How to Paint a Fitted Wardrobe?

How to Paint a Fitted Wardrobe?

A fitted wardrobe is a practical solution for maximising space and keeping your bedroom organised. However, over time your fitted wardrobe can start to look tired or dated. A cost-effective way of giving your fitted wardrobe a fresh look is to paint it. In this blog post we will provide you with a guide on how to paint a fitted wardrobe and some colour ideas.ย 

Why Paint a Fitted Wardrobe?ย 

There are advantages to painting your fitted wardrobe which includes:

  • Cost-effective solution โ€“ Instead of having to replace your fitted wardrobes, you can paint them to give them an instant refreshed look. The cost of painting them is much cheaper than buying brand new fitted wardrobes.ย 
  • Customisation โ€“ You can choose your own colours and finishes that suit your own personal style.ย 
  • Sustainability โ€“ By painting your existing fitted wardrobe you are reducing waste and supporting eco-friendly living.ย 
  • Increased property value โ€“ By refreshing your fitted wardrobes you can make them look more appealing to potential buyers.ย 

paint a fitted wardrobe

Check the Condition of Your Fitted Wardrobeย 

Before you start painting your fitted wardrobe, you should check the current condition:ย 

  • Is your fitted wardrobe made of real wood, MDF or laminate? The materials will affect the type of paint and primer you need to get.ย 
  • Are there any damages such as dents, water damage or peeling? These should be repaired before you can start to paint.ย 
  • How is your fitted wardrobe constructed? The shape of your fitted wardrobe will affect how you paint it, for example modern units can have flat panels that are easier to coat compared to older style fitted wardrobes.

If your fitted wardrobe is beyond repair, it might be best to have a new fitted wardrobe installed.ย  At Consumer Advisory we will put you directly in touch with reliable and vetted accredited contractors who can design and install your fitted wardrobe. Click on the link to get up to 3 free quotes Fitted Wardrobe Contractors London | Consumer Advisory .

Tools and Materials

Hereโ€™s the tools and materials that you will need to paint a fitted wardrobe:

  • Screwdriver (for removing handles and doors if needed)
  • Sandpaperย 
  • Sugar soap or degreaser
  • Painterโ€™s tape
  • Drop cloths
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Filling compound (for repairs)
  • Putty knife
  • Paintbrushesย 
  • Foam roller (for smooth surfaces)
  • Primerย 
  • Paint (best to choose high-quality furniture paint)
  • Optional – Sealant or topcoatย 

Prepare Your Fitted Wardrobe for Paintingย 

You need to prepare your fitted wardrobe, so it is ready for painting. Remove any hardware and doors, this is an optional step. Clean your wardrobe thoroughly by using either sugar soap or a degreaser. If you have any cracks or holes, you should use filler to smooth these down. Next you should sand sown the surfaces to allow the primer and paint to adhere better. Lastly remove any dust using a microfiber cloth.ย 

Prime Your Fitted Wardrobeย 

Priming is an important step; a primer will create a bonding layer between the surface and paint. Apply the primer with a foam roller for larger areas and a paintbrush for corners. You should allow the primer to dry fully, which usually takes over 4 hours.ย 

Choosing the Correct Paint

Itโ€™s important to choose a durable paint that resists scratches for your fitted wardrobe.ย 

  • Water based acrylic paints are easy to clean and are quick drying.ย 
  • Oil based paints are tough but have a longer drying time.ย 
  • Eggshell or satin finish gives a good balance between matte and gloss.ย 

If you want to achieve a timeless look stick to tones such as white, grey or beige.ย 

check the condition of your fitted wardrobe

Paint Your Fitted Wardrobeย 

  • Apply the first coat by using a foam roller on flat panels, and a paint brush for corners. Donโ€™t overload your brush and roller and use long even strokes.ย 
  • Allow the first coat of paint to dry, this usually takes over 4 hours.ย 
  • Once the paint is fully dry, sand down the surface, this will help the next coat of paint to bond well.ย 
  • Apply the next coat of paint. Most fitted wardrobes will need two coats, sometimes three.ย 

Finishing Touches

When the final coat has dried, reattach the handles. You could consider updating them for a more modern look such as brass, matte black, or chrome which can complement painted finishes.

Tips to Achieve a Professional Finishย 

Here are some tips to achieve a professional finish when painting your fitted wardrobe:ย 

  • Make sure to prepare your fitted wardrobe thoroughly, if you rush this step it can lead to poor end results.ย 
  • The quality of tools used can affect the result, make sure to invest in good paintbrushes and rollers to avoid streaks.ย 
  • Itโ€™s a good idea to use paintersโ€™ tape to achieve clean edges.ย 
  • Make sure to work in a well-ventilated space when painting your fitted wardrobe.ย 
  • A vital step is to let the paint cure properly. Most paints will need 7 plus days to fully cure and harden.ย 

Colour Ideas for Your Fitted Wardrobeย 

Here are some popular colour trends to help you choose the best design for your fitted wardrobe:ย 

  • Charcoal or black โ€“ This gives a modern and dramatic look to your fitted wardrobes.ย 
  • Pastels โ€“ These types of colours can give a feminine look, with colours such as blush pink or duck egg blue.ย 
  • Forest Green or Navy Blue โ€“ These colours are bold and would work well in larger rooms.ย 
  • Taupe and soft greys โ€“ These are modern colours for your fitted wardrobes.ย 

Conclusion โ€“ Painting Your Fitted Wardrobeย 

A fitted wardrobe is a smart investment as it comes with plenty of benefits, such as maximising space and having a personalised design that suits your own needs. You can refresh your fitted wardrobes by painting them, helping you to save money by not having to invest in new fitted wardrobes. However, if your fitted wardrobes are severely damaged it might be time to renew them fully.ย 

We recommend hiring professional accredited contractors to install your fitted wardrobes. They offer experience and knowledge and will complete your fitted wardrobes efficiently and to the highest standards. Consumer Advisory will put you directly in contact with approved and accredited contractors to install your fitted wardrobes.

ย Free of Charge.ย 

Simply fill in the below Enquiry Form and leave the rest to us.

Find the right home improvement companies for your project!

Fill out our simple enquiry form and we will get the best trusted accredited home improvement experts to get in touch!

Enquire Now!

Complete our quick & easy enquiry form and we will find the best accredited contractors in your area to give you a free quote.