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How to paint MDF drawer-fronts previously vinyl-wrapped?

I have just removed the drawer-fronts and door-fronts from our kitchen cabinets. They were previously vinyl-wrapped, but I have removed the vinyl using a hair dryer.

They popped off very easily and the MDF is in perfect condition. Although they felt slightly tacky when warm (immediately after I had removed the vinyl), once cool, any traces of glue feel smooth to the touch and are pretty invisible to the eye except for slight variations in sheen when viewed under light from the side.

What is the process from here? Do I need to remove absolutely all traces of the glue? Or is a very thin film that I can’t feel (and can hardly see) ok if I use a good enough primer?

What products do I use from here on? I assume at least a primer and then some type of hard-wearing paint? I am hoping for a Satin finish. Do I need to sand before and/or between coats? And if so, what grit at each stage?

Should I invest in a power sander? If so, what type? Or is hand-sanding sufficient?

Also, I think I would like to spray them rather than use a paintbrush and roller - what sprayer is recommended? I will probably use it again in the future for other projects, so it doesn’t need to be the cheapest, but I also don’t want to pay for a professional grade one!!

Do I need to apply some sort of additional top coat to prevent chipping?

Any other advice?

Thanks in advance!!

Ella.

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EricL

Hello @EllaAnderson79

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your MDF doors.

I suggest investing in a detail sander such as the Ryobi 18V ONE+ Palm Sander Kit or similar. It would be best to sand the surface down so that you get a nice flat consistent finish. At the moment it may appear that the panel surface is flat but when painted over you'll see that the surface is actually quite bumpy and imperfect. I suggest using Dulux 1Step Prep Primer, Sealer & Undercoat 4L for your primer and the Dulux 4L Aquanamel Semi Gloss White Enamel Paint - 4L for the top coat tinted to your preferred colour. No extra coating is necessary as the Aquanamel is designed for furniture and daily use.

In regards to the sprayer, I suggest looking at the Wagner W350 Wood And Metal Paint Sprayer it is an excellent sprayer that has a lot of features that make it much better than your basic paint sprayer. My best advice is to clean the spray gun after using it for the whole day. Do not leave it unwashed or uncleaned overnight as the paint will cure and block up all the spray holes in the gun.

Here is a link to ideas and inspiration - 20 kitchens transformed with paint

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

EllaAnderson79

Thanks for this advice. Can I ask why you would recommend the Aquaenamel range over the Dulux Renovation range that is specifically marketed for cabinets? What is the difference between these two products?

thanks!!

EricL

Hello @EllaAnderson79,

The Dulux renovation range is generally aimed for use on laminated surfaces, but this is not a fixed rule, and you can use the renovation range for the MDF panels with the proper primer applied to the doors. I only suggested using the Aquanamel as it is often used for doors, door and window frames. It's designed for everyday use and produces a tough exterior that resists chipping. Since your doors are now just MDF there was no need to use the specialised paint.

Eric

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