Painting laminate wardrobes???

[ItsTony]

I have fitted sliding door wardrobes. Only thing is I want to redecorate the room. The actual material of the fitted wardrobes is like some sort of faux wood feel laminate. You can feel the grain etc but its definately a plastic type of laminte, rather than a wood veneer.

What do I use to change the colour of this laminte. I basically want to darken it from a beech to more a dark brown, cherry type colour. Is there any such thing as a plastic stain that will still leave some of the faux wood features etc, or is myy only realy bet to just paint it a different colour.

Thanx

[xllifts]

You could try using a paint we used for ceramic tiles called zinser (spelling may not be 100%)
But any decent decorators store such as C Brewer and sons should know what your on about.

HTH Dave

[Ace-T]

http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=61452

[robinhood21]

Hmm, I think you need what is called a 'paint wash' and there are companies that specialise in such things. Here's one or just Google paint washes. The only problem I can think of is that there might be a problem getting the wash to key to your wardrobes. Not an expert in this field, so best have a word about keying the wash to plastics with the manufacturer.

[Simpo Two]

I'd take the shine off the surface with fine wet/dry paper going with the grain, then use an oil-based paint. I just think emulsion paint will rub off too easily.

Or maybe get a roll of sticky-back plastic in a colour/effect you like, and stick it on. IIRC the likes of B&Q have quite a decent range.

[B17NNS]

Simpo Two said:

I'd take the shine off the surface with fine wet/dry paper going with the grain, then use an oil-based paint. I just think emulsion paint will rub off too easily.

Give it a key with some fine wet and dry, make sure the surface is free of dust and grease (a wipe with alcohol or a panel prep wipe) then a coat of your chosen oil based paint.

If you go with an oil based varnish with a bit of a tint in it that should darken it up but still allow the 'grain' to show through.

[Simpo Two]

On further pondering I think there's a high risk of it looking horrible, and you may be better just buying new doors!

[VxDuncan]

If you're going to paint take the doors off and lie them flat (to avoid runs) and use a gloss roller rather than a brush. Dust free environment if possible as well obviously.