wood and paint?

[bromers]

I am doing my woodwork work. I was wondering does any one know the different types of paint that can go on wood. Also can you varnish wood after painting to make sure the paint does'nt crack. Work due in like tomorrow and I have no idea about anything I have to buy paint today if a certain type has to be used I am not sure. This forum is full of smart people can someone give me a hand?

What type of paint can go on wood. I think it is mdf I don't know its just wood.

I am so confused.

[Piglet]

I do Product Design and am building a storage unit at the mo I believe you can just use regular dulux paint. My friend is building hers out of MDF and she used a spray paint to get her colour on. You know, just the regular stuff you'll find at B&Q. The colours are limited but the finish is nice since you don't get those nasty brush strokes

I don't think you can varnish MDF, or on top of paint for that matter. Let me research!

It's probably either going to be MDF or plywood. Can you see layers? If so, it's ply.

EDIT:
You need to prime the MDF first, then paint it. Someone reconmmends an oil based top coat like satinwood. You're best bet would be to ask at the store. I needed to buy wood varnish last week and asked like 3 people for advice

[C&K]

I bought an unfinished wood bed from Ikea a few months ago for my children, it had no finish, so I sanded it lightly, primed it with an all purpose primer, and painted it with a regular high gloss paint. It stands up to the kids great! No peeling, no flaking, no varnish or over coat needed! Just prime, and paint!

[Piglet]

I'd definately go with the gloss paint. MDF is quite dull, so paint on top of that wouldn't look great.

[C&K]

If you have it at home and it is not drying, if you have a space heater put it near the project, or at least very close to a heating register!