r/DIYUK • u/MajorGrumble • 6d ago
Advice MDF instead of Plasterboard?
Started stripping lining paper which was painted over in the spare bedroom and was all OK until I got to 2 narrow strips near the door. Firstly, am I correct that someone used MDF instead of plasterboard.
Secondly, what’s the best solution moving forward. I guess ripping it out, plasterboard and skimming, but can the MDF be treated with something, smoothed out some way and painted over so it looks OK?
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u/BMW_wulfi 6d ago
Assuming you’re not renting, (and because it looks like bog standard MDF) you should rip it out and replace now. Future you will thank you.
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u/DMMMOM 6d ago
If the place is old I'd say it's hardboard. So not as dense as MDF, think of it as a pretty stiff cardboard. If the surface has gone I'd consider ripping it out. Doubt there's much you can do to restore it and because it's flexible, plastering over could be a disaster. I think even sanding it will just make the shitty area a bigger shitty area.
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u/Odd_Wear_9599 6d ago
You could treat the MDF by filling any gaps with a good filler, sanding it smooth, and then priming it properly before painting.
If it’s too uneven or damaged, replacing it with plasterboard might be your best bet for a long-lasting finish.
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u/WyleyBaggie 6d ago
It may not be MDF it may be fibreboard insulation, it's expensive stuff, I bought some for our cottage. Perhaps you could put plasterboard over it as I did.
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u/Civil-Ad-1916 6d ago
I’m guessing someone repaired the section round the door frame and didn’t bother to skim or paint over before papering over it. I’d prime, fill and sand it before papering over.
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u/MajorGrumble 6d ago
Thank you all for your advice, the annoying thing is that it’s such a small area, 2 strips less than 12” wide. I think I will rip out and replace as will be painting the room rather than wallpapering.
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u/HerrFerret Handyman 6d ago
MDF can be treated with fire, frankly. When you remove it wear a mask.
It may have a mould issue on the other side.
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u/Brocklette 6d ago
That looks like sound board or fibreboard, i wouldn't start ripping that down unless you know what you're doing. It'll be there for a reason.
Personally, I'd dryline (plasterboard) over it
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u/BiscuitTinHunter 6d ago
If you are going to have a paint finish rip the mdf out and plasterboard and plaster, otherwise it will always look different to the rest of the walls. If you are wall papering again, eh scrap it clean sand it flat and paper again.