Painting pine wardrobes - will it work?

[Cakingbad]

When we moved into our house we acquired a couple of M&S Hastings wardrobes that are a shiny yellowy pine colour. I would like to paint them but I don't know the best way to go about it. According to the M&S website they are "solid pine and pine veneer with a natural lacquer finish".

Is it going to work or will it be a mess? I'm not very skilled at this sort of thing. How would you go about it and what sort of paint would you use? Thanks!

[EggsEleven]

Yes! Have just finished painting a pine wardrobe in spare bedroom. Well, DP did. We used Ronseal one coat cupboard paint in an ivory cream. It's a Matt satin rather than gloss because I hate the gloss paint look. One coat my arse - it required at least 3 so don't buy that brand. It looks fine though.

We also painted a pine chest of drawers for DDs nursery. I can't remember the brand but it was also cupboard paint in a satin from B&Q and it was great. We changed the handles and it looks lovely even if I do say so myself!

[Cakingbad]

Thanks Eggs. I didn't know about cupboard paint. Matt satin sounds good - though I certainly don't fancy doing 3 coats. I will go and have a look at cupboard paint reviews on B&Q. I'm thinking dark grey could be good.

[SloanyAnne]

Annie Sloan (no relation) paint would look good on those. It doesn't have to look distressed.

[Cakingbad]

Thanks Anne. That made me laugh!
I will have a look at Annie Sloan.

[wowfudge]

Use a good primer such as one of the Zinsser ones suitable for painted or varnished surfaces then use a satinwood paint over the top. A couple of coats of each and no sanding. Bob's your uncle.

[KoolKoala07]

Chalk paint is wonderful. Basically no prep.

[Cakingbad]

Thanks Fudge. No sanding sounds good.

[Cakingbad]

Thanks Kool.
I'm actually looking forward to this now. I'm going to listen to an audio book while I do it.

Is a brush best or a small roller?

[RespoDad]

I recommend Annie Sloan as well. You can water down the paint if it gets too thick. Don't forget to wax it after. And you'll need a base coat if you're going to distress it, otherwise the orange pine will show through and that doesn't really work.

[nigelforgotthepassword]

Chalk paint.no primer, no fuss.
You can wax after it or even raise I use a non sheen varnish.Get it in B and Q or Amazon sell it but the colours are limited on there.

[Cakingbad]

Thanks Respo and Nigel.

[mineallmine]

Whatever you decide to paint it with, give it a good clean with sugar soap first. If they are wardrobes you plan to use for a long time, I'd put a bit of work into them and do a good job. Chalk paint is great if you like a distressed look but imo it's not as long lasting as eggshell paint.

If it was my wardrobe, I'd give it a sand with medium grade sandpaper, wash it well with sugar soap. Then a coat of primer (zinnser bin 123) and then 2 to 3 coats of an oil based eggshell paint eg little green paint. Farrow and ball eggshell is good too but it's not as hard wearing as it used to be when it was oil based.

[MrsHughesCarson]

I can confirm Annie Sloan or similar chalk based paint is perfect for this.

[Cakingbad]

Thanks very much everyone. Very helpful.
Think I will go with a satin or eggshell finish the same colour as the walls.
Just need a free day now. Looking forward to it.

[wobblywonderwoman]

They will be gorgeous. Get some new door handles also

I have upcycled a lot and pine is great. Very little sanding and wipe down and ready to paint. Can we see photos of the finished product??