Preparing surface for paint

Just prepared 9 new services to paint on. 8 for me and one for my son, who asked me to teach him. I am excited for all of it. I was able to take (with asking first) a piece of clean Masonite from the jobsite and cut it up on my table saw at home. Of course I didn't know what sizes I needed yet so I cut up three larger pieces and six pieces that fit nicely inside my new poche box. (I cant wait to try painting outside). Then I primed them all 7 times with Gesso in all different directions. I really like the texture it created.