Buyers Guide: Legacy Paintable MDF Wall Panels

Add stylish detail that's unique to your home with premium quality Legacy MDF wall panels. Designed to be painted to suit your own personal taste, our selection of paintable wall panels can be enjoyed in any room. Available in a diverse selection of styles and a choice of 'unprimed' or 'pre-primed' finish, these panels can be customised in a variety of ways, adding depth and interest to otherwise plain walls. 

What’s more, these paintable panels are crafted using moisture-resistant MDF making them a great alternative to wooden panels for almost all areas of the home. Read on to learn how our Legacy MDF wall panels can easily and cost-effectively refresh your home decor.

Why Buy Legacy MDF Panelling?

  • A style for everyone: Choose from traditional Tongue & Groove, modern Reeded and Fluted profiles, or SlatWall for a timeless look
  • Paintable surfaces: Customise your panels by painting them in the perfect shade, choose our 'pre-primed' option to minimise prep
  • Easy to fit: Legacy Panels effortlessly slot together with a butt joint for simple installation with easy-to-follow instructions
  • Suitable for any room: Crafted from moisture-resistant MDF, our panels are perfect for any room, including kitchens and bathrooms
  • Our commitment to quality: Each panel is hand-finished to meet our exceptional quality standards, ensuring maximum visual appeal
  • A local choice: At Naturewall, we’re proud to manufacture our Legacy MDF panels at our specialist workshop here in Yorkshire

The Perfect Finish for Your Project

Pre-Primed - Ready to Paint
Our collection of Legacy MDF wall panels can be ordered pre-primed meaning you can immediately apply your colour of choice saving both time and energy. Perfect for those who want to skip the prep and get stuck into the painting,  as well as those with limited time or DIY knowledge.

Unprimed - Ready to Prime
Unprimed Legacy MDF panels are supplied with a smooth surface ready to prime and paint without the hassle of extra sanding. Perfect for those seasoned DIYers who are confident and willing to carefully execute each stage of the process themselves.

Where Can You Use Legacy MDF Wall Panels?

Bedrooms

Because much of a bedroom is taken up with the bed, wardrobes and bedside tables, it’s important to maximise the appeal of your walls. As a result, MDF wall panels can give your bedroom the stylish edge it deserves. Whether you select the beautiful intricate curves of MDF reeded panels, or MDF fluted panels painted in your favourite colour, MDF wall panels will help you make the most of your space.

Living Rooms and Snugs

MDF panels are an excellent choices for spaces where we relax and unwind. As a result, they are perfectly suited for living rooms and snugs. With different styles achievable, including half, or full height, you can easily add depth and dynamism to your decor. For the best results, combine half height wainscoting panels with a stylish wallpaper to maximise the room’s style credentials.

Hallways and Stairs

Hallways and stairways are often overlooked parts of the home, but with the right decorative element, you can easily transform these areas into stylish spaces in their own right. For the best results, we recommend a combination of wainscotting and a dado rail. By introducing these details into your hallway or stairway, you can add an elegant finish to what can otherwise be a tricky space to decorate.

Offices

Whether your office is used for your day-to-day job, or simply keeping on top of life admin, fitting the right MDF wall panel will help you focus on the tasks at hand. For a soothing, traditional finish, consider a tongue and groove panel, or a panel you can paint in a soothing, natural colour. What’s more, any MDF panelling will help to reduce low-frequency sounds, helping to reduce unnecessary distractions. 

What Styles Can be Achieved?

Traditional Panelling

Traditional design styles, including Georgian and Victorian aesthetics, remain as popular as ever. To add time-tested style to your home, consider the classic elegance of wainscotting, Dado Wall Panelling Kits or Tongue & Groove panelling painted in a warm cream or soft grey. To make the most of your traditionally designed decor, combine one of the aforementioned styles with floral wallpaper and a rich velvet curtain.

Modern Designs

MDF wall panels are equally beneficial for even the most modern of interior design styles. Both Reeded and Fluted styles offer an innovative, forward thinking approach to 21st century wall panels, adding a contemporary edge that will remain fashionable for years to come. Additionally, SlatWall MDF panels offer a fashionable choice with the wider grooves adding a more modern take on an established classic.

Wainscoting (Half-Height)

Originally used to make a wall more durable, wainscoting quickly became celebrated for the stylish benefits it gives a room. At Naturewall, we’ve taken the complexity out of wainscoting with a selection of Half-Height Panels that are readily available and easy to install. Whether you’re aiming for a traditional design beneath a dado rail, or a more modern style, we’ll have the panels to suit your project.

Shaker Style

The simplicity, symmetry and functionality of Shaker wall panels makes them an outstanding choice for both minimalist and maximalist homes. To enjoy Shaker wall panels, first decide between tall rectangular shapes and a more modern square format, then order the requisite number of MDF wall paneling kits and arrange the strips accordingly. While it may seem daunting, it's an easier project than you may expect!

Maximum Customisation

While Legacy MDF panelling can cover floor-to-ceiling height, it's not a requirement. The full range of paintable panels are available in both full-height - ideal for making a bold statement - and half-height options, which are perfect when paired with a decorative top trim or dado rail.

Additionally, with MDF Wall Panelling Kits and Dado Wall Panelling Kits, you have even more flexibility. Simply arrange the components to your desired height - whether it's half-height, full-height, or somewhere in between - then install, prime, and paint them in your perfect colour.

