Painted MDF has been used in the industry for years. It’s familiar, widely available, and can be used for all sorts of applications. But once you start routing, exposing edges, or working across larger surfaces, its limitations show up pretty quickly. That’s why we brought ColourPanel to New Zealand.
Rather than relying on a surface finish, ColourPanel carries colour right through the thickness of the board, opening up the ways you can use MDF panels, and in a lot of cases, simplifying the build as well.
What is ColourPanel MDF?
ColourPanel is a coloured MDF panel with pigment running through the full core, not just applied to the surface. Because the colour runs all the way through, you can route patterns, details or channels without worrying about distorting the surface. It’s also much more resilient to wear and tear, as exposed edges don’t need covering, and you don’t have to worry about the colour lifting off to expose a different substrate underneath.
The panels are supplied unfinished, with the option to upgrade to pre-finished panels on request. ColourPanel MDF is available in eight colour choices and comes in 8mm thickness for feature walls and ceiling linings and 19mm thickness for cabinetry, furniture and commercial fit-outs. (12mm option on indent)
Download the ColourPanel MDF brochure to find out more
When you should avoid painted MDF
Painted MDF works well on projects when everything is going to stay flat, square, and fully coated. But most projects aren’t quite that simple. The main issues you’ll come across when working with painted MDF are:
- Exposed edges need finishing – which requires edge tape or repainting
- Routing reveals the core – breaking the surface finish
- Wear becomes visible over time – colour rubs away and scratches show
None of these are deal-breakers in and of themselves, but they add time and cost for installers, and maintenance issues for clients.
Why choose ColourPanel over standard painted MDF?
ColourPanel has been designed to remove a lot of those extra steps. Because the material is consistently coloured the whole way through, the edges can be left exposed, routed designs don’t need touching up, and the finish holds up better in high-use areas.
That makes it a much better quality product on projects where the small details matter or where surfaces are expected to take a bit of wear.
It’s also much more straightforward to work with on-site because there’s less reliance on the perfect conditions for finishing, and fewer points at which something can go wrong.
Best uses for coloured MDF panels
ColourPanel really comes into its own on projects where you want to make an impact with colour, without being limited by what you can achieve.
The uses we’re seeing most often are:
- furniture and cabinetry
- school and commercial fit-outs
- feature walls and ceiling linings
- kitchens and play spaces
Because the colour is integrated through the sheet, it’s also well suited to perforated designs, CNC routing and detailed patterns.
Things to consider before specifying ColourPanel
Like any MDF product, ColourPanel still has its limits. Notably, it’s designed for interior use, so although it’s moisture-resistant, it shouldn’t be used anywhere it’ll be directly exposed to water.
Like any ply or timber based panel, the edges and faces should still be sealed, particularly in humid environments. We do offer presealed panels, as well as a fire-retardant option available in 19mm black for projects where you also have compliance to contend with.
Learn more about ColourPanel MDF
The main difference with ColourPanel isn’t just the colour, it’s the new opportunities it opens up in the design process and the time it saves for installers. If you’re working on a project where exposed edges, routed detail, or hardiness are part of the brief, ColourPanel is well worth considering.
Our team can provide samples, technical information, and guidance to help you decide if it’s the right fit - get in touch.
