'unwrapping' and repainting kitchen cupboards

ChilliBob

Guys, some of you may remember I was trying to find some new cupboard doors for our utility room. The closest match was Howdens. We had decided to go for the paintable ones as we like the idea of a unique colour, and in a utility area it doesn't need to be bomb proof like a kitchen.  All good. 

One of the cupboards had blown the vinyl skin, so I thought what the heck, let's try and rip it off.. Did so and had a pristine mdf door underneath.. Which got me thinking, can I just paint these instead? -

I'll need 8 doors, one larder size the rest normal, I reckon that's going to cost me something around 1k at Howdens?

I may have messed up though!.. In my sleep deprived enthusiasm I took off another door and ripped the skin off. This one *wasn't* blown, so yeah, some mdf fibres came with it like a plaster.

I figure I *may* be able to save it with some careful sanding using a high grit paper (i tried a bit eith some 2000 grade wet and dry, looks like it may work).


I was thinking.. 
* Zinzzer 123 on the mdf
* Primer (little greene asp)
* Top coat, at least twice, (little greene eggshell)

Basically what I did for my upcycled bedside cabinets.. Which turned out a dream. 


So, thoughts? Can I rescue the one I took off hastily? Can I use a hair dryer to get the others off nicely?

Here's some pics!

Hairy close up, no sanding. 


Whole 'hairy' door. 


Above, close up of the 'good' door vs hairy one. After a light sand with high grade paper. Below, pre 2000 sand (yeah, eagle eyes required to see the difference!) 

FreeBear

A hot air gun would be more effective than a hair dryer - You need to get the temperature up high enough to soften/melt the adhesive. For any rough areas, you could try using a high build filler primer as found in places like Halfords (cheaper sources available). Failing that, a thick coat of regular primer and sand back till smooth.

ChilliBob

Yeah, I figured that, I'll try the hairdryer first, as we have one, and don't have a heat gun, and tbh it's a naff hairdryer, so doesn't matter if I mess it up lol. If it doesn't work i'll get a heat gun.

Just realised I can swap this one with one on the side that's not on view as much, which is a result!

Some guides online mention a 'sanding sealer'.. Looks to me like my favourite Zinzzer 123 can be used instead, which is cool.

I might try the 'two fussy blokes' rollers if I can find them - supposed to be the 'new best thing' for stuff like this :0

ChilliBob

Never used a spray filler before, sounds odd! But interesting! Firm convert to Tourpret range of fillers but may have to deviate if needs be. 

Alderbank

£1,000 for 8 doors sounds expensive to me.

For example, special paintable grade vinyl doors from Kitchen Door Workshop are about £65 each so £550 or so.
These need no preparation before painting. They might be even cheaper from other suppliers.

ChilliBob

Alderbank said:

£1,000 for 8 doors sounds expensive to me.

For example, special paintable grade vinyl doors from Kitchen Door Workshop are about £65 each so £550 or so.
These need no preparation before painting. They might be even cheaper from other suppliers.

Thanks, that's good to know a starting point so to speak, howey, I figure all I need to buy is a heat gun (the hair dryer was old and packed up in 30 seconds lol, not been used for 10 yes!)... I already have all the painting equipment and the undercoat/primer, which I'd need with the new doors anyway.

So, I figure I have nothing to loose, except £20 quid on a heat gun I have no other uses for (right now). So, I might waste 20 quid and a bit of time, or I might save 600 plus.. Gotta be worth a crack!

ChilliBob

Oh and the reason for Howdens is the hinges line up with my doors, so easy job with no mess on the doors or carcus! 

Alderbank

How are you saving 600 plus?

ThisIsWeird

Alderbank said:

How are you saving 600 plus?

I think 'cos he already has the doors?

Looking forward to this, CB, as I'm hoping to do the same :-)

ChilliBob

ThisIsWeird said:

Alderbank said:

How are you saving 600 plus?

I think 'cos he already has the doors?

Looking forward to this, CB, as I'm hoping to do the same :-)

Yep, that's it - except for the blown door all were tip top. So, tried the blown door at Howdens, whilst not a match for their doors the sizes and hinges were identical - so a match in that sense. We decided to go for a dark/dusty pink colour! - It's a utility room after all, we can close the door, and repaint if it's a bit too much...... 

So yeah I figured I'd have a crack at my own paintable version

Two fussy blokes smooth roller 5mm nap seems to be the way to go tools wise for sure.

FreeBear

ChilliBob said: Two fussy blokes smooth roller 5mm nap seems to be the way to go tools wise for sure.

Depends on what sort of finish you want. If you are after a textured surface, use a roller. For a smooth, high gloss finish, one of these -