1.   Bare wood  if there are knots these should be painted over with a “Knotting” to prevent them from dis-colouring the paint later, MDF prepare cut edges with PVA glue (10% thinned with water) applied to edges, allow to dry, and then sand to smooth with 120 grit paper,

2.   First Coat Undercoat (oil based).

3.   Fill all cracks, holes etc. with filler. Fill the longer gaps in the sides, cornice, or where parts join etc. with flexible painters/decorators caulk (“Painters Mate” or similar), this is a slightly pliable compound which does not crack even when it has dried out, and then rub down all surfaces so they are smooth to touch.

4.   Second Coat undercoat

5.   Fill and rub down surfaces smooth to touch with 120 grit sanding sponge.

6.   One coat Paint (gloss/eggshell/satin) to colour chosen.

7.   Lightly sand down surfaces smooth to touch with 120 grit sanding sponge.

8.   Second coat Paint to color chosen (repeat 6 above).

9.   Make sure the last coat covers all cracks and is smooth to the touch particularly on the machined edges such as shelf edges, the skirting top etc. before going to the next stage and also that there are no grinning edges left where the paint has been sanded away, nor curtain runs, nor drip runs.
Check over and apply to any remaining cracks a flexible filler (“Painters Mate”), Sponge off and sand lightly as required to finish smooth to touch.

Recommended Dulux, Crown or other proprietary paint, oil based but other paints may be equally as good if the procedure is understood (acrylic/some water based paints).

 

 

IMPORTANT
The same number of Balanced coats of paint must go onto both sides of the doors, shelves, (drawers where fitted), loose pencil drawer covers etc, at the same time, to prevent the MDF from moving/warping. If this is not done equally on both sides at the same time , so that all sides have the same number of coats of paint, they may “throw” out of true and bow or appear to warp.
Lastly:- 40% of the quality of the finish of the painting lies in the preparation, sanding and filling. This is where the costs are and often where the difference between a good and poor finish lies.