Abstract: The problem of resin precure encountered in fiberboard, especially medium-density fiberboard, produced by blow-line blending is overcome by adding an alkaline material to the wood fibers prior to blow-line blending in order to raise the pH of the wood preferably into the range of 4 to 7, and optimally around 5.5. Only the fiber used to form the surface layers of the mat which is hot pressed to form the fiberboard need have the alkaline material added thereto; alternatively, especially in the core layer of the mat, the action of the alkaline material may be reversed by adding an acid catalyst. The fiberboards formed have a glossy, hard surface which reduces the need for sanding.