Finishing Touches

Decorative trims offer the perfect finishing touch to any wall panel. Available either 'pre-primed' or 'unprimed', top trims and dado rails can be easily prepared and painted to either compliment or contrast with the chosen colour of your panels.

Simple and elegant in Simple and elegant, MDF Top Trims feature bevelled edges that add a subtle finishing touch, complementing the grooves of your panels. For a complete wainscoting look, pair the decorative Legacy Tongue & Groove Half-Height panels with a MDF Dado Rail and paint them to match.

Made In The UK

At Naturewall, we’re proud to manufacture our Legacy MDF panels here in Yorkshire. By investing in talented craftspeople from across the country, we are able to support our local communities while creating premium quality products that are built to last. 

By manufacturing in the UK, we are also able to reduce the carbon footprint of our products, and help protect our local environment. You can learn more about our manufacturing ethos and our membership of Made in Britain here

Install MDF Panels with Ease

Installing MDF wall panels is a much easier process than you may expect. Each order is supplied with easy-to-follow fitting guides, but to see how easy it is before you buy, you can download our guides below

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of primer should you use on unprimed MDF panels

There is a wide selection of primers suitable for MDF panels including water-based acrylic primers that effectively seal MDF surface, and specialist MDF primers. Before purchasing however, first check whether your panel is pre-primed or not. You can learn whether a panel is primed on its product page. If required, apply the primer in multiple thin coats, gently sanding the surface in between each one for a smooth finish.

What type of paint is best to use on MDF panels?

Oil-based paints are the best choice for MDF panelling installed in high traffic areas as they offer higher durability than the alternatives, protecting them from any accidental spillages, grease marks or stains. That said, you can use water based paints for panelling that won’t be as exposed to much wear-and-tear. Whether you pick oil or water based paints, you have the freedom to choose a matt, satin, or semi-gloss finish.

What is the best way to paint MDF panels?

Once primed, you can apply your paint carefully and evenly using a good quality paint brush and/or paint roller. For the best finish, we recommend applying several thin coats for a more even effect.

Is MDF good for wall panelling?

High quality MDF is a great material for wall paneling. At Naturewall, Each style of MDF wall panelling is made in the UK using premium quality, moisture-resistant MDF, ensuring a suitable solution for any room. What’s more, the right MDF wall panels can be easy to fit, adding a beautiful focal point to a wall that will last for years to come.

What sizes are the Paintable MDF Panels?

The panels are available in several profiles and dimensions: 

Fluted, Reeded, Reeded Fine, SlatWall 

Full Panel: 2400mm (H) x 600mm (W) x 12mm (D) Half-Height: 1200mm (H) x 600mm (W) x 12mm (D) 

Beaded Tongue and Groove & V-Groove Tongue and Groove: 

Full Panel: 2400mm (H) x 600mm (W) x 9mm (D) Half-Height: 800mm (H) x 600mm (W) x 9mm (D) 

How do I install MDF panels?

Apply Hybrid Grab Adhesive to the back of each panel and press firmly onto the wall. For seamless results, use wood filler on joints and sand before painting. If needed, pin the panels with 25mm pins to aid adhesion. View our fitting guide for more details

What’s the best way to paint MDF panels?

Apply Hybrid Grab Adhesive to the back of each panel and press firmly onto the wall. For seamless results, use wood filler on joints and sand before painting. If needed, pin the panels with 25mm pins to aid adhesion. View our fitting guide for more details

How many Legacy MDF panels do I need?

Each panel covers 1.44m² (2400x600mm), 0.72m² (1200x600mm) or 0.48m²(800x600mm). Measure the height and width of your wall in metres, multiply these values together to calculate the total area, and divide by 1.44, 0.72, or 0.48 depending on panel size. Always round this up.

What is Hidrofugo moisture-resistant MDF?

Hidrofugo is a high-density, high-performance MDF with excellent moisture resistance, making it suitable for high-humidity areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

Can I use Legacy MDF Panels in bathrooms or kitchens?

Yes, Legacy MDF Panels made with Hidrofugo moisture-resistant MDF are suitable for high-humidity areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, but they should not be exposed to direct water contact or excessive moisture. Always ensure proper ventilation

How do I cut Legacy MDF panels?

For straight cuts, use a fine-toothed hand saw for a clean edge. A jigsaw can be used for larger sections, guide it carefully to avoid chipping. For middle cuts, drill a starter hole, then use a hand saw or jigsaw. For precise cuts, a multi-tool with a blade attachment is ideal.

How do I clean Legacy MDF panels?

Clean the panels with a soft brush nozzle on a vacuum or a damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners and chemicals.

Can I install Legacy MDF panels on top of wallpaper?

Yes, but ensure the wall is smooth and level. Secure the panels with screws through the wallpaper and into the wall. Conceal screw heads with wood filler.

Can I install Legacy MDF panels near heat sources?

Panels can be installed near, but not in direct contact with, heat sources. Maintain at least 45cm of clearance and use extra adhesive for secure bonding.

Can I install Legacy MDF panels on the ceiling?

Yes, but use both Hybrid Grab Adhesive and screws for secure installation. Screw through the panels into ceiling joists, then conceal screw heads with filler, then prime and paint for a seamless look.

Need more help?

Our knowledgeable customer service team is on hand to answer your questions, so don't hesitate to get in touch.