An old wardrobe or chest of drawers rarely looks attractive, especially after renovation. Replacing furniture is a troublesome and costly task, so the question: how to repaint a cabinet a different color at home remains relevant. We'll figure out how to properly update a cabinet, what you'll need for the job, and what paints and varnishes you can use.
Furniture before and after transformation Source pinimg.com
What we paint
The need to change the color of furniture arises for various reasons. The item no longer fits in with the recent renovation, becomes obsolete, or simply gets boring. Professional restoration is not always available, but anyone who has ever held a brush in their hands can master the basic techniques.
Coloring is the simplest and most understandable process with simple recommendations. Furniture preparation plays an important role in it, and it depends on the type of surface. The easiest way to prepare a wooden cabinet, chest of drawers or bedside table. In practice, solid wood products are most often of Swedish origin and come into the home from the IKEA store. Many of them are sold unpainted, which makes the task much easier.
IKEA furniture is comfortable and versatile, but it is often repainted by those who find Scandinavian design too boring. Most of the remaining items are furniture made of chipboard or MDF in film (for example, a kitchen), or lacquered products. They require longer preparation.
Chest of drawers in the bedroom interior Source pinimg.com
Master class No. 2. Updating a chipboard cabinet
This cabinet looked very cheap since it was made from chipboard. But we updated it with a beautiful ornament for a children’s room, now it can fit into even a high-tech or modern interior.
Materials and tools
- Prepared cabinet;
- white paint;
- pencil;
- knife;
- building level;
- sponge brush;
- masking tape;
- additionally: protective paint (enamel).
Decoration process
Step 1.
- We will prepare the furniture by cleaning the surface from roughness, chips, and cracks using putty and primer.
- After using special products, you need to let the surface dry completely .
- We take masking tape and stick it on the front side of the chest of drawers according to your individual idea.
- We make combinations of triangles along the top and bottom edges, rhombuses in the middle, rectangles at the top and bottom. We cut off the strips and make shapes from them, as shown in the photo.
- We make a rhombus by cutting strips of equal length and placing them perpendicular to each other.
- To make rectangles, first apply the tape evenly, parallel to the cut of the chest of drawers, and use a building level and a pencil to mark equal intervals. Cut through one.
TIP: Watch the placement relative to the fittings (handles, locks) and the gaps between the drawers - it’s better to be symmetrical than even.
Step 2.
- I follow the instructions on the paint can, take a sponge brush and rub in a thin layer to create an antique effect. Let the layer dry.
- After the first layer has dried, apply the second . Then the color will be quite saturated and contrasting compared to the background.
- When you have achieved the desired color and the paint has completely dried, carefully at an angle of 45 degrees remove the masking tape (tape).
Step 5.
The final stage is the application of protective enamel. It will extend the life of the chipboard cabinet and protect it from minor mechanical impacts such as moisture and dust.
And now the stylish wardrobe is ready for active use!
Color options can also be the same as in the photo below.
What you will need
For work you will need the following tools and materials:
- A dense roller (or a pen attachment with two or three replaceable rollers). The width is chosen depending on the size of the cabinet (chest of drawers), on average 10-15 cm. A roller will help to evenly roll out the paint on a large surface, and the result will be good the first time. Select the tray according to the size of the roller.
- Two or three soft brushes of different sizes with artificial bristles. Hard bristles are not recommended as they will leave streaks that are difficult to get rid of. Brushes are needed for painting elements of complex shapes, where a roller cannot cope.
- Screwdriver Set. You will have to remove the fittings and most likely disassemble the furniture. The work will be more comfortable and of higher quality if you simply remove the doors.
- Masking tape. You will need it to protect small parts that cannot be removed. For example, if there are built-in lamps in the closet, they are removed, but left hanging and protected with tape.
A tool you can’t do without Source pinimg.com
- Sandpaper (sandpaper) of different formats: fine (soft) and coarse.
- New hardware if you are going to change the style of the cabinet or make it more original. The easiest way to find suitable handles is in large and specialized online stores - the choice of accessories there is truly limitless.
