how durable is painted mdf for tv unit

fret_wimp2

Most cabinet makers and suppliers of units offer chipboard or painted MDF.

What is painted MDF like in comparison to Ikea units like besta, which is the only frame of reference I have.

I want something that wont disintegrate if someone leaves a cup on it, or if a spill is cleaned up quickly.

The Continental Op

The glues they use nowadays are waterproof. That means the wood in the MDF or chipboard needs to absorb moisture before there is any problem and this takes a long time with waterproof glue being between every particle.

Thats not to say you can use MDF outside where its wet all the time but spills on it are fine.

Lumen

Painted MDF is better than Ikea because it won't UV discolour and peel off like every piece of Ikea crap ever made.

The paint is what gives it the protection.

awec

The edges are the weak part, not so much from spills but more from taking knocks. MDF edges can be easily damaged.

That said, there are ways to avoid this being a problem.