How to Repair Damaged MDF Hallway Baseboard

Fig.1 Damaged Baseboard

By Gary Boutin  File:

Tools and Supplies:
Blue painters tape
Dynaflex® 230 silicone
Kilz® oil spray primer paint 
Red stucco tape
Sand paper 120 grit
Scrapers 
Small brush
Wood glue (5 milliliters = 0.1691 ounces)

Painting can be quite fun, the furniture needs to be moved to other area to make the area available for painting. This is the reason why this MDF (Medium-density fiberboard baseboard was damage. MDF is has many uses specially in California were there is no straight wall. MDF is made of sawdust and glue and cured with pressure to form any shape needed. MDF baseboards cost is three quarter less its counterpart the wood baseboard or wood trim. 

This post shows the five steps to repair this baseboard.

Step 1: Fig.1 shows the damage to the MDF baseboards. Tape the area for repairing and painting. Fig.2 shows some of the painting tools needed to protect the area around the baseboard damage.

Fig.2 Painting preparation

Step 2: Once the area is masked with painter tape, the repairs start. Look at the damage, there are three choices. The first and easiest choice is to repair the damage baseboard. The second choice is cut out a small piece and replace it with another piece of baseboard. The last choice is to remove the entire baseboard for that wall and replace the a new piece. For this project repairing was the best choice. Fig.3 shows the damage baseboard and fig.4 shows the first step is to press the baseboard against itself.

Fig.3 Damaged baseboard

Fig.4 Press together

Step 3: Fig.5 shows the Titebond® glue placed in a small glass container. Fig.6 shows to use a small brush or your fingers and apply a little amount (5 milliliters = 0.1691 ounces) of glue on the damaged area. Start to press the baseboard damage back together to form like the rest of the baseboard. 

Fig.5 Titebond Glue

Fig.6 Press against the wall

Step 4: Fig.7 shows that after the glue has dried, use caulking or paintable silicone to seal the area from moisture. Fig.8 shows a tube of Dynaflex® 230 silicone but any caulking will work for this project. Dynaflex® 230 was available from a prior job.

Fig.7 Clear Silicone

Fig.8 Dynaflex® 230 silicone

Step 5: After the caulking has dried, use 120 grit sandpaper to remove the rough edges. Fig.9 shows the next step is to seal the area with Kilz® Oil  Primer. It does not have to be an oil primer any primer will do the job. I chose Kilz® Oil spray primer because it was a left over from a prior job. Fig.10 shows the primer has dried and the final step of painting the baseboard to match.

Fig.9 
Primer

Fig.10 Spray primer

• What is MDF - Medium Density Fiberboard?

• Handyman Blog: DIY Advisor
• Food Blog: From Kiwis To Pistachios!
• Artwork Blog: Light in Dark Artwork
• Class-A Tests: DIY Class-A Drivers License Tests
• Class-A Tests Sitemap: Class-A Sitemap

• Cookie Alert: European Union laws requires that you know that this blog uses cookies. If you are concerned about this please click here to see how Google uses this information.

Note: The DIY Advisor assumes no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any jobs. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed contractor if in doubt about any steps on these posts. All names were changed to protect client's privacy. DIY Advisor. Reproduction of site content including photos without permission prohibited. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2011-