Finishing MDF for Dummies

stained MDF

It's a common practice to use lists of three items in expository writing, so common that it might as well be some sort of rule, like "the rule of threes." Oh, wait: that's really what it is! Whatever the case, freelancers have glommed onto this principle like it was the holy grail or something. A case in point, eHow contributor Angela Odum in her tasty little piece "Characteristics of MDF Wood" at Hunker.com.

It is a near certainty that this particular "contributor" found it necessary to google "MDF Wood" before tackling her title. Nevertheless, it's also quite clear that Angela spent plenty of time on her "research," since she definitely gets into her topic. After all, how else could Ms Odom have constructed this fine little triplet about what fun it is to work with MDF:

"This type of wood has no knots, making it even easier to cut, paint or stain. You will get a nice, clean look from any project using MDF." Around the Antisocial Network, we've used MDF a few times ourselves, often enough to know darned well that MDF looks like total crap if you try to stain it. It's made of tiny, randomly-oriented chunks of wood, which completely defeats the purpose of stain, which is to highlight the contrast in wood's natural grain.  We also liked this particular bit of "advice":

"Use nails and screws to attach MDF pieces together; however, because of its strength, the wood may split and the fasteners will not hold well. To prevent this from happening always pre-drill holes for nails and screws."

Because of its strength? Bushwa: MDF is beastly to work with because it's isotropic, and therefore lacks the strength to hold screws. You also can't nail it for sour apples. Then again, what do you expect when a freelancer who wouldn't know MDF if it landed on her toes shares her "expertise"? Not much – and that's what you get from this Dumbass of the Day!

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