Big renovations aren’t the only thing keeping your home looking sharp. Sometimes, it’s just those little details, like MDF trim, that make all the difference. However, MDF requires a little bit of maintenance for it to look its best. Although very sturdy and long-lasting, over time, MDF can be dinged, scratched, or dirty. So, let’s dive into the basics of keeping your MDF trim in top shape.
General Cleaning Tips
Daily cleaning can be done with just a soft cloth or a duster. At least weekly, the trim needs to be wiped down with a dry cloth to prevent the accumulation of dust and dirt. If it has smudges or some kind of fingerprint, a slightly dampened cloth and mild soap will do the trick, just make sure to avoid soaking it, as the excess water will cause the wood to swell up or warp.
Persistent Stains and Dirt
Now, if you happen to have really tenacious stains on or dirt in your trim, you might need to give into some good old-fashioned hard work. Start off with something gentle first, safe for your painted surfaces, then, with a soft cloth, rub the cleaner lightly on the stain. For tougher stains, a bit of baking powder mixed with water can create a mild abrasive that can suck the dirt out without damaging the trim.
Preventative Maintenance
In reality, the best thing to do for your MDF trim is to prevent as much damage as possible from happening in the first place. So here are a few tips for preventing some of the most common problems.
- Protect from Water
One of the biggest downfalls of MDF trim is moisture. If moisture reaches your trims, they will start swelling, and their dimensions will be lost. While protecting the MDF trim, ensure that it is well sealed with paint or varnish. This applies most especially to moist-rich places like the bathroom and kitchen. If something spills on your trims, quickly clean them up so you don’t damage them.
- Protection from Impact and Scratches
Another way to keep your MDF trims looking good is to protect them from impacts and scratches. Try not to knock trims with heavy furniture or vacuum cleaners. And if you have pets or children, beware of the toys or claws that might scratch the surface. If you get a scratch, it should be easy to touch up with a little paint or filler.
Repairing Damaged MDF Trim
No matter how careful you are, things happen. Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to repair MDF trim if it does become damaged.
- Fill Holes and Cracks
First off, if you have some small holes or cracks in your trim, that’s no big deal. Just clean the area out with a soft brush to clear all the dust and other debris. Next, fill it with wood filler, especially made for MDF. Fill in the hole with a putty knife, scraping it flat with the rest of the surface. Allow the putty to dry, and then lightly sand it to even out the putty. Touch up the spot with paint to match the rest of the trim.
- Repainting or Refinishing
If your MDF trim is starting to wear, in most instances, a fresh coat of paint will work wonders. This process can be done by you or with professionals, such as MR Mouldings. First, clean the trim to remove any grime or dust. If the surface is rough or peeling, give it a light sanding to smooth it out. Then apply a primer that’s designed for MDF to help the paint stick better. Now that the primer is dry, you can progress to painting the trim in your colour of choice. Avoiding thick coats offers the best finish. Allow one coat to dry before coating again.
Final Thoughts
This is perhaps not the most glamorous of house projects, yet maintaining your MDF trim is definitely very worth it. The process includes cleaning, protecting against damage, touch-ups, and even repair from moisture damage, all this will go on to make your trim last and looking great for many years to come.
