DIY Techniques for Refreshing Wardrobe Doors in Your Bedroom with a New Coat of Paint
Painting wardrobe doors can transform a space, adding a touch of personality and style. Here's a guide to help you achieve professional and durable results with the right tools, paints, and techniques.
When it comes to paint, the best options for wardrobe doors are those formulated specifically for wood and MDF, offering a smooth, wipeable finish. Recommended paints include Dulux Quick Dry, known for its smooth and durable finish on wood and MDF, and oil-based paint, which provides a tough finish ideal for high-traffic areas or exterior doors. Latex paint is also a good choice for interior use, offering durability and easier clean-up with less odor. For a more matte finish, Farrow & Ball Dead Flat can be used, but pairing it with a more durable finish like Modern Eggshell on the woodwork is advisable.
Semi-gloss or gloss finishes are recommended for wardrobe doors because they resist nicks and scratches better than flat paints, maintaining a clean look longer. Zinsser AllCoat, a versatile finish coat suitable for tricky surfaces including doors, is available in matt and eggshell finishes, and is both washable and durable. BEHR PREMIUM Semi-Gloss Enamel is another suitable choice for cabinet and trim work.
Tools are essential for a successful painting project. A 2- to 2.5-inch angled brush, like the Purdy XL Glide Nylon/Polyester Brush, is ideal for cutting in edges and panels. For larger, flat surfaces, a 4-inch high-density foam roller, such as the Harris Ultimate Woodwork Mini Gloss Roller, ensures smooth and even application without brush marks. Sandpaper between 120 to 220 grit is necessary for prep work, while microfibre cloths, painter’s tape (if hinges remain on), and degreasers like Simple Green are useful for cleaning the surface before painting. An electric sander or sanding block can expedite sanding, ensuring an even surface, and a screwdriver is necessary for removing doors and hardware for easier and more precise painting.
Additional tips include removing hardware to avoid paint on fittings, thoroughly cleaning the surface before painting, and using proper PPE like masks and goggles when sanding or spraying. When painting, start with an angled brush on edges and detail work, working slowly to ensure a good finish. Lay the wardrobe doors flat on a pair of saw horses or a dust sheet on the floor, raised off the dust sheet by at least 50mm so you can paint the edges.
For glossy or laminate surfaces, a bonding primer like Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 is recommended, followed by furniture or multi-surface paint. After sanding, vacuum or wipe off dust from the door surface. After painting, let the door dry as recommended, typically 2-4 hours, then lightly sand, clean, and add another coat if necessary.
In summary, oil or latex semi-gloss paint suited for wood/MDF, combined with angled brushes and foam rollers, plus good surface prep with appropriate sandpaper and cleaning products, will give the best results for painting wardrobe doors professionally and durably.
- To maintain the clean look of your wardrobe doors for a longer period,consider using semi-gloss or gloss finishes instead of flat paints for better resistance against scratches.
- Painting the wardrobe doors at home can be a part of your interior-design project, adding personal ideas and enhancing the home lifestyle.
- Tools like angled brushes, foam rollers, and sandpaper are essential for a successful DIY project, ensuring smooth and even paint application on the doors.
- For a more professional touch, you may opt to use paints such as Dulux Quick Dry, Zinsser AllCoat, or BEHR PREMIUM Semi-Gloss Enamel for varied finishes and durability.
- Remember to remove doors and hardware for easier and more precise painting. Also, ensure proper surface preparation, which involves cleaning and sanding to achieve the best results.
- For glossy or laminated surfaces, applying a bonding primer like Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 is advantageous before using furniture or multi-surface paint.
