Medium density fiberboard, also known as MDF, is relatively easy to paint on, but some caution must be taken when doing so.

MDF is made from the wood of birch and larch trees. The chippings from these trees are steamed until the materials become fine wood fibers. Resins are used to bond these fibers together; the material is then pressed into boards with the application of heat.

MDF is an ideal wood to use for many interior home furnishings such as cabinetry because it is more stable, attractive, and cheaper than hardwood. It is also dense and flat, and because it has no recognizable surface grain, it can easily be cut, drilled, filled, or machined.

If you are planning on cutting the MDF before painting it, make sure you always wear a mask or some kind of facial protection becasue the dust, which contains wood particles and resin, can be hazardous to your health if it is inhaled. Small holes or gaps should be filled with wood filler and rough edges should be sanded before you start to paint.

MDF sometimes comes pre-primed, but if yours isn't then it is important to prime the surface before painting. You can use any number of water-based primers such as an emulsion paint or a proprietary acrylic primer. This base-coat of primer will help give the top coat a truer shade and will prevent it from being affected by the color of the MDF. The primer will also prevent MDF's tendency to result in a blotchy, uneven finish due to its porous surface.

When painting solid areas, paint brushes and paint rollers work well. For more intricate pieces, it's best to use spray paint instead of a brush or roller. This will cover the surfaces without an excessive build-up of paint.

Best results are often obtained by applying two coats of paint and fine sanding the wood in between coats. Any acrylic, water-based paint will suffice in painting a top coat of paint on the MDF. Also, keep in mind that painting both sides of the MDF will help prevent bowing when the paint dries.