Coating MDF

[Cebby]

I want to build some shaped MDF desk tops for my kids rooms. I've seen it painted and clear coated. What I'd like to do is do some sort of colored stain and then clear it. I'm wondering how durable this will be. It will see writing and computer work mostly. Definitely not high abuse I don't think We have a separate craft area.

Has anyone tried this?

[black_box_renegade]

ive done it before mike. you can stain it with whatever you please...just remember that the mdf is extremely pourus and will suck up stain quickly. one other thing to not is the fact that when moisture hits mdf, the particles within the sheet expand, giving it a smilar effect to raised grain on actual wood. same goes for any type of lacquer/poly you apply over the stain. light sanding is nessecary between coats to knock off the raised particles. the more coats, the better the surface durability. ive seen it in high traffic situations such as cash wraps in retail stores, and it seems to do just fine.

[Driven2xs]

What about applying a sanding sealer first, knock it down with some 220 grit, then using that gel stain like they use to faux finish metal doors?

[Cebby]

Thanks for the replies!

I came across this when searching the other day. Seems like it will do OK - and I can make pretty much any shape with it.

[Cebby]

Here's another good read I just came across.