- Paint and varnish materials: paint, varnish, and degreasing solvent.
- You always need rags (napkins); polyethylene comes in handy to protect the surrounding area from paint.
Optionally the following items can be used:
- Sander, safety glasses and gloves.
- Spatula and putty.
- If a large area will be treated, a sprayer is convenient.
Applying varnish to a countertop Source premium.vgc.no
Priming process
Many people wonder about the need for a primer, and we can say with full confidence that if you want to paint a cabinet or chest of drawers with high quality with your own hands, then you should definitely prime the surface. This is due to the fact that the primer will prevent the surface of the cabinet from absorbing moisture. This will promote better drying. Also, with a primer, you will not lose the color you want, since when applying paint to an unprimed surface, it does not matter whether it is chipboard or ordinary wood. During drying, the color changes slightly, as some of it will be absorbed into the material.
When it comes to the most suitable primer, it is best to use an acrylic-based primer. This is due to the fact that the components of such a primer will interact remarkably with the acrylic paint you choose.
Treating the surface with acrylic primer is quite simple. You should first read the instructions for using this material. An important point is to take into account the drying time of the soil. Before you paint your dresser or cabinet, you need to let the primer dry completely. It is also important to carry out clear calculations of the surface that you decide to treat. So, you can purchase the amount of material you need.
It is necessary to prime a chest of drawers or a cabinet using a roller, in a relatively thin layer. Then leave our chest of drawers or closet for a while to dry completely.
Before painting, the surface must be primed
Paint selection
Paints and varnishes vary in composition and such important parameters as transparency and gloss level. When looking for a suitable option, you should avoid oil paint with its heavy smell and long drying period. Toxic and flammable solvent-based materials are of little use.
In order to repaint a cabinet in a different color, water-based paints that are marked “furniture” are optimal. A common feature of such compositions is environmental friendliness, which is important in the case of repainting objects located in a residential area. They practically do not emit volatile organic matter and therefore do not have a pungent odor. The compositions are fireproof and do not cause allergic reactions.
Paint color is only one of the selection criteria Source kraskidlyamebeli.ru
Acrylic
These compositions are the most affordable and therefore widespread among water-based analogues. The lack of toxicity is combined with wear resistance and the ability to pass air. The latter quality helps the wood regulate moisture (breathe), thereby minimizing the appearance of mold and mildew.
It must be taken into account that acrylic compounds do not always cope with repainting. The main disadvantage of acrylic is that it does not adhere to the surface of furniture made from chipboard. It also makes no sense to buy acrylic paint for glossy (varnished) facades or products previously painted with an adhesive-based composition.
Acrylic dyes dry fairly quickly, but the polymerization process (especially if primer was used) can take more than a month. And, although after repainting the item is almost immediately ready for use, the coating requires careful handling; it can be easily scratched or damaged by accidental force.
Repainting drawers is a quick way to refresh the design Source livejournal.com
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in paints and varnishes and related work
Acrylic is easy to work with. To achieve the desired color saturation, just dilute the paint with water. It is easy to wash off if you are wrong with the shade and decide to repaint the fragment again.
Acrylic dyes are also sold in aerosol form, which is quite convenient for repainting large surfaces if you know how to use them. When choosing a suitable shade, you can paint over a small area of the surface. This will help you evaluate which color looks best on a given basis.
Alkyd
The basis of alkyd paints is an organic solvent; the compositions resist moisture well, which makes them convenient to use for painting furniture in the kitchen and bathroom. The peculiarity of the dye is that it creates a film coating with a thickness of no more than 0.1 mm. The service life of such coating will be short.
Color completely changes perception Source homeproved.com
Eco-paints
Chalk, milk or mineral paint can be a worthy alternative to acrylic compositions. Eco-paints are made from natural materials, therefore they do not have a strong odor, are hypoallergenic, and do not harm people and pets.
Thanks to their composition, they lie smoothly not only on wood, but also on complex surfaces of laminated chipboard, chipboard, and MDF.
