Tips for painting old wardrobe

[kissinger]

We have some built-in wardrobes that look like they’re from the 70s or 80s and we want to freshen them up by painting them in a white eggshell. However I’ve never used eggshell before and I recently had a nightmare trying to use quick drying gloss on some woodwork elsewhere. Is quick drying eggshell paint as difficult to use as quick drying gloss? Also I presume I’ll need an undercoat, but I’m not sure if I need a certain kind for eggshell primer?

The wardrobe is some kind of high quality plywood with a thick outer layer that can be sanded quite easily.

 

[foxhole]

The wife used this recently on old wardrobe doors, no primer needed .

Johnstone's 386497 Revive Chalky Furniture Paint, Antique Sage https://amzn.eu/d/6839zRd

 

[happytimes]

I did something similar a few years ago. Definitely do a light sand and then use a primer. I have had no issues with the new paint scratching off etc

 

[Mottie]

As said, a light sanding and clean off with sugar soap. I’ve had good success paining a UPVC door and recently painted my wooden fireplace surround. I used this paint. Self undercoating and self levelling.

 

[opps]

Water based eggshell will be more forgiving than water based gloss.

The outer layer that you refer to is it paint or something like melamine?

If paint, you don't need undercoat, but if you are changing the colour significantly, a coloured undercoat might be advisible.

If melamine/etc you will need a dedicated primer otherwise the eggshell will be prone to scratching off.

 

[kissinger]

This is the wardrobe.