Gesso can also be applied to any wooden supports, such as plywood, masonite, MDF, maple, birch, or other hardboards. … You should apply at least 2 – 3 coats of gesso to any wooden support. If you want a smooth surface, you can lightly sand the gessoed wood with a fine-grit sandpaper in between each coat of gesso.

What is the best primer for MDF?

Prime the MDF with a solvent-based primer, such as Zinsser (buy online) or KILZ (buy online). Avoid water-based primer, as it may cause the wood fibers to swell, resulting in a surface that appears to have a raised grain (no matter how much effort you put into sanding).

Can you paint acrylic straight onto MDF?

You could use any good quality acrylic paint for painting MDF. If you’re painting large surfaces in your home like bookshelves or cabinets made of MDF, just roll on a latex primer followed by latex paint. … Any bit of moisture that gets in to the MDF will make it swell and ruin your hard work.