Eco-paint can also be used to paint lacquered furniture, and in most cases the surface does not have to be specially prepared (for example, primed). The composition will adhere well, forming a durable layer, if you sand the furniture a little with sandpaper to slightly reduce the shine.
Other
You can also paint your favorite cabinet with silicone or latex-based water-based paint. The silicone layer is not afraid of moisture, lasts a long time and is interesting because it can fill and mask small cracks.
The latex composition is viscous and resembles oil paint. But at the same time, it does not have a pungent odor, and it lasts much longer. The only limitation of latex coating is that it can crack at low temperatures, but this is not important for home use.
Using chalk paint Source blog.postel-deluxe.ru
Varnishes and tinting impregnations
They change the appearance of furniture, so they can be classified as coloring compounds. This group of paints and varnishes performs not only a decorative, but also a protective function. Penetrating into the structure of wooden furniture, impregnations and varnishes prevent the appearance of mold and pests.
Priming
Experts advise purchasing paint at the same time as the primer, from the same manufacturer and on the same base. This will significantly improve the adhesion of the dye to the furniture surface.
The best results are achieved with a water-based adhesive primer. It is especially helpful in the case of difficult surfaces (for example, chipboard), where the dye does not adhere well and does not adhere well. If you plan to repaint a dark cabinet light, use a white primer; If you want to turn a light chest of drawers into a dark one, you will need a dark primer.
A light primer was used here Source pinimg.com
How to create color transitions and painting
Creating a unique piece of furniture is not difficult. To do this, you can decorate the cabinet with paint, a shade of color, create a textured surface, or use a stencil in the design. The choice of method depends only on the imagination of the owner and the design of the room.
The drawing is applied to the already painted base with acrylic paints. The theme is selected based on the design of the room. Geometric designs, patterns, and flower images look very attractive. A wardrobe decorated like an old one can be decorated with gold ornaments.
A new trend in furniture fashion is color gradient. To create a smooth transition of shades of the same color, paints with different amounts of pigment are used or an additional combination of colors is purchased. This design looks especially good in a children's room or a teenager's bedroom.
Color is especially important in a nursery
How to paint so that the surface is cracked
Artificial aging - craquelure - looks beautiful. To achieve a cracking effect, use special paint. The thicker its layer, the wider the cracks. After drying, the cabinet is coated with a matte protective varnish.
Cracks on facades - craquelure technique
Stencil painting: master class
Using a stencil allows you to get a unique painting on furniture. The design is applied to an already painted surface and, after drying, covered with matte varnish for protection:
- Choose semi-liquid or thick paint so that the stencil does not bleed.
- Make a cushion or pad out of foam rubber. The cabinet must first be painted in the main color.
- Place the stencil on the surface and, if possible, tape it down so that it does not move while you work.
- Dip the pad into the paint and lightly press onto the holes in the stencil.
Sources
- https://m-strana.ru/design/kak-perekrasit-shkaf-v-drugoy-tsvet-v-domashnikh-usloviyakh/
- https://kallibry.ru/kak-pokrasit-i-obnovit-staryj-shkaf/
- https://univer-irk.ru/czvet/kak-obnovit-i-pokrasit-staryj-shkaf-svoimi-rukami-foto
- https://zakaz-shkaf-kupe.ru/dlya-gostinoj/kak-pokrasit-staryj-shkaf.html
- https://BrusDomStroika.ru/svoimi-rukami/kak-pokrasit-dsp
- https://hozsekretiki.ru/interer-i-dekor/kak-obnovit-ili-pokrasit-staryj-shkaf.html
- https://OmkMebel.ru/shkaf/kak-perekrasit.html
- https://GidPoKraske.ru/okrashivanie/derevo-i-mebel/kak-obnovit-staryj-shkaf.html
- https://postroy-sam.com/pokraska-shkafa.html
- https://www.ivd.ru/dizajn-i-dekor/mebel/kak-pokrasit-dsp-v-domashnih-usloviyah-podrobnaya-instrukciya-v-3-shaga-55811
- https://made-box.ru/samostoyatelno/kak-pokrasit-shkaf.html
- https://turbo-tex.ru/chem-krasit/kak-obnovit-staryj.html
Preparing furniture: where to start
Preparation begins with removing dirt, old stains and odors. The easiest way to do this is with a sponge soaked in washing powder or soap solution. After washing, stubborn stains remain, which can be removed with vinegar, acetone or white spirit. To make it convenient to work, move the furniture away from the wall, put on a protective mask and gloves, and do not forget to ventilate the room.
