Painting melamine end panel in high gloss Anthracite

[Mech_Man]

Hi,

I've been reading a lot of threads about how to paint melamine panels and there are conflicting opinions about the preparation work prior to painting.

Basically I am in the process of buying an additional full length larder cabinet unit which comes with standard white melamine carcass and I would like to paint the side panels to match my existing cabinet doors which are in high gloss Anthracite.

I have ordered this sample Dulux Trade paint https://www.brewers.co.uk/product/AE015520Q/7016 to try it on a small peice of melamine board to see how it turns out however I'm not sure what type of primer/undercoat I should use prior to applying the top coats so I would appreciate your tips/suggestion on how to go on about doing this please.

 

[Swwils]

Johnstone's speciality any surface primer is specifically for melamine.

It will not be very hard wearing though!

Take it nice and easy to get the best finish you can.

 

[Mech_Man]

Would it not be better to use a grey colour primer though? And also, Do I need to sand the surface beforehand?