How to Pretreat Your Wood and MDF Pieces

I’m excited to share some tips on how to pretreat your wood and MDF pieces before you paint on them. When working on MDF rounds and wooden surfaces, I often like to use stains to create a smooth, even base for my designs. Not only does this enhance the final look, but it also provides protection—especially for door hangers and porch leaners that are exposed to outdoor elements.

Why Staining Matters

Staining your wood before painting isn’t required, but it makes a big difference! Without it, raw wood can absorb paint unevenly, making it tricky to get a polished finish. A good stain also adds durability, helping your piece resist moisture and weather changes.

Tips for Staining Wood

• Choose a quality stain – I like Minwax Wood Finish! If you’re painting with acrylics, be sure to use a water-based stain.
• Always go with the grain. This ensures an even finish and enhances the natural beauty of the wood.
• Use an old towel to remove excess stain. This can create a rustic, textured background that adds character to your piece, especially if you decide not to paint the background.
• Let it dry for at least an hour. This prevents the paint from smearing when applied on top of the stain.

By following these steps, you create a stunning surface with a rich wood grain that elevates your final design.

How to Stain MDF

MDF (medium-density fiberboard) differs from natural wood because it lacks a wood grain. However, this isn’t a problem—you can still achieve a beautiful finish using the right staining techniques.I love using MDF for door hangers because it’s lightweight and doesn’t put too much strain on your door. Once stained properly, it can look just as beautiful as real wood while being easier to work with.

Here’s how:

• Apply stain in thin layers – Using a foam brush or lint-free rag (old t-shirts work great!),, spread the stain evenly over the MDF. Smooth out any big ridges.
• Let it dry completely – Allow at least an hour before handling or applying additional layers.

How Staining Can Help Your Painting Techniques

I highly recommend staining your project before painting! A base layer helps the paint adhere properly and makes brushstrokes smoother. Whether you’re working with natural wood or MDF, these pretreatment steps will set you up for a professional-looking finish every time!

What If I Don’t Have Stain?

No stain? No problem! You can use primer or even regular acrylic paint as your base layer instead.

Are you interested in more tips just like this? Make sure you’re following me on Facebook! I occasionally go live with fun tutorials or tips just like this!