New build painted finish

[plane&grain]

I'm working on some bookshelves for a nursery and want to paint them. I've used oak before for the edges to stop them from bending (it was 3/4 x 1 1/2). Do you think I could use something like birch or MDF that's good for painting instead? I need something that I can shape cleanly and that will stay straight.

 

[sweat.craft]

I think birch is a better choice, or even poplar, it paints up nice and stays pretty stable. MDF will give you a smooth finish too, but it's heavier, doesn't hold screws as well, and edges can get fuzzy unless you seal them before painting. So I say birch