Alexei Volkov
Painting plastic wardrobe doors can be a simple task, but it's important to prepare the area and the doors themselves to ensure a professional finish. This includes cleaning the doors with sugar soap to remove any dirt, dust, or oily residue, which can prevent paint from adhering. It's also essential to prime the doors before painting to protect the surface and ensure the paint goes on evenly. You can use a high-grip primer, which can be applied directly, or a product like ESP, which can be wiped on and left to create a film before painting. When it comes to paint, an oil-based satinwood finish or an acrylic eggshell paint will work well on plastic, but you can also use a multi-surface paint.
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the area and materials
Clear the Work Area:
Start by choosing a suitable workspace. If your wardrobe is freestanding, lift one side at a time and slide a tarp or drop cloth underneath to protect the floor from paint drips. For a fitted wardrobe, tuck the tarp or cloth as close as possible to the base and consider masking the floor. Clear the wardrobe of its contents, including drawers, shelves, rails, and any other removable pieces.
Remove Hardware:
Take off all the hardware from the wardrobe doors, such as handles, knobs, and hinges. This will make the painting process easier and ensure that these metal parts remain paint-free.
Clean the Doors:
Dirt, dust, and residue can affect the adhesion of the paint, so cleaning the doors is essential. Use a cloth, warm water, and, if needed, a mild detergent or sugar soap to thoroughly clean the doors. If the doors have a varnished finish, use a cleaner containing trisodium phosphate (TSP), being sure to wear rubber gloves for protection.
Fill in Imperfections:
Inspect the doors for any deep cracks or gouges. Fill these imperfections with a gap-filling product, such as Polyfilla. Allow the filler to dry completely, and then sand the area until you achieve a smooth, paintable surface.
Prime the Surface:
Priming the doors is crucial, as it will ensure better paint adhesion and a more even finish. Choose a high-quality primer suitable for plastic surfaces, such as a high-grip primer or a primer specifically designed for melamine surfaces if your wardrobe doors are made of melamine wood. Apply a thin and even coat of primer to the entire surface of the doors, following the instructions on the product for drying time.
Gather Painting Tools:
Before you begin painting, gather all the necessary tools and materials. This includes your chosen paint colour, paintbrushes or rollers, paint trays, and any additional items you may need, such as wood shims to stabilise the doors during painting.
Remember, taking the time to properly prepare the area and materials will greatly impact the final result of your painted plastic wardrobe doors.
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Removing doors and hardware
Painting plastic wardrobe doors can be a simple task, but it's important to prepare the area and the doors themselves to ensure a professional finish. Removing the doors and hardware is a crucial first step. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:
Removing the Doors:
Firstly, determine if your wardrobe doors are removable. If they are sliding doors, the removal process may be more complex, and you might need a screwdriver. If the doors have hinges, place your finger behind the hinge and push forward to release the clips. Have an assistant help you with this step to prevent the door from falling and to carry it to your painting spot.
Taking Off the Hardware:
Before you start painting, it's essential to remove all the hardware from the doors, including handles, hinges, and other metal parts. This step will make the painting process much easier and ensure that you get a smooth, even finish. If you prefer, you can tape over the hardware instead of removing it, but this may be more time-consuming and require careful taping.
Preparing the Area:
Protect your floor by laying down a tarp, drop cloth, or cardboard if possible. If you're working with a fitted wardrobe, tuck the tarp as close as possible to the bottom to safeguard your flooring. You can also use masking tape to protect the surrounding floor area. Additionally, consider covering any exposed areas of the wardrobe, such as shelves or drawers, to avoid paint drips and spills.
Cleaning the Doors:
Before you start priming and painting, ensure your plastic wardrobe doors are clean and free of any dirt, dust, or residue. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the doors, and if they are already painted, consider using a cloth with warm water and sugar soap, a light detergent that removes grease and grime effectively. If the doors have a varnished finish, opt for a cleaner containing trisodium phosphate (TSP) and don't forget to wear rubber gloves for protection.
Filling and Sanding:
Inspect the doors for any deep cracks or gouges. If you find any, fill them with a gap-filling product like Polyfilla. Allow the filler to dry completely, and then sand the filled areas until you achieve a smooth, paintable surface. Even if you're using a product like ESP (Easy Surface Preparation), which doesn't require sanding, a quick light sanding can improve the final result.
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Cleaning and priming the doors
Painting plastic wardrobe doors can be a simple task, but it is important to prepare the area and the doors themselves to ensure the best results. Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary supplies, including paint, primer, cleaning supplies, and tools for removing the doors.
First, remove the wardrobe doors. For hinged doors, place your finger behind the hinge and push forward to release the clips. For sliding doors, the removal process may be more complex, and you might need to use a screwdriver. Enlist the help of an assistant to prevent the door from falling and to help carry it to your workspace.
Next, clean the doors thoroughly. Use a cloth, warm water, and sugar soap to remove any dirt, grease, or grime. This step is crucial, as it ensures that the paint will adhere properly. If the doors have a varnished finish, use a cleaner containing trisodium phosphate (TSP) while wearing rubber gloves to protect your skin.
