Finishing/restoring an old wardrobe

[WoodyKnot]

G'day folks,
after much searching in these forums and through google, i haven't found a solution to my problem(s).
I have 2 wardrobes that were probably made either during the 1940's or early 1950's.... Well before my time.
They were constructed of a type of ply and as commented by my old man, that they are made from 3 or 4ply. I dunno if he is correct but it is the closest i have come to getting some idea of what sort of material it is.
The ply seems to be very thin as i found out while trying to remove the old finish with a detail sander and some coarse paper but noticed the extra damage early so then used a medium grade of paper and finally finishing with fine.
Both sides of the ply are rough and were coated originally with either a laqar or vanish which slightly tinted the ply to a light brown\tan colour. It appears to be a white or pale colour orginally.
I wish for them to be painted and not laqerd or vanished again.
I haven't attempted the 2nd wardrobe as yet for I thought I could learn from doing the first.
So may I ask to what is the best way to prepare these wardrobes for finishing? Would the the ply soak up a huge amount of undercoat when applied? And which is the best paint to use with ply, like water or oil based for the undercoat\primer\sealer?

Thanks in advance

Woody.

[RufflyRustic]

Hi Woody

To be honest, I'd do a few test runs on a separate piece of ply to see which method / finishes will give you the result you want.

cheers & good luck

RufflyRustic