Painting pine wardrobes

[brittas2009]

Hi

We have some pine wardrobes that appear to have a waxy finish on them but definately not varnish. My partner says she'd like to paint them cream, but I'm concerned that this will require massive preparation to the point where we wish we'd never thought about it.

I'm a reasonable diy'er but have never tried anything like this before.... Apart from don't do it! , what would you recommend?

 

[LJW61]

Ive painted loads of them - last one only this week , Wipe down with cellulose thinners or meths( it wont get rid of ALL the 'waxy' feel but it helps) then lightly sand for a key followed by a quick coat of Zinsser B.I.N - by 'quick' I mean that you dont need to acheive a complete 100% opaque covering.. This can then be covered by two coats (at least) of oil/solvent-based eggshell or satinwood depending on the finish you require/prefer

 

[brittas2009]

Thanks very much for the advice. It sounds much easier than I first thought. Do you have any advice on the best method of painting to avoid brush lines.... The painted furniture you see in shops seems to be very flat and even but I guess this has been sprayed?

 

[LJW61]

Yes, the factory finish is sprayed.
With a good quality 2"brush (Hamiltons Perfection) and solvent/oil-based paint a passable 'smooth' finish can be acheived .. You could use a 4" sponge roller on the flatter areas to get an ' almost-as-good-as-spray' finish