Best Sandpaper for MDF in York: Achieving the Perfect Finish
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Proprietor
One of the most common questions I get from customers in York attempting their own DIY alcove shelving is: 'Why do the edges of my MDF look rough and furry after painting?' The answer is almost always down to the sanding—or lack thereof.
MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) is a fantastic material for bespoke fitted interior furniture because it's stable and doesn't warp like natural timber. However, the cut edges are highly absorbent. If you don't seal and sand them properly, they drink up the paint and dry with a rough texture.
In this guide, I'll walk you through the sandpaper I use to get that professional, glass-like finish on alcove units. Whether you are building a simple shelf or a full library wall in a Victorian terrace, these abrasives will help you get the joinery-grade finish your home deserves.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "MDF is 'Ready to Paint'"
"Marketing suggests you can just slap paint on standard MDF sheets."
The face remains smooth, but cut edges will 'fur up' instantly upon contact with moisture. You must sand, prime, de-nib, and prime again.
The Spec: "Coarse Grits (60-80)"
"Coarse paper removes material faster."
On MDF, coarse grit just tears the fibres, making the 'furring' worse. Never go lower than 120 grit for finishing MDF edges.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
3M Aluminum Oxide Sandpaper Medium, 9001NA, 9 in x 11 in, 5/pk
3M
If you only have one or two small shelves to sand, this 3M pack is a solid, low-cost starting point. It's a reliable aluminium oxide paper that won't clog instantly, making it ideal for the initial sanding of MDF edges before priming.
The Good
- Very affordable upfront cost (£3.64)
- Trusted 3M quality—grit stays on the paper
- 150 grit is the 'sweet spot' for initial MDF sanding
The Bad
- Only 5 sheets—not enough for a full room project
- Single grit type limits your finishing progression
Installer Tip:
Use this 150 grit paper to break the sharp corners of your MDF shelves. A sharp 90-degree edge barely holds paint; a slight 'pencil round' (created by a few passes of this paper) will make your paint job last years longer.
Priced at £3.64 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonSTEBRUAM Sandpaper 120 to 3000 Grits, Wet and Dry Sandpaper
STEBRUAM
This is the pack I'd recommend for any serious DIYer or joiner. The silicon carbide material is superior for finishing painted surfaces, and the massive grit range (120 to 3000) lets you handle everything from the initial rub-down to the final polish between topcoats.
The Good
- Huge range of grits covers every stage of the job
- Silicon carbide cuts cleaner than aluminium oxide
- Waterproof backing is durable and doesn't tear easily
The Bad
- Sheets are smaller strips (9x3.6 inch) rather than full A4
- You might not use the super-fine 3000 grit for standard shelving
Installer Tip:
After applying your MDF primer, the fibres will rise and feel rough. Use the 320 or 400 grit from this pack for a light 'de-nib'. It knocks off the fluff without removing the primer layer, giving you a perfect base for the topcoat.
Priced at £6.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFit For The Job 25 Large A4 Size Sheets Fine Grade Sandpaper
Fit For The Job
Finishing large flat panels fits can be tricky with small scraps of paper. These full A4 sheets are the problem-solver here. You can wrap them around a large cork block or wooden offcut to ensure you sand your shelves perfectly flat without digging dips into the surface.
The Good
- Full A4 size allows custom cutting for any sanding block
- Fine grade is specifically suited for finishing MDF
- Great for large surface areas like wardrobe doors
The Bad
- Only one grade (Fine) included
- Packaging is basic
Installer Tip:
Never sand MDF with just your fingers; the soft pulp between the harder surface layers will wear away faster, creating an uneven edge. Fold a sheet of this A4 paper around a flat sanding block to keep your edges crisp and square.
Priced at £4.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
What is the best grit sequence for painting MDF?
Why shouldn't I use a belt sander on MDF?
Can I use wet and dry paper on MDF?
How do I deal with uneven walls when fitting shelves?
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