Okay guys, this is my kitchen ... can I have your opinions/advice please?

[Carla]

Kitchen is shaker style, cream coloured, about 8 years old - but made from (I think) MDF.

Over the years the paintwork on it has become scuffed in some places (over zealous use of the hoover - that'll teach me!), and there it looks a bit tatty.

Was at the Country Living Fair yesterday and some of the mock kitchens they'd set up at the stands looked just like mine (same style, colour, etc) - only really badly painted - but they looked tres chic.

So, my question to you is, if I pained my kitchen units (by default they will be badly painted, don't have to try to achieve that) will they look like the CL units or will they look like kitchen units that Carla has badly painted?

TIA X

[noddyholder]

Rub them down well with fine sandpaper prime them with a good primer and then repaint with lovely eggshell They will look like the CL ones if you're careful.Add new handles and worktop and cut price new kitchen or leave worktop if its ok.Mustn't let dp see this as when he suggested this to me I still ripped the lot out and started again!

[SoupDragon]

They'd look like units that Carla has badly painted.

But, if you follow noddyholder's tips, take your time and (IMO) use a roller rather than brush then they should come up fine.

If you want a distressed look, you paint them one colour then paint your main colour over the top and rub edges with sandpaper to reveal the basecoat. You still need to paint it well though.

[Demented]

If you have a handpainted kitchen shop near you they may have a kitchen artist who will come and paint your cupboards in that badly painted but lovely style. Some friends of ours had this done on a dark oak kitchen and it was really nice, cost about £800 (largish kitchen) but the finish was lovely.

[JoolsToo]

why not?
its time consuming though - helped ds1 do his!

use a roller for a better finish

[WideWebWitch]

I know someone who had her kitchen re done a completely different colour - a company came and did it for her, it looks fab.

[WideWebWitch]

Sorry, that;s not much help is it? No idea who they were but my point was that you can get it done professionally.

[mamadadawahwah]

Never mind painting them. Go to B&Q and get new doors and handles. They currently have a sale of up to 70% off doors!!