How do you paint built-in furniture?

Painting built-in furniture involves several key steps to ensure a smooth and lasting finish. Here's a straightforward guide:

Steps to Painting Built-in Furniture

Follow these steps to successfully paint your built-in furniture:

Clean the Surface: Start by thoroughly cleaning the built-in furniture. This removes any dirt, grime, or grease that could prevent the paint from adhering properly. This is mentioned in Step 1 of the reference: "Kick off with a good old scrub so you have a clean surface to paint on."
Sand and Remove Dust: Once cleaned, lightly sand the surfaces. This creates a better texture for the paint to grip. After sanding, be sure to wipe away all dust. Step 2 in the reference confirms: "Sand and clear dust."
Prime or Apply a Mist Coat: Apply a primer to help the paint adhere and provide a consistent base colour. Alternatively, a mist coat of diluted paint can also be used. The reference refers to this in Step 3: "prime or apply a mist coat."
Paint: Now you can apply your chosen paint. Use smooth, even strokes and apply in thin coats for the best results. This aligns with Step 4: "Paint."
Leave to Dry: Allow each coat of paint to dry completely, as mentioned in Step 5 of the reference: "Leave to dry." Following the paint manufacturer's recommended drying times is essential to avoid any tackiness.
Varnish (Optional): For added protection, especially in high-traffic areas, consider applying a coat of varnish. This is an optional step included in Step 6: "Varnish (optional)".

Preparation is key: Thorough cleaning and sanding are essential for good paint adhesion.
Use painter's tape: To protect surrounding walls or edges, use painter's tape.
Ventilation: Ensure good ventilation when painting, especially when using oil-based paints.
Multiple thin coats: Applying multiple thin coats of paint, rather than one thick coat, provides a smoother finish.
Correct brushes or rollers: Use high-quality brushes or rollers that are suitable for your paint type.

By carefully following these steps, you'll be able to successfully refresh your built-in furniture with a new coat of paint.