Projection screen pelmet- painting question

[djc45]

Hi,
I am in the process of remodelling the Home Cinema in our living room. I have a manual screen which I have mounted and built a mdf pelmet around using 12mm mdf. I have fixed colour changing led spotlights to it. My question is about painting the mdf. The pelmet is fully built now, with the lights wired etc.

I have now read somewhere that I ought to paint both sides of the mdf to stop it from bowing. Is there a way to avoid having to do this, how likely is it to bow when the paint dries? Obviously, the last thing that I want to do is take it down again, it was a pain to build on the ceiling as it was.

I was going to use Crown standard wood primer, followed by top coat(s) of Craig & Rose Opulence soft suede textured paint in a Dark Chocolate colour, both of which I have already bought, it is a water based paint. Is it ok to paint the mdf with these?

I would be grateful of any advice about my questions or any aspects of painting mdf, its not something I've done before.
Thanks

[MarkP80]

Hi,

The problem you have with MDF is that it absorbs water and swells. To avoid this you need to seal it, particularly the edges. You can buy proprietary MDF sealer, they have it in B&Q. It's not that cheap but I found it to work effectively.

Have a look here

Cheers,
MarkP