"MDF bases - do they warp?" Topic

So I am using plastic 40mm square bases at the moment but am starting to run out. I don't want to order from overseas as it appears supply chain problems are getting worse especially with Xmas coming.

I can obtain 40mm square mdf bases locally but am worried that if I use them they will warp. (unlike the plastic ones) In the past I used cardboard but would paint both sides to try to prevent warping.

Any ideas?

I have used them for years and never have had one warp.

Thanks

John

Be sure to verify the thickness of the MDF is reasonably comparable to the plastic.

They can do, but only really noticeable with larger sizes. I've had 100mm x 30mm (2mm thickness) develop a slight warp. Noticeable on my desktop (perfectly flat), on a gaming cloth not noticeable at all.

Only once had a noticeable issue, which was for a very large MDF board for a 15mm Hougoumont model.

Spray varnishing the underside (on big bases) prevents the issue. I don't bother on smaller bases.

Thanks chaps. The 3mm mdf is actually thicker than the plastic so sounds like it would be alright. And they're only small bases.

2mm MDF bases up to about 60mm square should be safe from any significant warping.

The only caveat I'd add to that is to avoid covering the whole base with any acrylic, PVA or similar textured coating all at once. Done in a few bits, letting each set, avoids warping.

Prepainting the bottom of larger bases helps but often doesn't completely avoid warping, a lot depends on the porosity of the MDF.

I have more than a dozen 4"-square MDF bases I finished 10+ years ago, painted with Wood PVA Glue, then swirled in sand mixtures for texturing. Zero warpage thus far. I have 300+, 50mm square, MDF based Arm Men, same texture technique, zero warpage, 20+ years old.

MDF is my favorite basing material, bar none. If you develop warping, paint the bottom with PVA Glue, let dry, and it will, over time, pull it back.

To seal MDF for painting, use a sponge brush, applying sanding sealer. It will seal the pores in one coat, so paint will go on smoothly. Cheers!

Once again thanks for all the helpful advice.

At 40mm x 40mm, definitely not.