I'm doing a project in which I need to paint on smooth hardboard (like the clipboards in an office). It needs to be durable and since it will be used in a hospital/cllnic setting, it needs to be wiped down frequently. What type of primer and paint should I use? (I need to have 7 different ones done in red, yellow, green, blue, pink etc)

No way will paint hold up on this type of surface for any length of time unless you use an epoxy paint.

Have you considered putting a laminate counter top material on instead?

Steve
steve@paintermatch.com
http://www.paintermatch.com

Hi Steve, No I didn't and I already have the hardboard milled, so am going to try to use it. I've heard varying opinions on sanding and not sanding, so am going to try doing 1 of each to see how it goes. I'm going to prime it, paint it with semi gloss, then modge podge the pictures with text over that, then clear acylic sealer on top. I'm concerned that with the banging it will sustain, that the paint will chip off or the picture & text will crack.

If you coat with an acrylic sealer, as you mentioned, it might provide enough durability. I know that Epoxy Systems makes a pretty tough acrylic sealer.

Let us know how it goes!

Steve
steve@paintermatch.com
http://www.paintermatch.com