Can You Paint Masonite?

Although masonite isn't authentic wood, since the 1950's it's been a versatile, durable, and affordable choice for home siding, paneling, cabinetry, doors, and more. Although it can stand up to some hard use, Masonite can begin to look dated and worn over time.

If the Masonite in your home is starting to look like it needs a refresh, you may be thinking of upgrading it with paint. But can you paint Masonite? Is any kind of special preparation required? Is there a particular kind of paint that is recommended for Masonite?

This article will answer these questions and more so that you'll feel confident making the right decisions about painting Masonite. And if you need more answers about painting, check out the array of our services at Singletrack Painting. We've worked successfully with Masonite for years and have built up a strong skill set around this popular material. Check out how Singletrack can transform your home with our Masonite painting expertise.

What Is Masonite?

Masonite is an engineered wood product that was patented in 1924. The process involves disintegrating wood chips through steaming. This breaks down and binds the wood chip fibers into their base products, lignin and cellulose. Pressure-molding makes the product strong and durable.

Since Masonite (also known as pressboard and Quartboard) was invented, similar products have been developed that are commonly known as hardboard, High-Density Fiberboard (HDF), and Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF). For the purpose of this article, we'll refer to engineered or composite wood as Masonite although there are many other types with a variety of strength and durability properties. 

Masonite and various hardboards are popular construction materials because of their affordability, durability, and eco-friendliness. Engineered wood is much cheaper than wood, so it's often chosen to construct bathroom and kitchen cabinetry, doors, paneling, and siding. Masonite is known to be stronger and more waterproof than MDF and other engineered woods, although all engineered wood products share a very smooth and non-porous surface. 

Can you paint Masonite board? The paintability of Masonite and hardboard varies by manufacturer but all engineered wood can be tricky to paint unless it's properly prepped. Maybe you thought your siding was Masonite only to find out it's vinyl. If you're wondering, can vinyl siding be painted, the answer is absolutely yes! You'll get top results if you use a high-quality exterior paint such as Sherwin Williams 'VinylSafe’ formulas especially designed for vinyl siding.

Preparing Masonite for Painting

Paint doesn't adhere well to non-porous surfaces, especially super-smooth surfaces like Masonite. This is why the surface needs to be carefully prepared with some 'tooth' so that the paint can bond. The best way to do that is to clean, sand, and prime the Masonite before painting, otherwise, the paint will chip and peel.

Here are the steps you'll need to follow for a long lasting, durable paint job on Masonite:

• Clean the Surface: Masonite is often used for kitchen and bathroom cabinetry. It's imperative that any grease, dirt, or soap scum is thoroughly cleaned from the Masonite.

• Sand: Once the Masonite is clean and completely dry, use a 220-grit sandpaper to develop some 'tooth' so the paint will have a surface to adhere to.

• Clean off Sanding Dust: This is a step that many DIYers forget. But if any sanding dust is left on the Masonite, the paint won't adhere. Wipe the dust with a damp cloth and be sure the Masonite is thoroughly dry before priming.

• Prime: It's critical to understand what primer is and how it can make or break any paint job. An acrylic urethane primer such as Insl-X Stix will provide excellent adhesion and is quick-drying.

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Choosing the Right Paint for Masonite

Choosing the right primer is every bit as important as choosing the right paint for Masonite. If Masonite isn't thoroughly sealed with primer, moisture can enter. Moisture problems result in rot, mold and mildew, discoloration, swelling, and cracking. To avoid those pitfalls, it's essential to complete any repairs and use a good bonding primer before painting. 

Masonite can be painted with either latex or oil-based paint. Latex is easier to use but has a shorter life-span than oil-based paint. One key to painting Masonite is to be sure the surface is completely dry. Allow your brush bristles to fill every crack and crevice.

Can you paint Masonite paneling? Yes! For exterior Masonite panels and siding, it's important to choose an exterior primer like Peel Pond and a quality exterior paint such as Benjamin Moore's 'Element Guard' or Sherwin Williams Duration. 

What about doors – can you paint Masonite doors? For interior Masonite, Sherwin Williams' ProClassic Waterborne Interior Acrylic Enamel provides a luxurious and elegant finish, especially for doors and trim. 

Maintaining Your Painted Masonite

Keeping your painted masonite regularly maintained will ensure that the paint job will be durable, beautiful, and long-lasting. Although there's no set schedule for maintenance, keep an eye out for problems like hairline cracks, scratches, discoloration, or flaking. 

If maintenance is ignored, moisture can enter behind the paint and cause the Masonite to swell, discolor, or rot. Some regular inspection and maintenance is a great preventative measures to take before problems arise that require money, time, and labor.

Cleaning is an ideal time to check for potential problems. Clean the painted surface with a damp rag and mild soapy water. Be sure to rinse the paint well and dry it thoroughly. 

When to Call in the Professionals

If you're not familiar with the unique properties of Masonite, it can be a headache to achieve a professional-looking paint job. While DIY is possible, painting Masonite isn't as straightforward as painting drywall. You'll need to take all the necessary prep steps to ensure the paint adheres. And you'll want to use brush and rolling techniques that will produce a smooth, top-quality finish. So should you paint yourself or hire a professional? Once all is said and done, you'll be glad you called in a professional when you're going to re-paint Masonite cabinetry or siding. 

The pros at Singletrack Painting are skilled at Masonite prep and repair and know which primers and paints will best protect exterior and interior Masonite. And when it comes to the actual painting, Singletrack painters use fine workmanship to achieve a quality, smooth finish. If you want a beautiful, long-lasting, and durable Masonite paint job, the Singletrack experts are ready to work with you. Call us today for an estimate!

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