Thanks Nino, before I applied the SCA primer/filler, I did sand the cabinet, but it was only with 400 grit paper. I had already re-applied when I read your comments.
Top coat has been applied this morning and no lumps in the acrylic . . .
Now being no expert and never having painted a cabinet before my learning curve is HUGE.
I applied two lighter coats, covering up all the undercoat and then very lightly sanded with 1500 grit. Surface air blown and felt really smooth.
Another coat all over paying particular attention to edges and corners not covered by decals.
Now my question, where I applied a slightly heavier coat on the edges and corners the finish is nice and mostly smooth, the remainder of the cabinet has very small bumps.
Do I lightly rub back again with 1500 and leave it, decals will cover? and maybe just touch up any exposed areas not covered by decals? The paint shop also suggested the surface could be polished with car polish - would this affect decal adhesion?
I'm getting there....cheers
Cabinet prep before primer should be with 180 Grit. This allows the primer to really bite into the wood. No sanding inbetween the 2-3 coats of primer.
Then use 800 Grit after the primer is done before the basecoat. Any higher grit, will cause adhesion problems for the topcoat. This won't be an issue for you, as you are placing a decal and the aim is to have a flat finish. But if you were stencilling, the adhesion of the stencil COULD be stronger than the adhesion of the basecoat to the primer. Remove the stencil and off comes the base !
Once I'm done with the basecoat, rub slightly with a red scotchbrite and then before applying the decal, wipe down with a tack rag - VERY IMPORTANT. Apply the decal immediately.
