3 Creative DIY Projects Using MDF Boards

Today, wood remains the most popular material for furniture and projects. Not only are they easily accessible, but wood is versatile, easy to form, and affordable. Wooden items are also known to last long, as many wooden furniture stand tall with little to no repair attempts.

Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) is a wood-engineered product made from a mix of wood chips and wood fibers that are pressed into a board. Since it often utilizes wood waste and scraps from other industries, it is considered a sustainable MDF option and an environmentally conscious choice for construction. These wooden parts are glued together using resin before pressing them under high-pressure plates and high temperatures to create a smooth and dense board. Compared to other wood-engineered products, the MDF’s smooth surface allows for multiple uses, quickly becoming a favored material for various MDF board projects and household and office furniture.

Did you know that MDF can also be used for non-functional projects at home? Here are a few ideas of MDF projects you can use.

goffkein / Freepik

1. Photo and Painting Frames

You can start your MDF project by making photo or painting frames! The MDF’s density and smooth surface make it the ideal material to protect and beautify your favorite photos and paintings. You only need 18 mm-thick MDF boards that are cut into four parts according to the size of your photo or painting. You can even add paint or other finishing paper to get that pristine finish. Adding some pizzazz to your frames will enhance the look of your decor and spice up your interior even more.

2. Painted or Printed Wood

If you want to experiment with painting materials other than canvas, then wood panels are a great alternative for your MDF projects.. Since Medium-Density Fibreboard are wood-based product, it can hold onto the pigments you’ve poured onto it for an extended period. To increase its longevity, properly prep your boards by adding a layer of painted primer. This will increase the board’s grip on whatever medium you use to paint it and greatly enhance your painting experience. For best results, use water-based and oil-based paints to create a finished look.

Printing on MDF can be a cost-effective way to create an eye-catching display compared to real wood. You can create unique pieces on MDF using digital or screen printing techniques. Because engineered wood like MDF has such a uniform and smooth surface, it provides an excellent base for high-resolution printing. You will need to prime your boards by painting white wood paint and loading them onto a UV flatbed printer after it dries out. Digitally printing graphics onto MDF will create a natural look where wood grains seep through the layers of paint you’ve affixed onto the surface.

Photo by Freepik

3. 3D Sculpting

Integrate modern technology into your art by creating a 3D sculpture using MDF. Create a digital prototype to map out the measurements and the correct number of MDF boards used. For this MDF projects, choose a thinner board and stack them on top of each other to create a three-dimensional build. 

Then, divide the prototype into several parts and trace the necessary patterns according to your plan. Cut your patterns, stack them, and stick them together to finalize your sculpture. Once you’re done building, sand the material to create a smoother surface, and add some paint or varnish to complete your sculpture.

That is 3 ideas of DIY MDF projects to be your reference. There are many ways one can utilize the MDF, even opening up new opportunities for artists to express themselves and experiment with their work. Other than functional furniture, one can create different creative projects and realize your vision in unexpected ways.

If you are interested in using MDF boards to create works of art or for your wooden furniture projects, make sure to use high-quality fibreboards from PT Sumatera Prima Fibreboard (www.spf.co.id). Consult with us for the perfect types, sizes, and the best MDF price list for your projects!