Once the doors are clean and dry, it's time to prime them. Priming helps protect the doors from moisture and creates a smooth surface for the paint to glide on seamlessly. Use a high-quality primer rated for the type of surface you are painting, such as a high-grip primer or a primer specifically designed for plastic, like ESP (easy surface preparation) products. Apply a thin and even coat of primer across the entire surface of the door, following the instructions on the product for drying time. If the primer is not entirely smooth, use fine-grit sandpaper to even it out.
If there are any deep cracks or gouges in the doors, fill them with a gap-filler like Polyfilla, let it dry, and then sand the area until it's smooth. Priming the doors is essential, especially if you are using different colours or filling gaps, as it ensures that the new colour goes on evenly.
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Choosing the right paint
Surface Preparation
Before choosing the paint, it is essential to prepare the plastic surface properly. This includes cleaning the doors with a damp cloth to remove any dirt, grease, or grime. You can also use sugar soap or a trisodium phosphate (TSP)-based cleaner to ensure the surface is free from any oily or waxy residue, which can prevent paint adhesion. Additionally, if there are any deep cracks or gouges, fill them with a gap-filler like Polyfilla, let it dry, and then sand the surface for a smooth finish.
Primer
Priming the plastic wardrobe doors is highly recommended. A primer will help protect the surface from moisture and create an even base for the paint to adhere to. Look for a high-quality primer specifically designed for plastic surfaces, such as a high grip primer or an ESP (Easy Surface Preparation) product. Zinsser is a well-known brand that offers primers suitable for various substrates. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the painting stage.
Paint Type
When choosing the paint for your plastic wardrobe doors, consider the type of paint that is compatible with plastic surfaces. You can opt for an oil-based satinwood finish, but be aware that some white versions may yellow over time. Acrylic eggshell paint is another option that will retain its white colour. If you want a quick solution without extensive preparation, consider multi-surface paints like Bedec or Rustoleum, which can be applied directly to plastic.
Colour Scheme
Consider the colour scheme you want to achieve for your wardrobe doors. Monochromatic schemes, featuring different shades of the same colour, can create excellent accents. Blue base colours are considered "cool" and perfect for bedrooms as they are associated with relaxation. Muted colours and neutral hues like brown, grey, and cream can also give a soothing quality to the space.
Paint Application
Think about the method of paint application that works best for you. You can use a brush, a roller, or a paint sprayer. If you choose to paint by hand, remove the doors from the hinges and place them in a well-ventilated area. If using a paint sprayer, ensure proper ventilation and protection for surrounding areas.
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Painting techniques
Painting plastic wardrobe doors is a simple task that can transform the character of your room. Here are some techniques to follow to achieve the best results:
Preparation
Firstly, you will need to prepare the area you are working in to minimise mess and potential problems. Lay a tarp, drop cloth, or cardboard to protect your floor from drips. If possible, remove the wardrobe doors, drawers, shelves, rails, and any other removable pieces or attachments. Take off the hardware, such as handles and hinges, for easier painting. If you cannot remove the doors, use a screwdriver to remove sliding wardrobe doors. For hinged doors, position your finger behind the hinge and push forward to release the clips. Enlist the help of an assistant to prevent the door from falling and to help you carry it to your painting spot.
Cleaning
Dirt, oily residue, and waxy residue can prevent paint from adhering, so it is important to clean the doors before painting. If the doors are already painted, clean them with a cloth, warm water, and sugar soap. If the doors have a varnished finish, use a cleaner containing trisodium phosphate (TSP) and wear rubber gloves to protect your skin.
Filling and Sanding
If there are deep cracks or gouges, fill them with Polyfilla or a similar gap-filler and allow it to dry. Then, sand the filled areas until you achieve a smooth, easily paintable surface. You can sand the doors by hand or use a sander; use medium/fine-grit sandpaper or paper to smooth the surface.
Priming
Priming the doors before painting is essential, as it will protect the surface from moisture and damp, and provide an even smoother surface for the paint to glide seamlessly. Use a high-quality primer rated for the type of surface you are painting, such as a high-grip primer or a Zinsser primer. Apply a thin and even coat of primer across the entire surface of the door, following the instructions on the tin. If you intend to paint the backs of the doors, allow the primer to dry completely before flipping it over.
Painting
You can paint the doors by hand using a brush or a small roller, or you can use a paint sprayer. Start by painting the inset areas, and then use a roller or brush to cover the rest of the door panel areas. If you are painting both sides, use wood shims to wedge the door in place and prevent it from moving.
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Frequently asked questions
First, remove the wardrobe doors and lay down a tarp to protect the floor from paint drips. Next, vacuum the doors and wipe them down with a damp cloth and sugar soap to remove any dirt, dust, or grime. Then, apply a primer to the doors—this will help the paint go on evenly and smoothly.
You can use a multi-surface paint that can be applied directly to plastic, such as Bedec or Rustoleum. Alternatively, you can use a standard finish paint with a bonding preparation product like ESP or a high-grip primer.
You can use a brush, roller, or paint sprayer to apply the paint. If you use a brush, consider using a pail with a magnet to hold it in place so you don't have to wash it out every time.
You can either remove the hardware, such as the handles and hinges, or tape over it with painter's tape.
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