How to paint MDF?

[Fikealox]

Hey guys :) this might be a bit of an oddball question, but I think there're a few people on this forum that might be able to help. Basically, I've built a simple rack stand out of MDF. I've glued and screwed it together, and I'm leaving it clamped square to dry until I find time to paint it (probably in a week). I'm just not sure what paint to use, or the best process to use. My stepdad has suggested some epoxy-ish stuff (I think he called it "Japan Black") which is meant to be easy to apply and durable, but I'm open to other options. I know nothing about paint, so any tips at all would be helpful.

Thanks!
-Liam

[AndyR]

Not sure how much this will help - I sometimes use MDF as a ground for paintings. Whether I'm painting in oils or acrylics, I always use some sort of primer - usually an acrylic primer.

I'm not sure Japan black is what you want - that's what was on model T fords etc, before nitrocellulose was developed. If you wiki it, you'll find it sounds a bit complicated for what you want!

I'd suggest a primer of some sort (to seal the very water absorbent MDF) and then some hard wearing paint of your choice...

Thinking about it though... do you want black? Look for "blackboard paint" - several layers of that would probably do you (I wouldn't bother with primer) it's tough, waterproof, and, er, black... :D

[FELINEGUITARS]

I looked it up on google and this seemed to be the best kind of advice

http://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?p=232614

[Fikealox]

Thanks guys, and sorry for the slow reply :) It's hard to know what advice is good without an acquaintance with the people or forum in question (especially since I'm totally ignorant with respect to the background knowledge), so it's good to know that page has advice that sounds reasonable to a luthier.