What Finish to Apply to Control Before Applying Graphics??

[Bambam1963]

Hi folks,

I am patiently waiting for my graphics to be delivered from Brad Bowman for my second Arcade Project.  I have constructed my Control Panel out of MDF (dense particle board) and will be applying a graphic to it.  Should I prime and paint the surface with a primer and finish it with a semi-gloss or gloss latex paint before applying the graphics or do I just leave it?
Thank you for your valued advice.

John

[Drnick]

I would lightly sand so that the surface is immaculately smooth  Then 2 coats of primer - allow that to dry thoroughly, lightly sand again and apply graphics. You can of course do away with the primer and just sand, clean and apply graphics, both seem to work equally well, I just believe that it will stay stuck to the primed surface for longer.
 

[Malenko]

primers a good idea, I usually do a single coat of black so that no white peeks through the art.