MDF Base and Trim

[HangingInThere]

I'm curious if anyone has encountered MDF (medium density fiberboard) base and trim when removing wallcoverings?

MDF is not a mainstay in high-end homes, but I've seen it used in townhomes and condos to save a few bucks.

I've not encountered any yet, but I've always been concerned what effect the water solutions we use to remove wallcoverings would have on the stuff.

[Chris Murphy]

I've seen it used a number of times, and once in particular when a former partner screwed up and had to strip what he had hung. He ended up paying for new base, too.

[gadams]

I have seen it in million dollar homes.It depends on how well the mdf was painted as to how much effect the liquid stripper or liquid of any kind will effect it.I always ere on the side of precaution, keeping it constantly wiped down with microfibers. .Taping and plastic helps a little but the stripper always gets behind the tape.I had some mdf base expand on me after stripping,had to shave it down ,sand,bondo,sand again reprime and paint.It wasn't fun.Of course th painter probably used ceiling paint as primer.

[HangingInThere]

ARGH...that's exactly what I was afraid of happening! A small amount seeping behind would be disastrous, as MDF products swell and don't go back...

So far, knock on wood, the contractors I work for have not ventured into the MDF world...and I certainly don't want to go there!

[Michael Baughman C.P.]

I unfortunately run into MDF moulding often. I will check for voids in the caulking and fill in any voids. Then I look for chips in the paint and cover them with tape to stop any solution to reach any unprotected MDF. I will prime the chip if time allows. The best tape I have found is Dunn Edwards’s premium orange tape it appears to hold the best against removal solutions. I have not been able to found out who makes it for them since it is sold under their store brand. This tape works much better the 3M tapes that release to easily. I will run two rows of 2” tape. One row of 2” tape to hold the plastic at the top of the base and trim. Then a second row of 2” tape 1” above the base and trim. This makes it like stacking shingles. This makes a second row of defense of protection. If I know I have MDF or wood floors I put a gel form of removal solution in the bid. Any liquid will make the MDF swell up.

[HangingInThere]

The first problem is even determining that it is MDF. Some of the natural looking wood stuff that's been stain/seal/varnished, as well as the enameled might be difficult to uncover once it has finish on it. Most risky would be the stain/seal/varnished stuff since there's no caulking to divert it from the backside.

Yep, it could be a nightmare!

[Chris Nelson]

.It wasn't fun.Of course th painter probably used ceiling paint as primer.

That person should not be labeled as a "painter", more like "hack".

[HangingInThere]

I was giving this some additional synaptic resources, from which my brain is still smarting :rolleyes:, and wondering how 2" cellophane packing tape might work?? Anybody ever get the stuff wet?

[gadams]

Glenn,I thought at this time of year, sugarplums were supposed to be dancing in ones head ,not mdf.It is somewhat comforting though to know others are do this ,too.I've been up since 4 thinking about this Maya "Looks like Teapaper" a metallic paperbacked vinyl ,creases very easily,a grain of dirt or sand looks like a mountain underneath.If you discover one during the hanging process and try to remove it ,you run the risk of creasing the paper not to mention delamination.AAAHHH.Okay,I'm finished.Thanks.

[HangingInThere]

Glenn, I thought at this time of year, sugarplums were supposed to be dancing in ones head ,not mdf.Guy, 'Tis good to know that I'm not the only one with convoluted thought patterns! :D

Michael B got me thinking about this with his double taping procedure...as I was wrapping presents. See, there was a segue! ;)

[gadams]

Glenn, I would worry about that packing tape removing the finish on the base.Arch mentioned in another post that some guys cut the paper 6" horizontally above the base and pull that paper loose below the cut about an inch or so and leave it loose to divert the stripper and catch it before it reaches the base.Then you could regulate the amount of stripper used to remove the 6" strip by applying it with a brush.It sounds like a good concept,maybe not always applicable but worth a try.Now you got me thinking about it on X-mas eve.:D

[HangingInThere]

I was thinking about taping to the paper to divert the stipping solution. Yeah, it would be a bit harsh on the base.

Sorry about the Christmas Eve invite to think about work! :D

[gadams]

Sorry about the Christmas Eve invite to think about work! :D[/QUOTE]

No problem gives me something to do.Have a good Christmas.Now let me go start my shopping.:D

[K.L. Conner]

In large areas it is not practical nor neat, but if there is a large crack around the base and you know it is MDF, tape and slather Vaseline along the top of the tape line. The Vaseline stops the tape from releasing when the stripping solution hits it. Make sure the entire base and beyond is covered with plastic.

K.L.

[Boston Hangman]

Nice KL ...:thumbup: that is a great idea...did you thinkl of that as you were eating at the Marietta Diner? and if you had ....how is the food?;)

[K.L. Conner]

Never been to that diner, but the idea came to me one morning as I was waiting at a rest area off the highway, on my way to a stripping job.

[HangingInThere]

...on my way to a stripping job.For more years than I care to think about, I've always loved the look on people's faces when they ask what I do for a living, and I tell them I'm a professional stripper! :2thumbs: