How to paint a bare wood bookcase?

[Golaboots888]

Hello

I've just built a bookcase from pine at the request of she who must be obeyed.

She would like the bookcase to be painted white or off white and was looking at 'shabby chic' paints. These look a bit pricey and specialist, what normal paints would you recommend for is application?

Would oil based satin be hardwaring enough?

Many thanks

 

[emilybronte]

Is the pine completely untreated or has it been stained/varnished/polished in any way?