How should i treat mdf?
If you are building a desk it suggests you are cutting / sanding the Mdf if so ensure you wear a mask as the dust is carcagenic i.e. cancer forming. You can buy a primer to seal the Mdf if you want to paint it. If you prefer you can seal it with a varnish but if you want to change the colour then apply the stain before the varnish.
The MDF I get is not white. It is a brown color and not sealed. MDF is a paper product. If it is white it is most likely melamine. If you want, prime and paint just like any smooth wood product. You can also just put on a few coats of poly. My shop workbench top is MDF and coated with poly. Its been in service for over 5 years and is doing very well.
