Even though M.D.F. isn’t considered to be the strongest among the different types of wood, it still earns fame for being versatile. But can you sand M.D.F. to achieve the optimal smoothness of the surface?
The answer is “YES.” Here, I’ll teach you how to sand M.D.F. and many more regarding it.
What is M.D.F. Board?
Medium Density Fiberboard, aka M.D.F., is well-known to be a composite component ideal for different professional and home projects. Let it be cabinetry, furniture, speaker boxes, or even flooring; many people nowadays like to rely on it for its consistency, smooth finish, and strength.
Can (and Should) You Sand M.D.F.?
Put a smile on your face as you can easily sand M.D.F. following a specific method. To complete the task, combine the uses of an orbital sander or sandpaper. But the thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need to accept both pros and cons while sanding medium-density fiberboard.
Talking about the advantage in one word, it is easy as pie! But the disadvantage is that you may have to deal with excessive amounts of fine dust. And these may get into your lungs and eyes unless you put on safety dresses.
For more details, let’s find why you should sand M.D.F. and why you shouldn’t:
Why Sand M.D.F.?
Although M.D.F. is smooth, it may still require to be way smoother for aesthetic purposes. In this case, there is no better alternative than sanding it. That’s one of the key reasons why people sand their cabinets, furniture and such things made of medium-density fiberboard.
Apart from that, sanding such a board lets you paint it in the best way possible, giving your stuff a classy vibe.
Why Not Sand M.D.F.?
The first reason why many avoid sanding M.D.F. is the dust it generally produces. To be very frank, M.D.F. is known to be one of the messiest, if not most of all! Since the manufacturer doesn’t include non-toxic materials right here, inhaling those fine dust particles may result in lung damage over time.
Besides that, medium-density fiberboard contains glue layers on the outer corners. Consequently, you may take off its effective protection by sanding off excessive glue.
That’s how it loses its efficiency from time to time! And note that M.D.F. tends to get seriously damaged by getting contact with water.
Can You Sand the Surface of M.D.F.?
Following the proper steps and directions, anybody can sand the surface of medium-density fiberboard. But before you perform it, make sure to keep the following things in mind given below:
- As I’ve mentioned, you may accidentally remove the effective layers of glue while sanding. So make sure you’re well aware of this fact.
- Keep water or such things far away from the surface of M.D.F. as much as possible.
- You must follow the essential technique I will show you today. If not, then you may ruin the entire surface of M.D.F. and won’t be able to make it smoother than before!
Can You Use Sandpaper on M.D.F.?
Of course, you can! In fact, using 120 grit sandpaper is always a safe and wise decision in terms of sanding a medium-density fiberboard.
And using it has so many advantages listed by professionals, including smoothening the surface, eliminating roughness, taking off rust/dirt from the board, and so forth!
What is the Best Type of Sander for Sanding M.D.F.?
These days, several choices are available for sanding medium-density fiberboard. In this case, simply go with a piece of sandpaper if you’re sanding only a couple of pieces.
120 grit sandpaper should be your first choice, and then gradually move to 180 and eventually 320, achieving the smoothest surface possible
In contrast, getting an efficient orbital sander will be a must when you tend to sand tons of M.D.F. for sanding. But here, you can’t choose any random from your nearest shops.
Make sure to research the specifications and customer reviews of some of the giant brands like Dewalt, Milwaukee, Makita, etc.
How to Sand M.D.F. – Step by Step Guideline:
Let’s get straight into the step-by-step guide on how to sand M.D.F. by combining the usage of a high-quality orbital sander and sandpaper:
Step-1: Collecting Sandpaper Grits
The first job is to collect all the necessary grits needed to sand M.D.F. Here, gather a piece of 120, 180, and 320 grits so that you can use them gradually around the surface of M.D.F. and get the smoothest finish possible.
Step-2: Adding Sandpaper to Sander
Let’s make an adjustment between the sandpaper and your orbital sander for the ultimate sanding application. Simply check out tutorials in case you don’t know how to use sandpaper on an orbital sander.
Step-3: Start Sanding
Here comes the trickiest step, where you need to begin sanding with patience. Gradually change the grit once you take off enough material yet do not get the desired smoothness. So don’t hesitate to use all the grits you’ve collected.
Step-4: Wiping Away the Residue
After you complete the sanding task, wipe away the existing dust from the M.D.F.’s surface using a piece of rag.
Mistakes to Avoid, Tips & Tricks
Follow the essential tips to avoid negative consequences:
- Avoid sanding the corners of M.D.F. to eliminate the chance of removing protecting glue.
- Put on safety dresses before you start, including a dust mask, gloves, and goggles.
- Read the user manual before you operate your sander to use it best.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.’s):
Yes, you can. It doesn’t matter whether the sander is electric or battery-powered. Get an efficient orbital sander to ensure the smoothest finish of your M.D.F.’s surface.
Both are sanding and painting an M.D.F. can be possible. All you need is to start by sanding and finish by painting. Thus, you’re allowed to achieve a smooth and classic surface.
Last Words
The article “can you sand M.D.F.” exactly shows what you’re looking for. For sanding any medium-density fiberboard, you must collect different sandpaper, a top-notch orbital sander, and follow all the essential steps I’ve mentioned above. That’s it!
I am Imtiaj Islam. I am a wood working enthusiast, having 6 years of experience in carpentry work. I have a BBA graduate degree from Chittagong College. I got vocational training on wood works from Korean Polytechnic out of the quest and zest he has for carpentry as well. I take several wood projects and keep testing different woodworking tools for comfortable and perfect work. I just love playing with woods and machines.