How to Prep & Paint Your Raw MDF Cart (Without Losing Your Marbles or Your Mojo)
Your cheeky guide to turning flat-pack fabulousness into a show-stopping, colour-popping Clikt masterpiece.
So you’ve unboxed your shiny new raw MDF Clikt cart and you’re ready to zhuzh it up with a fresh lick of paint? Iconic behaviour.
But before you go rogue with a roller and a prayer, let’s make sure your cart gets the glow-up it deserves — smooth, durable, and deliciously custom.
This is your easy, no-stress, “we’re-not-ruining-this-today” guide to prepping and painting raw MDF event essentials like an absolute pro.
Step 1: Give Your Cart a Little Spa Moment — Sanding
Raw MDF is like a teenager: full of potential but just needs a teensy bit of smoothing out.
What to do:
Use 180–240 grit sandpaper
Give every surface a light, even sand
Pay special attention to edges (they’re thirsty little gremlins)
Pro tip:
Don’t go full CrossFit on it — gentle sanding only. You’re refining, not excavating.
Step 2: Seal the Edges (Because MDF Loves to Drink Paint Like It’s Bottomless Brunch)
MDF edges are notorious. They absorb paint faster than you absorb gossip.
Options to seal:
MDF edge sealer (chef’s kiss)
PVA glue diluted with water
High-build primer thickly applied on edges
Why this matters:
Unsealed edges = fluffy texture. Fluffy texture = tears.
Seal now, slay later.
3. The Party Scene Pop-Up Step 3: Prime Like You Mean It
Think of primer as the undergarment of the painting world: not the star, but absolutely essential unless you want things showing that shouldn’t be showing.
Use:
Water-based primer
OR MDF-specific primer
Two coats minimum (yes, minimum, your cart deserves commitment)
Benefits:
Stops swelling
Gives your paint something to grip
Levels texture
Makes colours pop like a Beyoncé key change
Step 4: Paint Time, Baby
Now the fun bit.
Choose your weapon:
Roller for that smooth, buttery finish
Brush for tricky corners
Spray gun if you want that “I’m basically a professional now” moment
Paint types that love MDF:
Water-based acrylic paint (easy cleanup, great finish)
Low-VOC paints (eco-friendly vibes to match your eco-friendly cart)
Spray enamel for extra durability
Paint like this:
Thin coats.
Let dry between coats.
Add 2–3 layers for maximum impact.
Hot tip:
Lighter colours will show fingerprints less — perfect for markets and event days when you’re juggling trays, customers and your will to live.
Step 5: Seal the Deal (Optional but Delicious)
If your cart is going to events, markets or weddings on repeat, a topcoat is your new bestie.
Topcoat options:
Clear acrylic sealer (matte or satin)
Polycrylic for durability
Avoid oil-based polyurethane — it yellows like old Tupperware.
A good topcoat = long-lasting finish + easier cleaning + extra “oh damn that looks premium” factor.
If your cart is going to events, markets or weddings on repeat, a topcoat is your new bestie.
A good topcoat = long-lasting finish + easier cleaning + extra “oh damn that looks premium” factor.
Step 6: Assemble and Strut
Once everything is dry (patience, my dove), click your cart together and admire your handiwork.
Stand back.
Take a pic.
Post it. Tag us @clikt.co so we can hype you harder than a Drag Race finale audience.
Quick FAQ (Because You’re Not the Only One Wondering)
Can I paint before assembling?
Absolutely. It’s actually easier. Just lay out your pieces like you’re playing adult-sized Tetris.
Can I skip primer?
No. That’s illegal in Clikt land. (Not actually, but spiritually.)
Can I use spray paint?
Yes — but seal your edges first or she will fluff.
Final Thoughts (And a Little Love Letter to You)
Painting your Clikt raw MDF cart doesn’t have to feel like a DIY meltdown. With a little prep, a little patience, and the right playlist (preferably Beyoncé), you’ll have a professional, durable, envy-inducing cart that turns heads at every event.
Your cart is basically the Beyoncé of the market and event scene now — and honestly?
So are you.
