Put on a dust mask and goggles before you start sanding and painting, so you don’t breathe in fine sawdust or paint particles. Take a moment to make sure that the wardrobe is solid, too. Shore up any wiggle room in the joints with wood glue or screws to make sure that the construction is stable. [2] X Expert Source Sarah SymondsDIY Specialist Expert Interview. 29 September 2021.
It’s true that you can leave the doors on the wardrobe and paint around them, but you might miss tight spots. If your wardrobe also has drawers, pull these out before you sand.
To save time or remove stubborn paint, you could use an electric sander or apply a chemical stripper. Keep in mind that chemical strippers are messy and often hard on the wood, so try this option if sandpaper isn’t effective. [4] X Research source
Don’t forget to sand the doors and the drawers if your wardrobe has them.
Wipe the sanded doors and drawers, too. You can also clean off the furniture with soap and water or a trisodium phosphate solution. [8] X Expert Source Sarah SymondsDIY Specialist Expert Interview. 29 September 2021.
The tape also prevents paint from dripping down onto areas you don’t want to paint like inside the drawers.
It can be tempting to skip the primer, but it really helps your paint go on smoothly and it can prevent paint from peeling later on.
To prime the doors, lay them flat on your tarp or drop cloth and prime 1 side at a time. Dry them for 4 to 6 hours before you flip them over and prime the other side.
The paint color is what will really give your old wardrobe a new look, so don’t be afraid to go bold. Paint an old wardrobe black or white if you want a big change or choose a bright color if you want to add interest to your room. Feel free to use chalk paint if your style is rustic or shabby chic—the choices are endless!
Don’t forget to paint the doors too!
For really ornate or curvy details, you might want an even smaller brush so you can fit the bristles into tight spaces.
Remember to let the paint dry for 24 hours between each coat.
Avoid using polyurethane, which can turn yellow over time.
For example, if you have a creamy, chalk-painted wardrobe, paint the handles black if you want them to stand out. If you have a dark navy blue wardrobe, you could paint the hardware a pale blue or white, for instance.
For instance, go with dark, matte black hardware if your wardrobe is a neutral color and you want the hardware to stand out. [22] X Research source Try brushed-nickel handles on a black wardrobe for a sleek, modern look. Add gold hardware if you have a pale wardrobe that you’d like to make a little glamorous.
