Painting Wall Panelling

I'm putting up MDF square panel moulding in my living room and plan to paint the wall and panel moulding the same colour. Is it recommended to paint the panel moulding with a different finish to the walls? I.e. walls matte and MDF moulding eggshell/satin

If so, would you paint the moulding before installation or once it's put on the wall? Wondering how precise you'd need to be with cutting in between the same colour in different sheens...

Asked by Adam on 14th Oct 2024
Expert Trade Answers
"Once installed prime the MDF, fill in pin holes and caulk all way round, light sand and prime again. Wait until this is fully dry then use a durable acrylic like Johnstones matt across both the wall and paneling. Give 2 coats"
Answered on 16th Oct 2024 - Member since Oct 2024 - report
"Hi Adam

The best thing to do is in this order.
Fit MDF panelling.
Prime it.
Sand any rough edges.
Prime again ( MDF edges fluffy up once painted).
Caulk and fill it.
Sand filler and give the whole thing a light sand.
Spot prime bare MDF.
Paint the wall above the panelling first in emulsion don't worry too much if u get a little on the panelling but finish the wall above first.
Then lightly rub down and splashes of paint on the MDF.
Paint the panelling in an eggshell.
The reason for painting In eggshell is that dust will collect on it and u won't be able to dust or clean it without marking it.
The alternative if u really want a Matt finish is to paint it all in an acrylic durable durable Matt (Johnstone's) but it will still have a slight shine and it still won't be as durable as eggshell.

Hope this helps
Finer Finish Decor"
Answered on 14th Oct 2024 - Member since Oct 2024 - report
"Paint the wall and panelling the same colour as the walls then paint it a Matt colour it will all blend in when finished"
Answered on 14th Oct 2024 - Member since Sep 2024 - report
"MDF panels are rough anyway. You need to use the wall primer first before you apply any paint for that. The finish is up to you. I would suggest painting the panel after installation due to many reasons. If you scratch the panels you need to fill them up and sand them before painting so they will look good. The screw holes need to be filled up as well. I would do this why."
Answered on 14th Oct 2024 - Member since Sep 2024 - report
"You can use the same paint preferred satin for durability"
Answered on 18th Oct 2024 - Member since Feb 2020 - report
"Yes you should use a gloss paint for wood work seperate from wall paint to protect from mold."
Answered on 28th Oct 2024 - Member since Oct 2024 - report
"Paint your MDF first then rectify any issues once fixed and be very precise between finishes."
Answered on 18th Oct 2024 - Member since Feb 2017 - report
"MDF is fine to paint with the same paint you plan to use for your walls. Before doing this please make sure to apply primer to said MDF."
Answered on 29th Oct 2024 - Member since Apr 2023 - report
"Yes putting it up and than painting would be the way as any caulking that needs to be done or filling of holes could ruin it being repainted just use a smaller brush if your cutting in isn't to great"
Answered on 19th Oct 2024 - Member since May 2024 - report
"Paint the moulding first eggshell or satin then paint the walls then stick moulding to the wall"
Answered on 30th Oct 2024 - Member since Oct 2024 - report
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