Finishing/restoring an old wardrobe

G'day folks,
after much searching in these forums and through google, i haven't found a solution to my problem(s).
I have 2 wardrobes that were probably made either during the 1940's or early 1950's.... Well before my time.
They were constructed of a type of ply and as commented by my old man, that they are made from 3 or 4ply. I dunno if he is correct but it is the closest i have come to getting some idea of what sort of material it is.
The ply seems to be very thin as i found out while trying to remove the old finish with a detail sander and some coarse paper but noticed the extra damage early so then used a medium grade of paper and finally finishing with fine.
Both sides of the ply are rough and were coated originally with either a laqar or vanish which slightly tinted the ply to a light brown\tan colour. It appears to be a white or pale colour orginally.
I wish for them to be painted and not laqerd or vanished again.
I haven't attempted the 2nd wardrobe as yet for I thought I could learn from doing the first.
So may I ask to what is the best way to prepare these wardrobes for finishing? Would the the ply soak up a huge amount of undercoat when applied? And which is the best paint to use with ply, like water or oil based for the undercoat\primer\sealer?

Thanks in advance

Woody.

Hi Woody

To be honest, I'd do a few test runs on a separate piece of ply to see which method / finishes will give you the result you want.

cheers & good luck

RufflyRustic