MDF Trim for Archways in a House

Benefits of MDF Trim

• MDF trim is a durable material that resists corrosion and damage when exposed to moisture. It is also significantly lighter and consequently is often less expensive than traditional wood trims. MDF trim is available for archways in a variety of veneers, and can be engineered into a shape suitable for any opening or archway threshold.

Problems with MDF

• MDF is stable, meaning it does not significantly corrode over time, but it is a relatively delicate material. MDF is essentially ground wood fibers held together with glue and resin. It is lightweight and has a plastic feel to it, but is more easily dented or damaged. Care must be taken while installing MDF trim to avoid denting the material when sinking nails. Unfinished MDF, meaning MDF that does not have a veneer, needs to be painted just as you would unfinished wood.

MDF Archway Trim for Painting

• If the homeowner intends to paint the archway trim once it is installed, extra care must be taken to seal the unfinished cut edges of the trim. When wood is cut, you can sand the cut edges to match the finished edge so that both exposed surfaces absorb any applied paint equally. MDF is manufactured in such a way that its exposed surfaces need to be sealed before you paint them. Cutting MDF exposes unsealed material, and thus the homeowner or painter needs to ensure all exposed MDF archway trim edges are sealed before painting.

MDF Safety Concerns

• MDF has been found to leach small amounts of urea formaldehyde. This chemical can be hazardous when inhaled as well as being an eye irritant. Urea formaldehyde is released in larger quantities when MDF is cut, drilled or sanded. Due to the potential health implications, wear eye protection and a face mask when working with MDF. Additionally, unfinished MDF may release urea formaldehyde more rapidly. As a precaution, paint or stain all of your MDF archway trim.