Paint fireplace surround

[onway]

I have a very cheap looking wood effect fireplace surround and I want to paint it.....what do I need to do and what kind of paint should I use?

 

[computerman]

Probarbly acrylic paint.
Inlaws painted old mdf / mahogony color fireplace with stone effect acyrilic paint from woodies - worked out well, looks like a good granite fireplace

 

[JoeB]

You should clean first, with sugar soap, (chemical cleaning), then prime with something like Zinsser BIN, or ESP (Easy Surface Primer)... then your top coats, not sure there.. not too glossy I'd have thought, an eggshell or a satin. (20% to 40% gloss)