Finishing?'s

I have been building a sub and am now trying to get the finish some what ....finished.

I am working with mdf and have been slowly just hand sanding it to a nice smooth finish. I rounded over the sides and they seem to be the hardest to get as smooth as the flat surfaces. I went up to around 1200 paper for the sides(roundover) and its about near the 4-600 flat surfaces.

Anyways I have been applying a spray on white primer to try and get things looking very smooth. Well I definitely found that I missed some spots so I am still applying more and more coats of primer. Either way its starting to get there. I am using Anchor Lacquer paint primer in a can.

Now I want a black glossy finish. I am not sure which black to use and what finish should I use.

I was all sold on trying to use Hard Shellac but I dont think I can use that now because of the solvent based primer?

So what type or company is suggested to go with for the black?

And what company should I use for the finish?

I would prefer a 2 pak but I cant have any spray it on so I am only able to manual apply the finish. I would like a very durable finish that I can buff to a fine finish. I am wanting piano finish but with all honesty I am just trying to get a very durable piano like finish with shine.

I am very much the amateur and usually want what I cant afford.

Thanks for any ones help.

Have you considered automotive paints?

Yes I have but know nothing about them.

I thought I could use a black auto touch up paint and maybe a clear but honestly have never used anything automotive.

Someone else told me I could use Anchor Gloss Black. Then after 4-5 coats I could then buff it with atleast 2000 grit. I will look into that just because its very close by.

The auto paints, I would have to find someone to bother long enough to understand what to use. I have no sprayer so I am just using aerosol cans.

I know spraying would be better but I am just working with what I have. After spending my budget the finish wasn't really affordable so I am just trying to manage with the funds I have. So any suggestions of auto paints in aerosol cans?

I've found the $2.00 cans of enamel from Supa-Cheap Auto to be quite serviceable for painting MDF to a decent gloss.

I stand the cans in hot water (50 degrees-ish) for about five minutes to improve atomisation - make sure you dry the cans before spraying to avoid water drops!

Spray a few coats, then level it out with 600 or 1200 grit, spray a few more, 1200 or 2400 grit, then hit with car paint buffing compound.