Thanks, I will have a look at that Mylands one.

I suppose a chalk paint would be okay. I was considering a gloss finish, but that could be a bit over-the-top as the wardrobe is pretty significant in the room.

I'm not sure what chalk paint Yvonne used but I personally found Annie Sloan is difficult to work with in the White colours (dark was easy) and took a few coats rather than the typical one. They also need to be waxed after to protect the paint or it very easily marks and oil from your hands etc will transfer. The waxing is very hard work and you should practice on something beforehand or it will have an odd finish. I personally would go for the zinsser and eggshell option.

Hi - it's a long time since I painted any interior furniture but one thing I did learn and that was to stay clear of gloss paint. Thinking the gloss finish would make my room look bigger and smarter I happily painted away feeling quite smug with myself. It was horrible! It showed every mark, reflected everything in the room and just emphasized the small, cramped room that it was.

I'm not familiar with current paints,but I would definitely go for a matt finish. Good luck and hope it all goes well.

Thanks for the heads up. I assumed gloss would look nicer, but now reconsidering.
So I can prime the surface and use a standard emulsion paint?

Anyone had any experience of one-coat paints, or those that claim to be good for cupboards or to re-do the kitchen units? Or stay away from those?

I think my main concern is the result. I doubt it will look showroom standard, but I'd be happy if it wasn't far from that :)

Paint it all out in the same colour, doesn't look like there's much of a ceiling plate but lots of awkward angles and lie-ins - painting the wardrobe and everything around it, walls, ceiling, will let it disappear and not dominate negating the need to brighten it up!

I would absolutely recommend Zinsser Bin (shellac based) as a primer. Amazing stuff, it sticks to everything and you can follow it with either an oil based or water based topcoat. Go for the Bin rather than Zinsser Bullseye (the water based version) as I have found it to be far stronger. Make sure the room is well ventilated though as it gives you a headache if not! For the top coat I would probably go for an eggshell/ satin finish (Johnstones Aqua is good and dries quickly), but a gloss would look nice too depending on your style. If you are going for a gloss finish then Sikkens AZ plus is brilliant. It makes it easy and gives an amazing finish, very shiny and the brush strokes level themselves really well. It is oil based though so takes a couple of days to dry. Probably best to remove your clothes first!

Zinseer bin as a primer is by far the best and dries very quickly. I used it as primer for upvc Windows before painting. Either approaches work and is personal choice. Also to do with your patience and how quickly you want it done

I have just used Rustoleumm Chalky Finish Furniture Paint in Flint. No priming or sanding necessary. I couldn't believe it would work, but it has turned an ugly old table into a smart desk for my son.

Hello Tom

Find a good car body works company/friend and have them spray the doors for you then you can just paint the trim- we have had our kitchen doors and bedroom furniture updated this way- ask for a matt finish

Wendy

Just used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Old White on a solid pine unvarnished wardrobe. I watched YouTube tutorials and got advice from the shop that sold me the paint. I HATE it! Really difficult to work with, paint brush drags making my hand ache. I was told 1 or 2 coats would do but had to use 3 and I can still see the wood through it. I was told it would only use up half a pot of paint, but it has used nearly all of it. The chap who advised me (sells painted furniture for a living) said it can be finished with wax (hard work) or a Matt varnish (easier). He showed me furniture in these finishes and I chose the varnish. It was really easy to apply but has accentuated the wood colouring underneath. I'm so annoyed that after all my hard work it looks pretty rank. I wish I had used traditional primer and satinwood paint instead!

I've used Annie Sloan paint a lot and I'd describe it as a craft paint as you don't get a smooth finish like you would with an acrylic or gloss paint. It can look amazing and a little goes a long way. It covers everything, is quick to dry and easy to wax but you get brush strokes, bobbles and it can look quite rustic. If you want a nice smooth finish I've found dulux difficult surfaces primer very good - I've even used it to paint over hideous 1970s tiles. Use a couple of coats to get a good coverage then follow up with a water based eggshell, Farrow and Ball or Little Greene are good, but everyone has their own favourite brand. Good luck with your project.

I've used both emulsion and chalk paint direct onto surfaces with no problem, and to give a soft gloss and wipeable finish, gone over it with beeswax polish. No need to rub in or make it hard work, just wipe it on evenly with a soft cloth and buff up. How about leaving the wood surround/trim, and just paint the panels?

Buy yourself some Owatrol ESP - it's not cheap, but once applied it will let you paint ANY surface without any prep. I've just successfully hand painted a Ikea Varde kitchen (photos to follow!) whereby the doors were melamine. The paint has stuck to it beautifully, though I did use Little Greene Paint Company (which is also AMAZING paint - goes on like a pro and the coverage is second to none!). It just goes on like water, gets a little sticky, dries and then you can paint over with no problems.

Wow, thanks guys! Much to think about, but I have got some great ideas with how to tackle it. I shall update you all with the finished product when complete.

Such a nice community here, will have to find some more dilemmas :P

I've painted melamine furniture a lot over the years with great success. You will need to use a melamine primer (International make one but I'm sure there are lots of other brands nowadays) and then you can use any type of paint as a final finish. I've usually used a matt, satin or eggshell finish as I prefer this to gloss. It would be best to use a foam roller on the flat sections as you'll get a better finish. Good luck and I look forward to seeing the finished wardrobes.