After washing, the surface is allowed to dry, then the old coating is removed. They do this in one of the following ways:
- Mechanical. The fastest way to do this is with a grinder and a wide spatula. In hard-to-reach places, remove the varnish coating using a flat-tip screwdriver.
- Chemical. To remove old polish, special solvent-based removers are used. The composition is applied to the surface of the cabinet for the time specified in the instructions. Once the reaction is complete, the remaining material is removed with coarse sandpaper or a spatula.
Design in fashionable white color Source gidpokraske.ru
- Thermal. The old varnish or film coating peels off and is easily removed after heating with a hair dryer. If the film does not lend itself, it is left and painted over it, having first sanded it.
After the old coating is removed, the surface is lightly sanded to remove any small residues. If the furniture is wooden, sanding is carried out in the direction of the grain. The task is performed in three steps: first use coarse-grained sandpaper, then use medium-grained sandpaper, and finally use fine-grained sandpaper.
At this stage, the cabinet is carefully inspected so as not to miss any defect. If the item is large, it is more convenient to dismantle it; It is easier to paint individual parts, and the result is of higher quality.
Photo restoration
One of the options for transforming old furniture is the use of modern large-format printing. Using the Internet, you can choose any illustration you like and order it printed at a printing house. There can be just one photograph, or you can create a whole collage of perfectly selected illustrations or thematic photographs.
ATTENTION! When choosing a photo, pay attention to its quality. A printed illustration at low resolution will have blurry outlines.
Photo restoration technology:
- Clean the surface of old paint by sanding and prime the surface.
- Apply wallpaper glue to the cabinet, glue the fabric and smooth it well.
- Cover with a layer of clear varnish to add shine and protect against mechanical damage and dirt. This picture will last forever.
Video description
About updating an old cabinet in the following video:
Preparation for painting: primer
All cabinet parts intended for painting are dusted and degreased. To do this, wipe the surface with a damp cloth, and then with a cloth moistened with alcohol or a special degreaser. At this stage, care is needed: the slightest particles of glue from the film must be sanded off and degreased.
Dining group in a pastel palette Source archidea.com.ua
Identified defects (scratches, cracks and small irregularities) are eliminated using a special wood putty. After waiting for the composition to dry, the treated areas are sanded and degreased again to level the surface. As a result of the work done, the surface of the product should be completely covered with a network of small scratches.
The primer helps the paint composition adhere better to the surface. It is recommended to prime in two layers, allowing each to dry. Then you need to go over the surface with fine sandpaper again; This must be done carefully so as not to remove the soil. Additional sanding will enhance adhesion, if you remember to thoroughly wipe off the dust afterwards.
Seal the cracks
The appearance of cracks on furniture made of chipboard, as a rule, is facilitated by the ingress of moisture, and they are also formed due to exposure to heat or frequent opening and closing of doors without holding them in place, slamming doors. You can eliminate this defect yourself without outside help.
To work you will need a syringe with a needle, clamps, and vinyl glue.
Fill the syringe with PVA glue and insert the needle. Fill the entire crack with glue. We attach the clamp to the plane from the side where the crack appeared and tighten it. Remove excess glue with a napkin. We're leaving for a day or two. After time has passed, we continue restoration work.
You can get rid of cracks using putty.
Apply the mixture to the surface with a spatula in two layers. Spread the first layer evenly over the surface. We wait for it to dry, apply a second layer of putty and let it dry too.
