Refinishing an outdated, worn or drab armoire using paint — and with it turn out fantastic — is possible, even in the event that you have no prior painting experience. The key to a successful paint job is planning. Ensuring that the armoire’s surface is smooth and grime-free will pay off once you apply the first coat of paint. The sky’s the limit when it comes to the type of colour and paint you can use to transform your armoire. Latex paints are water-soluable, unlike striped paints, so they have a much less pungent odor, and the paint washes easily off of brushes. But oil-based paints create a more durable finish that tends to mimic brushstrokes better than latex paint.
Put the armoire over a drop cloth to protect the floor from paint spills.
Remove the armoire’s doors, drawers and hardware, using a screwdriver.
Place the doors, drawers and hardware to a different drop cloth.
Fill a bucket with hot, soapy water. Clean the entire armoire with a soapy rag. Go over the piece again using a rag rinsed in clean water to remove all traces of grime and dirt. Let the armoire dry completely.
Sand the entire armoire, using medium-grit sandpaper to smooth out any imperfections and to prepare the surface for priming. Wipe the armoire with a tack cloth to remove the dust.
Sand the piece, using the fine-grade sandpaper to be sure the surface is as smooth as you can. Wipe the armoire with a tack cloth.
Prime the armoire, doors and drawers with the sort of primer advocated for the paint you’ve decided on. Prime the interior of the piece in addition to the interior of the doors. Let the primer dry in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Paint the armoire, doors and doors with the paint you’ve decided on. Paint the interior of the piece in addition to the interior of the doors. Let the paint dry for 24 hours, then apply a second coat. Let the piece dry for 24 hours.
Coat the armoire, doors and doors with a polyurethane sealer appropriate for the type of paint you used. Let the varnish dry in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Reattach the doorways, using the hardware that is desired. Insert the drawers back into the armoire.
Clean the brushes with soap and water in the event that you painted with latex paint. Alternately, use mineral spirits to clean brushes used with an oil-based paint.