Can I paint melamine wardrobes??

sitcom123

We are just decorating my daughters bedroom, the room has built in wardrobes which we cant really afford to replace. they are in good condition but she doesnt like them. They have been in almost 20 years so but they are in great condition and have loads of storage etc which we would lose if we took them out. I would like to jazz them up a bit at least by painting them, can you paint melamine and if so what sort of paint is best to use. They are cream at the minute and I think she is after a pale pink. Any suggestions would be great

SUESMITH_2

some people say you should sand others say use primer http://www.wickes.co.uk/invt/600167 hope this helps

okie363

Sorry to drag up such a old thead, but i get asked this alot in work.

you need to sand the cupboards down, then clean with sugar soap or something simular, and then seal it with PVA glue and water mixed, normaly 5 to 1. and then prime it with any paint, normlay just white, and then paint it what colour you want.

i know a bit late but might still be worth while

MarilynMonroe_2

Alternatively, what I am going to do for my daughter, is cover in fablon type stuff.

jcb208

okie363 wrote: »

Sorry to drag up such a old thead, but i get asked this alot in work.

you need to sand the cupboards down, then clean with sugar soap or something simular, and then seal it with PVA glue and water mixed, normaly 5 to 1. and then prime it with any paint, normlay just white, and then paint it what colour you want.

i know a bit late but might still be worth while

okie363 wrote: »

seal it with PVA glue and water mixed, normaly 5 to 1.




Why is t a lot of DIY'ers think PVA is the answer to all painting tasks,it is just about useless for 99% of the time,NEVER PVA the cupboards>rub down with a fine paper wash off then use a super grip primer then paint what ever finish you require.The main aim is to key the units well so any coating will adhere to the melimine

anguk

Alternatively both Crown and Dulux do a cupboard paint that is suitable for melamine.

nickj_2

i agree with jcb - there's no need to use pva under any circumstances to prime any surface before painting

londonsurrey

One of the DIY programmes recommended that new concrete floors be PVAd before painting with floor paint. What would you recommend instead, please?

My floor paint is starting to come off after 5 years.

nickj_2

londonsurrey wrote: »

One of the DIY programmes recommended that new concrete floors be PVAd before painting with floor paint. What would you recommend instead, please?

My floor paint is starting to come off after 5 years.

depending on what type of paint you use , you will find intructions either on the tin or on the company's website technical data section ,

as a painter myself what happens on diy shows such as diy sos or 60 minute makeover bear very little resemblance to real life , ie you wouuldn't see a decorator painting plaster that is still obviously wet , so whatever advice they dish out i would always take with a large helping of salt