What paint to use on MDF stairs?

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/23161#Comment_23161

Are you able to reactivate the link D.I.Y. internal stairs using MDF by @Clint_hayward. It seems to be archived. We are looking to do the same thing with our stairs

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/74250#Comment_74250

Did your stairs work?

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/104548#Comment_104548

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Adamanz10. It's great to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about painting MDF stairs.

Unfortunately, we decided to archive that discussion as it contained a fair bit of information that differed from the manufacturer's directions. We removed it to ensure our members have the most correct and up-to-date information and not cause confusion.

We're happy to help you with your project. Feel free to ask questions here or start a new discussion so our knowledgeable members can provide guidance.

Let me tag @Katze to see if they can share their results.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/119358#Comment_119358

It's a pity the discussion stopped there. I am about to paint internal MDF stairs a white satin. Have been looking at road marking paint. Then a clear nonslip finish. Would like your views pls.

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/128310#Comment_128310

Hello @PeterB

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

Have you considered covering the surface of the MDF stairs with 1200 x 810mm 3mm Plywood Pine Premium BC Grade. Having this panel on top of the MDF stairs will allow you to stain and paint without having to worry about the effect on MDF materials.

What brand of satin white were you thinking of using? If you are thinking of painting the plywood steps white, I suggest having a look at the Cabot's 4L White Timbercolour Deck And Exterior Paint. It is a premium, self-priming, oil enriched acrylic paint. It has been specifically formulated to provide exceptional durability to all exterior timber surfaces and decks.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/134058#Comment_134058

Thanks for the response Eric. The CEO of decoration in our house has decided on white tread and a riser that matches the floor downstairs which is blackbutt So the white has to be a solid white with a non-slip finish on the top. I dont have a brand in mind yet. But the paint would need to withstand light traffic.

Peter

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/137681#Comment_137681

Hi @PeterB,

Just to clarify my colleague @EricL's response, there are no paints that we are aware of that our suppliers recommend for application on an MDF floor surface, like stairs. A few of our members have attempted to use flooring paints, but none have been tested and deemed suitable for MDF or warrantied by the manufacturer. Their use would be off-label, and the results are unknown.

Unfortunately, there are no painted coatings we could recommend for your MDF stairs. We've tried extensively to devise a solution to enable our members to paint MDF stairs, as we understand and appreciate the look you're trying to achieve. Still, the incompatibilities with the available coatings have ruled out this possibility.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/140155#Comment_140155

Thanks Mitchell. That puts it in a very clear position. I will forge ahead on and see what it brings. I have used road marking paint as an external paint in high salt environments near the sea and it has worked well. Let's see what happens.

Cheers

Thanks for that. Actually we did consider that as well. It’s just trying to figure out how to make the noses look good. But plywood does seem like a versatile option. Thank you

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/134058#Comment_134058

Thanks for that. Actually we did consider that as well. It’s just trying to figure out how to make the noses look good. But plywood does seem like a versatile option. Thank you

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/137681#Comment_137681

Please let us know what paint you decided on and the non-slip finish. I have found a company called Swiss Grip non-slip solutions that seem good.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/140156#Comment_140156

Hi @Adamanz10,

A round-over router bit could be used to give a profile to the nose of the stairs. My only concern with that plan would be that more budget-friendly plywood often has voids between the plys, and you'd need to fill those with something like Builder's Bog.

Mitchell

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/140156#Comment_140156

I will. Its my easter research project. What I have found though is the sealing and undercoat is key. Make sure the coverage is dense and if using a roller then it must be at leat a 12mm nap. And upto 3 coats. Removes the burring/fuzziness.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/141912#Comment_141912

Just a follow up on the MDF stairs. I used Dulux line-marking paint. The process was: sanding to a 180 grit. 2 undercoats - using a 12mm nap. sanding after the second coat. Dulux line-marking paint using a 12mm nap and sand in between coats with 180 grit. The line-marking paint has excellent slip resistance by itself. Then 2 coats of Haymes Aqualac Non-slip clear coat satin finish using a 10mm nap. Very light sanding in between. The Aqualac has a P5 non-slip rating. The stairs have very good slip resistance and the clear coat makes them easily cleaned with a soap and water spray and a microfibre cloth. All paints are quick drying - no more than 3 hours between coats.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/143225#Comment_143225

That sounds really good. Can you send a photo? Glad it’s working out for you. We probably won’t be tackling that for another 6 months but thanks for the info

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/144167#Comment_144167

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/144867#Comment_144867

That looks fantastic @PeterB! Well done.

Mitchell

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/145402#Comment_145402

Cheers....and thanks

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/144867#Comment_144867

That looks absolutely amazing! You have inspired us to give it a go

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/145822#Comment_145822

Do you have a before photo?

brittlite

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/144867#Comment_144867

That looks great @PeterB. Congratulations and thanks for sharing.

I thought I needed carpet on stairs for safety but if non slip is effective then maybe not.

What did you use on the risers? Is it vinyl or hybrid flooring?

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/145404#Comment_145404

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/145823#Comment_145823

That's a photo after some changes were made. It was all carpet and solid bannister on the left side. Lots of work to eliminate squeaks. MDF is prone to squeaking. So 2 more 50 mm screws per tread and caulking under the tread. The riser is 12mm laminate floorboard to match the floor downstairs. Also increases the stiffness of the stairs.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/145404#Comment_145404

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @brittlite. It's sensational to have you join us.

Let us know if you need any help with your own project.

We look forward to hearing more about all your projects around the house and garden. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need assistance or have something to share with the community.

Mitchell