How to paint cupboards

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Woodie's DIY will show you how to paint cupboards. This is a cost effective and simple way to transform their look.

How to do it

Step 1

The difficulty with painting cupboards is that there’s usually a shiny surface which prevents the paint from getting any adhesion. A specific cupboard paint will allow you to transform melamine, MDF, plywood and chipboard, sometimes in just one coat. There’s no need for a primer, just paint it on for new look with a durable satin finish.

Step 2

Put on disposable gloves. Wash the surface with Sugar Soap to ensure it’s clean and free from dust, dirt and grease. Then dry off with a cloth.

Step 3

Sand surfaces lightly with fine sandpaper to give the paint a key to grip to. Then wipe down with white spirit using a lint free cloth.

Step 4

Mask off any handles or remove where possible. Mask any edges or facing you don’t want painted. Before painting put down a dust sheet to protect surfaces.

Step 5

Now that your area is prepared you’re ready to paint. Give your paint a good shake to mix it before you paint. Apply the paint evenly with a good paint brush. Start with the hinge edge, top and bottom edge and opening edge. This is where your masking tape comes in really handy to keep neat edges. Once they’re done you can paint the front face in smooth even strokes.

If you want to paint the inside of the door wait until the front part dries first.

Step 6

Brush out well and lay off evenly in one direction. Leave to dry overnight.

Step 7

A second coat may be required if painting over a very dark colour with a light top coat or when applying a light colour to an extremely porous substrate, i.e. MDF or chipboard. Allow 16 hours between coats.

Step 8

Finally, having applied a second coat, leave to dry then replace all handles and take off the masking tape. If you get paint on any unwanted surface, remove using a lint free cloth and white spirits.