If using oil based paint, should I bother priming MDF?

[Otto]

I painting my cabinet black with the oil-based Rustoleum paint (not spray paint, going to roll it on).

I know I should prime if using latex paint on MDF, but not using latex. I have a can of Killz but it is white. Should I bother priming with that? I'm worried if I knick the cabinet or something, and there is white primer underneath, it may show through.

[javeryh]

I don't know if you HAVE to but I always prime MDF before painting it.  If you are worried about color, just add a bit of the top coat color to the white primer to darken it so it will be less likely to show through if you nick it.

[TOK]

I would prime it simply because the MDF absorbs a lot of paint in the first coat. I primed and painted a cab with the white Kilz and black Rustoleum oil based Satin Black using a foam roller. It is very tough when dry, and gives a great realistic arcade cab finish.