Paint for MDF cabinet doors that will have a hard smooth finish?

Question

I am painting new mdf cabinet doors and want a white paint that will have a good hard finish that dries smooth.
I'm priming the doors with BIN Primer Sealer (laquer based), several primer coats, sanding between each but don't know what paint to use for the finish coat.
I've tried a done some test pieces for thie finish coat with a foam roller:
-- tried Glidden Evermore interior semi-gloss latex - it dried smooth, looked nice but I can scratch the surface pretty easily with my finger nail;
-- tried Glidden Porch & Floor Polyurethane Oil - it dried to a nice hard finish but it is too shiny and not very smooth.
I know spray painting would be best but I don't have the skill for that.
Can someone please suggest a semi-gloss paint that will dry to a smooth hard finish?
Thanks!

Thanks Robert, but specifically what brand/name oil-based paint. All I could find is oil-based paint for metal surfaces or the high-gloss porch paint.

Answer 1

A good quality oil enamel will be much more durable than latex and give more of the required "smooth" finish you are looking for. Due to oil's extended drying time, it will float much nicer. Use a good brush as well. Nothing from Wal-Mart, etc. Purdy is a good name brand. You may mix in an additive to the paint that will increase the float time even more. It will slow down the drying time giving the paint more depth (optically). Don't forget the thinner for clean-up.

Answer 2

Painting Mdf Cabinet Doors

Answer 3

Painting Mdf Doors

Answer 4

Behr Paints (buy it at home Depot) makes a semi-gloss (or even matt) kitchen cabinet paint which you can get in white or any tint you want. It is designed to be able to be scrubbed without wearing off.

Answer 5

use an oil based paint, it dries to a harder finish then latex paint