To continue our series about Painting on Panel, I've pulled together information on the differences between HDF or High Density Fiberboard and MDF, Medium Density Fiberboard. I realize these posts are rather on the technical side, so please post questions if you have them. We are here to help you make good choices for the longevity and beauty of your art.
Hardboard is most commonly associated with Masonite, as this was the
first “brand” of hardboard invented by William Mason in 1942. Hardboard is often confused with high density
fiberboard (HDF) or medium density fiberboard (MDF). Producers of these different panels use reconstituted
wood (saw dust and chips) and use different methods for manufacturing that in
turn produce panels that have different characteristics in terms of density and
internal bond strength. One of the most significant differences between
Hardboard and fiberboard panels (both MDF and HDF) is the method of manufacturing.
MDF and HDF panels use a dry process method and use synthetic binders or formaldehyde
based agents for binding the wood fibers.
In comparison, Hardboard uses a wet/dry process method that relies on
the natural binders within the wood to cement the fibers together and make the
wood solid.
The wet/dry process used to manufacture
Hardboard has several advantages. The wet process method produces a
smooth-one-side (S1S) panel, while the wet-dry process produces a
smooth-two-side panel (S2S). Both processes explode the wood particles using
steam pressure, and float them in a large vat of water, which pulls out many of
the naturally acidic agents within the wood. The wood fibers are then randomly
aligned parallel to the surface, and using heat and pressure, are made into a
solid core panel. Ampersand’s Hardboard also has an added overlay of a neutral
aspen fiber layer. This process allows a
very uniform and very strong panel, making it one of the best substrates for painting,
laminating, and construction. While
still a relatively light-weight panel, Hardboard has a significantly higher density
compared to MDF panels with a much higher tensile strength and internal bond
than MDF and most HDF panels.
As mentioned earlier, Ampersand’s Hardbord is made using the natural binders in the wood. No added formaldehydes (NAUF) are used in Ampersand’s Hardbord, providing a virtually VOC free panel.
What you need to
know:
• Hardboard panels are probably the best
value on the market for artists today.
• Tempered panels produced within the
U.S. no longer have the topical oil content they once had. However, very small amounts of tempering oil
continues to be added to the integral fibers.
Linseed oil is the natural agricultural oil use in the manufacture of
hardboard.
Pros:
• Hardboard is more dense than MDF and
HDF, making it less prone to warping while still lightweight.
• Hardboard is a very uniform and
stable surface without a grain, making it easier and faster to prime.
• Only natural binders used.
• Provides a pressed steam ironed
surface to create a smooth gessoed panel.
Cons:
• Larger panels can become heavier.
• Flexibility of the surface requires
thicker hardboard to be used for larger paintings.
Medium Density
Fiberboards (MDF) and High Density Fiberboards (HDF) are engineered panels that are made
through a dry process that completely breaks down the particles of wood and
reconstitutes them into a new panel using heat, pressure and a binder. One of the most common binders used in their
manufacture is urea formaldehyde, leading to potential problems with
out-gassing. MDF
typically has a density of 600-800 kg/m³, as compared to hardboard, which has a
density nearly double that of MDF (1,450 kg/m³). HDF panels come closer to the
densities of hardboard but are still normally 10 lb/ft³ lower in density than
hardboard, making them more porous and more prone to warping, especially in an
1/8” thin version. More layers of sealing and gesso are required to eliminate the fiber
raising that happens with MDF and most HDF’s on the market. MDF and HDF technology is rapidly changing
and we will see better MDF being produced without formaldehyde as the binder
and MDF that is much more dense and less prone to warping in the future.
What you need to
know:
• If using MDF/HDF, make sure to seal
the surface with several coats of Gesso and a good acrylic seal like GAC
• Even with cradling, there is a high
potential for these panels to warp over time
• MDF is not a high-density board.
Fibers are very porous, and have a tendency to swell when painted, leaving a
very uneven surface.
Pros:
• Lightweight and inexpensive.
• Original organic structure of wood
completely broken down to allow for consistent specifications.
• Future potential – could be a good
panel in the future as technology improves density and binding material used.
Cons:
• Not a dense panel – high tendency for
warping in thinner versions.
• Porous, therefore not easily primed.
• Forrmaldehyde based resins primarily
used for binders.
• High acidic content.
• Fibers swell when gessoed.
All things Ampersand,
Karyn Meyer-Berthel
Artist & Social Media Specialist
Ampersand Art Supply
Click here to explore the full selection of Ampersand panels and tools.
I read your post. It's really very informatics. Thanks for sharing information regarding HDF and MDF. There are many difference between MDF and HDF. I really appreciate for that.
ReplyDeleteMDF | MDF Board
I bought the Ampersand Hardboard 2 Inch cradled panel from Jerry's Artarama and mine is 40 x 30 and about half way through painting on it this week while at an enclave, I noticed a bow in the top and bottom of the panel.. as if the middle brace were in too far etc....it appears the only brace is in the middle of the board. Should I try adding more braces to the top and bottom to pull the indention out or have I wasted my time painting on it at this point and what do I do to get a refund on my panel if that is the case. I am just sick about it as this painting was going really well until I saw this and immediately stopped painting on it to see if there was a remedy before I carry on...
ReplyDeleteThank you
Cathy Hegman
hegmanart @gmail.com
Hello Cathy, I'll respond to you in person via email.
DeleteHi, Will the linseed oil used in the manufacture of HDF interfere-not bond well when someone is painting with acrylic ? Thanks ! Andy Kane
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful blog. Nice and informative. Thanks for sharing your experience. Keep up the good work - All paint by numbers
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ReplyDeleteVery Informative post. Thanks for sharing this article.
ReplyDeleteRegards
Paint By Numbers
I read your post. It's really very informatics. Thanks for sharing information.
ReplyDeleteDiamond Painting Art
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