How to paint new cupboards

[Tyzz]

I'm having some cupboards and shelves fitted. Picture attached isn't mine but gives an idea of what it will look like when the joiner has finished. My fireplace is stone and is much bigger, plus the alcoves are much bigger.
I've done lots of decorating but never attempted anything like this. I think I want them white or at least off white.
I think I start with primer?
What sort of paint should I use for the top coats?

Check out chalk paint from Annie Sloan,Rustoleum or Frenchchic ,lovely colours and you don't need primer or sealant.

One coat of primer, two of undercoat and two of topcoat. I prefer a brush for edges and ridged areas and a small roller for the larger flat areas. You can spray for a better finish but it's messy if you do it in place.

I really dislike chalk paint - tricky to work with. For MDF you want 'Difficult Surfaces' primer, base coat and then satin or eggshell topcoat. It will need five full coats. I always use Dulux. You'll get a better finish with a mini roller set. They'll come up lovely!

@BeautifulandWilfulandDead

I really dislike chalk paint - tricky to work with. For MDF you want 'Difficult Surfaces' primer, base coat and then satin or eggshell topcoat. It will need five full coats. I always use Dulux. You'll get a better finish with a mini roller set. They'll come up lovely!

This 100% My DH is a hobbyist joiner and has built us various cupboards and alcove units out of mdf and my Dad is a painter and decorator. Our units have been painted exactly as @BeautifulandWilfulandDead has outlined.

Zinsser B-I-N primer and undercoat is fantastic, Johnstones is another good brand for eggshell or satinwood.

Chalk paint gives a nice matt finish, but dries very quickly and from personal experience of several brands, compared to satinwood and eggshell - shows scuffs and marks easier, fades when cleaned/ polished, and generally needs recoating much quicker

I don't think I like chalk paint? I'm not sure as I have no idea of decor fashions.
I don't actually know
Five coats though!! It's huge and will take me forever.

Five coats though!! It's huge and will take me forever

Yeah, but it'll be worth doing the proper prep and several thin coats using the correct paint types.

Good luck, it will be worth it!

We had similar cupboards made. They were in MDF and primed (1 coat) and then 2 coats of F & B Estate Eggshell for the topcoat.
You might get away with 1 top coat put I tend to thin the paint just a bit (it's water based) and apply 2 coats. I find it goes on more easily and mouldings and edges remain 'sharper'

Prep is the key to getting it to look good. I completely agree with Zinsser BIN (red tin) for a primer, it dries in 45 minutes for a recoat so very quick.

Here is the info sheet on Zinsser and what applications it has.

www.zinsseruk.com/core/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Bulls-Eye-123.pdf

Also watch Charlie, use Zinsser.

You can buy it at Screwfix. I literally painted the inside of my front door with it yesterday! It is runny but don't let that put you off. Lots of floor covering, roller and a brush for edges and "cutting in" as the roller won't go all the way to the edge next to the wall.

I bought some dulux primer before I posted so that will have to do. I haven't got undercoat or top coat yet though. Roller definitely easier than brushes.
Will have a look at eggshell paint, might prefer a soft sheen. Maybe get some testers.

I think that generally you will find that testers are emulsion, that's fine for checking a colour but not ideal for wood.