How to seal MDF toekick cut ends/edges

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Apr 14th, 2020 8:54 am

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Apr 12th, 2020 4:37 pm

jacquesstrap [OP]: Deal Addict; Nov 9, 2008; 1852 posts; 878 upvotes; Toronto

Apr 12th, 2020 4:37 pm

How to seal MDF toekick cut ends/edges

I'm installing the toekicks of my basement buil-ins this weekend. I've scribed them to the floor and am thinking I should be sealing the bottom edge (now raw MDF since i scribed them). The toe-kicks are 3/4'' MDF, shop-finished with lacquer.

I was thinking I would tape up the faces of the kicks and hit the cut edge with a a few coats of clear lacquer (spraycan)? I've got about 18 ft of kicks to do.

I know there are a number of woodworkers (professional and DIYers) on here so hoping for some recommendations

Thanks!

8 replies

Apr 12th, 2020 5:41 pm

Jerico: Deal Guru; Jan 25, 2007; 12633 posts; 7778 upvotes; Paris

Apr 12th, 2020 5:41 pm

Depends on how far you want to go... first are you sure it’s MDF and not particleboard?

If MDF the best way to seal it is use a wood filler, sand that off, then paint. If you only paint, the edges will absorb the paint and it will take about 5 coats.

If particleboard, I would just paint with anything you have.

Apr 12th, 2020 7:18 pm

Drakestar: Deal Addict; Dec 14, 2011; 1990 posts; 1166 upvotes; London

Apr 12th, 2020 7:18 pm

I’ve heard of people sealing them with watered down carpenter’s glue. That’s what I would do since I usually have plenty of it around. I don’t think it has to be fancy or something to be stressed about (sounds like you are being smart about it). It sounds like it is sitting on a finished floor (?). If water ever came up that high you probably have an insurance claim anyway.

I’d just brush on whatever you have around. I would not spray.

Apr 12th, 2020 8:37 pm

jacquesstrap [OP]: Deal Addict; Nov 9, 2008; 1852 posts; 878 upvotes; Toronto

Apr 12th, 2020 8:37 pm

Thanks for the recommendations.

Yes, definitely MDF - had doors, panels, fillers and toekicks made for Ikea cabinets. I'm not looking to finish the cut side that i've scribed, just seal it as it will be down against a finish vinyl floor in the basement.

Funny you mention the glue/water - someone else mentioned that to me. I'll definitely give that a shot! I'm assuming 50/50 mix, or whatever to make it the consistency of "paint"

Apr 13th, 2020 8:10 am

Pete_Coach: Deal Expert; May 10, 2005; 36849 posts; 11276 upvotes; Ottawa

Apr 13th, 2020 8:10 am

jacquesstrap wrote: ↑ Thanks for the recommendations.

Yes, definitely MDF - had doors, panels, fillers and toekicks made for Ikea cabinets. I'm not looking to finish the cut side that i've scribed, just seal it as it will be down against a finish vinyl floor in the basement.

Funny you mention the glue/water - someone else mentioned that to me. I'll definitely give that a shot! I'm assuming 50/50 mix, or whatever to make it the consistency of "paint"

Wood glue as sealant

A little long winded but good info

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Apr 13th, 2020 9:07 am

Jon Lai: Deal Expert; May 30, 2005; 48776 posts; 10000 upvotes; Richmond Hill

Apr 13th, 2020 9:07 am

Drakestar wrote: ↑ I’ve heard of people sealing them with watered down carpenter’s glue. That’s what I would do since I usually have plenty of it around. I don’t think it has to be fancy or something to be stressed about (sounds like you are being smart about it). It sounds like it is sitting on a finished floor (?). If water ever came up that high you probably have an insurance claim anyway.

I’d just brush on whatever you have around. I would not spray.

I agree. Just follow the KISS principal here, glue will work fine. It's MDF, no matter what you do, if it's soaked in water, you're going to need to replace it.

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Apr 13th, 2020 10:13 am

jacquesstrap [OP]: Deal Addict; Nov 9, 2008; 1852 posts; 878 upvotes; Toronto

Apr 13th, 2020 10:13 am

Thanks again guys, thinned wood glue it is. I'll take a few photos once I've done it to show the before and after

+1

Apr 13th, 2020 12:57 pm

PointsHubby: Deal Expert; Feb 7, 2017; 26605 posts; 26218 upvotes; Eastern Ontario

Apr 13th, 2020 12:57 pm

jacquesstrap wrote: ↑ Thanks again guys, thinned wood glue it is. I'll take a few photos once I've done it to show the before and after

Nothing to add to the posts by the others.

Photos, yes please

Yup, with DIY that’s the most important thing on RFD
Many of us just drop in to see the photos of everyone’s projects
Be they mid stream or finished works

Definitely will be back to see what your ikea finished set up looks like

Apr 14th, 2020 8:54 am

CaptSmethwick: Deal Fanatic; Oct 12, 2007; 9394 posts; 8959 upvotes; Winchester

Apr 14th, 2020 8:54 am

Agree on diluted white carpenter's glue

Upvoting respectful and helpful RFDers since 2007

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