Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Jun 04, 2012 9:07 am Morning all I am new to DIY and would be grateful for some advice on the built-in wardrobe in our unit. I think it has great potential but is currently a worn-out medium-oak coloured eye sore. It looks like it is wood, but I think it is just MDF or similar covered with a 'wood' veneer. It looks like someone has re-varnished it (there is varnish splattered around the wall and they painted some of the hinges) but the finish is very worn at the bottom of the wardrobe. Ideally I'd like a neutral painted finish to match the walls (Dulux Soft Velvet) to open up the room - it's a small-ish room and the wardrobe takes up an entire wall in the room. However, I'm nervous to sand it with an electric sander in case the veneer disappears altogether... or is this the way to go? If so, then what should I use to both undercoat and seal the paint? Thanks for any help offered! Re: Wardrobe in need of Refurb 2Jun 04, 2012 11:44 am I think using an electric sander is overkill and asking for trouble, when all you are trying to do is remove any crap on the surface and provide a 'key' for the undercoat to adhere to, NOT remove the surface. Try using some 120grit sandpaper -- lightly, then clean thoroughly. There are numerous paint finishes but the best Ive found and use on all my formerly stained timber surfaces is oil-based undercoat, tinted to the same colour as the top coat. Then another light sand, then 2 coats of oil-based satin enamel, which (being satin) hides a multitude of sins. You can use gloss enamel but will need to be much more particular with application/preparation. If its a large area, doors and the like I use a 110mm sponge roller. Others may suggest using water based enamel but it doesnt 'wear' anywhere near as good, but either way you will need the undercoat Arfur Normally you use builders bog. Polyurethane painting is basically the same principle as car panel beating and painting. All the prep work is the same and so is the… 3 3035 Probably a not bad thing to mention particle board should in case anyone else reading this got the two confused. 6 4856 Thank you so much for the effort. We will use it to talk with builder. We also had idea of building duplex instead and seeking suggest ions. viewtopic.php?f=31&t=106744 11 13761 |