishes on MDF so I guess you could get a good finish.

My builder is suggesting building a range cooker canopy, ie a fake chimney, in MDF rather than plasterboard (stronger/easier).

I suppose it would be stronger, but I wouldn't personally use MDF above a cooker, all that steam rising, MDF doesn't cope with damp very well so it could expand. Plasterboard would be fine if the frame was sufficient or if you really wanted it to be stronger, use a thin plywood and cover over that with plasterboard, then skim.

 

[opps]

I don't see anything wrong with using MDF per se but be advised that any filled fixings may become clearly visible a year or two later.

Next week I have to repaint a kitchen that has MDF walls/utility cupboards. The work was clearly done by a builder/carpenter rather than a cabinet maker. All of the joins have blown, as have the filled screw holes.

A cabinet maker will ensure that any fixing holes are a couple of mm in diameter (ie using a pin gun) and will mitre meeting edges. A builder will (often) counter sink screws and fill with 2-pack filler and butt up returns. In time, as the MDF expands and contacts the two pack filler will push upwards and sit proud.

If the builder is savvy he will build a timber frame and then use glue and brads/pins to fix the MDF. If he isn't he will screw it together and then fill those holes with two pack filler. Once it is sanded and painted you will happily pay up. 2 years later you will see every one of those screw holes as the filler starts to sit proud of the MDF.

Fillers such as Red Devil OneTime are less likely to push out but they are soft and difficult to sand without cupping inwards.

 

[sparkwright]

Just make sure there are no joins in the middle, these always crack in time.

If it was me - timber frame - then ply wood for strength - then plasterboard - then skim.