Who has painted Mianne benchwork?

Not I.

Peter

No paint on any Mianne, but MDF is supposed to hold paint well and so is poplar which I think Mianne uses for the real wood parts.

I have not painted any Mianne.

MDF in general is a porous product at the factory edges, any cut edge, any routed area or any surface area that has been aggressively sanded. Most MDF products will accept and hold most paints if the problem areas are sealed first with either an oil-based or alcohol based sealer. In my experience MDF usually requires at least one additional coat of paint over what is required for raw wood products.

Mark

That's like putting ketchup on a hot dog, ugh!. But then again, some people like it. It's your railroad.

I haven't, I think it's purdy just the way it is.

IMO, it isn't the best idea painting benchwork with a content of Particle board or Masonite, with water based latex or acrylic paints. Mineral spirits based varnish or polyurethane might be better. Best to call the coating manufacturer to see what they recommend.

That does look very nice just the way it is. I am going to be ordering mine in the next few days. It will not be getting a coat of paint, will remain as is, just like yours.

I am building a postwar style layout and I was thinking of painting it "postwar green" like Christopher2035 did.

Didn't both Tom Silva and Norm Abram of PBS's "This Old House" often promote the use and painting of MDF.  With shelves, paneled walls and wainscot, they pointed out MDF's stability, ease to work with, although heavy and how well MDF took paint - even acrylic.  Also, aren't TW Trainworx products constructed of MDF and painted with water based/acrylic paint?

OTOH, particle or strand board will likely swell if painted.