What paint to use for MDF?

[TheManuel]

I mean enamel, latex, etc.
It is for a control-panel-only project and will probably go all black.

Thanks.

[Wade]

I tried a cheap gloss black oil based and it looked horrible, switched to a black semigloss wall paint and it looked great.  Use a smooth foam roller, you'll be surprised how good the finish can be if you are careful.

Wade

[bionicbadger]

Whatever paint you pick, make sure you use primer!

Many people complaining about how their paint jobs turned out didn't use a primer.  Make sure you use one, primer is pretty cheap.  I agree with the roller for applying, I used a normal fine roller, non foam worked good.

I used thick glossy black outdoor paint for my cabinet, it wasn't the stuff to paint over rust, but it was right beside it, and similar to the rustoleum paint.

[TheManuel]

NT

[papaschtroumpf]

How about spray paint? It's more expensive but doesn't it have a better finish?

[tmasman]

How about spray paint? It's more expensive but doesn't it have a better finish?

Most people have a real hard time getting an even finish with spray paint... It takes A LOT longer to paint (you HAVE to do multiple light coats)... It costs A LOT more...

You get the picture... If you've got an airless spray rig or something like that, that could give a great smooth finish, otherwise I'd stick to a brush & roller...

[CCM]

I agree with tmasman... I tried spray paint on my first cabinet, and gave up on that idea real quick.  I couldn't get even coverage, and I realized it would take a lifetime!

I then switched to a latex based semi-gloss and a foam roller and it looks great!

[mnapuran]

Also... as for primer, if you are using MDF I highly recommend using Kilz as your primer.

Mike N

[Sasquatch!]

Also... as for primer, if you are using MDF I highly recommend using Kilz as your primer.

Why?

[Tailgunner]

Kilz is a great all around primer. It's preticularly useful on materials that soak up paint like a sponge.

My personal favorite MDF paint would be lacquer.