Sealing MDF against moisture.

[Tinders]

Hi peeps,

ive got a bit of a odd one. I need to put some MDF boards in my cellar. MDF because it will have a new consumer unit on amongst other things.

But I was thinking as the cellar is a touch damp, I should really put something on the board. It will be mounted on some 3x2 treated baton that will be screwed to the wall. Can I just chuck some gloss (water based)on the board as protection?

It doesn’t need to look pretty, just be protected. The old CU was on some timber for nigh on 30-40 years ( it’s got the old fuse type CU!)

Cheers for any help.

 

[Sin_Chase]

Why does it have to be MDF?

 

[SeatIbiza]

Gloss paint. But you'd have to cover it all over.

How about marine ply instead?

 

[Mcnumpty2323]

+1 for use marine ply
but if mdf rub silicone on the edges to seal them
and oil based paint on the board

 

[Maccapacca]

Just use moisture resistant mdf

 

[Abyss]

MDF is an odd choice in this scenario. Having to remove a consumer unit to replace the back board when it fails will be expensive. It's also a horrible material to fix into securely.

I'd be going for marine ply or OSB. Will last far longer than a sheet of MDF that swells up at the mere thought of moisture.

 

[cheesyboy]

The green mdf is moisture resistant, so would be more hardy. Then a good few layers of gloss paint.

 

[fwb2006]

tricoya extreme MDF

https://youtu.be/nAIXOLD13Ho

 

[Tinders]

I was told by a sparky to use MDF as it’s not as combustible as ply. But it sounds like this sparky might be chatting @@@@ lol and might be one to avoid.

 

[BigBoy]

Fire rated chipboard is what I use to install meters and supply heads on. Other wise fire rated ply is your friend. MDF is a horrible substance to try affixing anything to.

 

[Tinders]

Thanks folks, i'll grab some fire rated ply. What should i put on it as protection in the cellar?

 

[BigBoy]

Thanks folks, i'll grab some fire rated ply. What should i put on it as protection in the cellar?

Nothing it should not be painted, you will want to stand it off the wall on batons.