Painting the closet
At this stage it is important to apply the chosen paint correctly. In addition, the result largely depends on its composition. This is especially important for chipboard. Even after careful preparation, the coating remains smooth; not all mixtures fit well on it. Therefore, you need to carefully choose what paint to paint laminated chipboard furniture and what tools to use for this.
Coloring
The surface is covered with paint in 2-3 layers. If the first layer turns out to be uneven, with bald spots, the defects are corrected during the second painting. After drying, the first layer can be lightly sanded with fine sandpaper. This grinding has two purposes. It removes sagging and grooves of paint, and makes the surface matte, so that the next layer will adhere better.
After the first coloring Source mebelnada.com.ua
Decorating with fabric
A relatively new way to update an old cabinet is to upholster it with fabric. There are materials that look elegant, impressive, luxurious, original. By choosing and combining fabrics correctly, you can create a real work of art.
To get this result, you need to:
- Carefully measure all the cabinet parts, make an auxiliary drawing and a pattern on tracing paper or newspaper.
- Prepare padding polyester or other lightweight bulky material. Draw out and carefully cut out the necessary fragments. When cutting out the base, you should use exact dimensions. The edges of adjacent fragments should fit perfectly together, without overlap.
- Glue the base to the piece of furniture that needs to be updated.
- Carefully distribute the fabric and attach it to the base. To do this, you can use a special device - a furniture stapler. It is necessary that the fabric is stretched evenly.
The method is universal and gives good scope for imagination and creative ideas. It does not require preliminary preparation and is considered not very difficult.
Briefly about the main thing
Repainting a cabinet a different color on your own is a simple job that only requires care, time and a set of necessary tools. The process is divided into several stages. The main task is to create a rough surface that helps the paint lie evenly and tightly. The cabinet is first cleaned, defects are repaired and primed.
The main problem may arise when removing the old varnish or film layer. It is solved mechanically, chemically or thermally. The paint is applied in several layers, the number of which allows you to emphasize or hide the texture of the base. For the finishing coat, choose wax or water-based or polyurethane-based varnish.
How to paint a cabinet white
White furniture, including antique furniture, is a popular element of room decor in different styles. It makes the room lighter and visually more spacious. If you wish, it is easy to paint the cabinet white with your own hands.
The choice of paint and its features
Chalk compositions are well suited for such an operation . They are non-toxic, easy to apply, and form a durable and fairly thick coating. On sale you can find white paint of the usual chalk color and color compositions based on it.
You can use acrylic paints and varnishes for furniture. If the cabinet will be in a damp area, the paint must be suitable for use in such conditions.
Ivan Bokorezov
Furniture columnist and designer
Ask a Question
When choosing a shade, you need to take into account the lighting and design of the room. Matte surfaces look softer and more comfortable, glossy surfaces look very bright. White colors can be warm or cold. If the paint has a purple tint to it, the finished cabinet will look pink after a few years of use.
Technology
The painting technology is generally the same as when working with other colors. If the original color of the furniture is very dark, it can be lightened with bleaching paste . The surface treated with this method is then painted in the traditional way.
Methods for aging wood and other materials
There are several ways to age furniture and other types of materials:
- application of special compounds that change the appearance and properties of the top layer of coating (available for wood and metal work);
- painting with several paints of different colors so that the lower layers show through the upper ones;
- processing with sandpaper and other abrasive materials;
- the use of pigments that create the illusion of aging and some dirt.
Necessary materials
Grandparents, and sometimes their grandchildren, often still use furniture made during Soviet times. The motto of socialist production was often expressed in the phrase “With an axe, but for centuries.” Wardrobes, sideboards or beds are still suitable for use, but over the years the furniture has completely lost its attractiveness.
External wear on objects made of strong wood can be easily corrected by washing and painting. After appropriate processing, it will no longer be “junk”, but “vintage”.
In order for painting furniture with your own hands to bring pleasure and a positive result, you need:
- products for restoration;
- pre-calculated amount of paint;
- appropriate solvent;
- masking tape;
- brushes or rollers;
- paint container;
- protective gloves and mask;
- old newspapers or polyethylene to protect the floor.
