Treating black MDF

Osmo products are suitable for treating many types of wood. However, we are often asked whether MDF can also be treated with Osmo. In this blog, we explain that MDF can definitely be treated with Osmo. This is illustrated with some great examples from Zagenzagen.nl and Lennart Bras from Studio met met.

• Affordable price per square meter
• Only with Osmo: unique oil and wax combination
• Provides protection against moisture, dirt, and scratches
• Can be repaired locally without sanding
• Easy to clean and maintain

Sheets made from MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) consist of compressed wood fibers mixed with resin. These wood fibers often come from wood chips, sawdust, and even recycled paper. An MDF board is usually smooth on the outside but slightly more coarse on the inside. Because the boards can be cut into almost any shape, they are used for many different projects.

In the project below, MDF HD Color was used. What makes these boards special is that they are colored throughout. When the boards are cut, you will see that the color is visible all the way through the core. This means the edges do not need to be finished with an additional color layer, as they are already black throughout.

The fronts of this beautiful kitchen are made of black MDF HD Color. This bold black shade creates a true industrial look. The kitchen fronts have been treated with Osmo Hardwax-Oil Original colorless. The colorless variant of the Hardwax-Oil creates a wet look, meaning the color of the MDF is deepened.

Osmo Hardwax-Oil not only provides a beautiful finish but also offers strong protection against liquids and creates a surface that is easy to clean. So it is not a problem if a glass of drink is accidentally spilled on the kitchen. In addition, Osmo products are based on natural oils and waxes and are harmless to humans, animals, and plants once dry.

Various other types of MDF can also be treated with Osmo. The material absorbs Osmo well, creating a protective surface after treatment. This makes it very suitable for everyday use, as shown in this example of a Dutch shuffleboard. If damage occurs after years of use, it is not a problem. Osmo can easily be refreshed by applying a new layer.

Lennart Bras from Studio met met shares his thoughts on the projects: “The clients were completely in love with the idea of a black kitchen. In the past, we as a studio have often worked with MDF HD Color. This fully colored material has a unique structure and, after treatment with Osmo Hardwax-Oil, almost takes on the look and feel of natural stone. The project itself came about after sharing my enthusiasm for partly building a kitchen yourself, combined with the possibilities offered by Zagenzagen.nl. Because we limited ourselves to the existing dimensions of the IKEA METOD system, this was certainly a challenge. We solved this by adding vertical elements between the cabinets, which resulted in a clean line pattern and clear separation between the different elements. This makes the kitchen feel custom-made, while in reality it is cleverly assembled. All of this contributes to the overall result we aim to achieve.”

The supplier of all custom-cut sheet material, Zagenzagen.nl, is also very enthusiastic about the final result. At Zagenzagen, you can easily have all your wood cut to size, including MDF boards, thanks to the online cutting service. In just a few steps, you can have the wood cut according to your specified dimensions. “MDF HD Color black is a popular choice because it is colored throughout. MDF boards treated with Osmo Hardwax-Oil create a neutral and natural appearance. A very strong combination.”

For the kitchen, Osmo Hardwax-Oil Original was applied by polishing. This method gives you more control over the application and results in using less product per layer. That is why, when polishing untreated MDF, it is recommended to apply 3 to 4 layers. After 3 layers, test whether the Hardwax-Oil provides sufficient protection against moisture by placing a few drops of water on the surface (after full drying). Do the drops remain on the surface? Then it is sufficiently treated. If the water is still slightly absorbed, you can apply an additional layer. Below is the step-by-step method for applying it to MDF HD Color boards.

1. Stir the product well for 2 minutes. After opening the can, the oil and wax are separated.
2. Always test on a small area first to check if the result matches the desired effect.
3. Apply the first layer of Hardwax-Oil thinly using a White Pad or a lint-free cloth such as the Easy Pad Polishing Cloths. Spread the product evenly over the surface.
4. Let the Hardwax-Oil absorb for 20 minutes, then polish off the excess product with another lint-free cloth or Fleece Pad. It is recommended to polish along the grain or direction of the board to avoid streaks.
5. Drying time for the first layer is approximately 8–10 hours (at 23 degrees and 50% relative humidity). At lower temperatures or higher humidity, drying will take longer. Always ensure good ventilation by keeping windows and doors open.
6. Apply the second, third, and possibly fourth layer in the same way as the first layer.
7. Allow each layer to dry for 8–10 hours with proper ventilation.