Waterproof MDF? Why our work lasts longer that our competitors

When building kitchen cabinetry, it’s common to use MDF panels for many applications. It’s flat, dimensionally-stable, paints well, and is economical. However, in wet areas, without paying close attention to finishing techniques and product selection, it can introduce wear issues as water finds it way in. To mitigate this, we can build your MDF panel products with Armorite Exterior-Grade MDF.

A William Ohs Cabinet Front, installed 4 years ago.

This cabinet door was built by one of the most reputable custom cabinet shops in Denver. It was finished in a top quality conversion varnish finish. So what failed? My suspicion is that as the edge trim expanded and contracted, gaps developed between the panel and trim, creating an ingress for water to wick into the joint via capillary action. The builder probably didn’t used Titebond 3, a waterproof PVA glue, like we do and used a standard PVA instead. Couple these two issues with a standard MDF panel and you have a perfect storm.

To demonstrate how much more impervious to moisture Armorite is, I soaked pieces of it and standard MDF in water at room temperature for 10 days and examined both samples wet. The difference is wild! Armorite swelled 1/16” after soaking with no finish. Standard MDF swelled 1/4”, 4 times as much.

So if you’re looking for a custom cabinetmaker who nails the details, reach out.