Prime back of MDF?

[teb1980]

Hi All,

I'm putting up a floating wall in my living room to fix a new TV to and am wondering if it's necessary to prime the back side of the MDF panel before fixing it to the timber frame on the wall? Obviously I'll be priming/ painting the front but since the back will be hidden, I'm wondering if priming is necessary to provide extra protection, or whether it won't make much difference?

Any advice? If it makes a difference, I'm using the green WR MDF.

Thanks!

 

[misterhelpful]

I don't see any real need to prime the reverse side, although, in theory, all sides of any timber product should receive the same treatment. This helps avoid warping due to different moisture levels being absorbed/exuded on opposite sides but I don't see that as a major problem in this situation.
That said, it may depend on how the board is attached and whether the back may be exposed to moisture (damp in walls, air flow gaps, high humidity room, etc.). If in doubt, a coat of primer will do no harm, with the bonus that you shouldn't need to achieve a perfect finish.