Painting of Kitchen unit doors General decorating topics, questions and answers. find help, tips and advice on completing your decorating projects

[mikey52]

Hi, We are looking at freshening up the kitchen with new worktops and taps etc, and as the current unit doors are made from solid wood, we are thinking of keeping them and painting as an option to replacement. Can anyone advise if a special type of paint is required of will 'ordinary' matt or gloss paint be ok. Any comments welcome, thank you, Mike

[theshedman]

Hi mikey, yes you should be able to use ordinary paint on them. Make sure that you give them a thorough clean first to make sure any grease is off them. Then prepare them as usual for painting, then prime undercoat and topcoat. I don't think I would use either of the paint finishes that you mention but use a satin finish like egg shell. It will be harder wearing than gloss and easier to keep clean than a matt finish. You don't say what type of doors they are ie, panel type or flat. On some types of doors if you don't think you could get a really good finish which you need as they will be on show you could always try Fablon Plus which you stick on. It takes a bit of effort to put on right but the finish can be quite good.