A step-by-step guide to making-over kitchen units, wardrobes and fireplaces can be found at the links at the bottom of the page but please read the short guide below in order to learn about Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 finishing! A flawless finish is as much about surface feel as surface look!

 

With the right materials and approach it is quite straightforward to give kitchen units, wardrobes, fireplaces and items of furniture a contemporary look.

 

          

 

The process is almost always the same:-

 

Step 1.  Clean the item thoroughly. Use Sugar Soap and/or White Spirit or Oops!

 

Step 2.  Fix any hollows, gaps or cracks. Glue back any laminate edging that may
            be loose. Sand lightly if necessary. Wipe clean using a damp cloth. Dry 
            thoroughly.

 

Step 3.   Apply a coat of primer. Pay particular attention to edges or where drips
            can form.  If the item has inset moulding paint this first using a synthetic

            brush.  When dry, lightly sand to ensure the surface is as smooth as
            possible. Wipe with a damp cloth, dry and wipe with a Painters Tack
            Cloth.

 

Step 4.  Apply at least two to three coats of oil eggshell paint using a gloss 
            roller or brush as appropriate. If the item has inset moulding, paint this 
            first using a synthetic brush. Lightly sand between coats, wipe with 
            damp cloth, dry and wipe with a Painters Tack Cloth.

 

            Before the final finish coat...

 

Level 1 - sand lightly to remove any bobbles and bubbles that may have formed 
             as the paint was drying. Wipe with your Tack Cloth and then apply
             the final eggshell coat. For this final finish coat roll evenly with light,
             uniform pressure. As you finish rolling each section of paint ease off the
             pressure so as to avoid unnecessary marks - almost let the rollers own
             weight do the work. Lay-off with a brush.

 

Level 2 - if you want a much better and smoother finish, sand using a detail
             sander with 120 grit paper. You'll be amazed at how much grit it lifts.
             Hoover off the dust, wipe down, allow to dry and wipe with a Tack
             Cloth. Use a new gloss roller for the finish coat. Lay-off with a brush.

 

Level 3 - for a mirror-glass finish perform level 2 then sand by hand using 600 grit
             wet and dry sandpaper - used wet. Wipe off the residue, dry
             thoroughly then wipe with your Tack Cloth. As with level 3 use a new
             gloss-roller to apply the finish coat. Done properly you will end
             up with a finish that looks like it was sprayed on! Lay-off with a brush.

 

The final finish is as much about how the surface feels
as to how it looks!

 

AND - Don't forget to add Owatrol to your final finish paint coat and mix thoroughly!

 

A more detailed look at how to go about some makeover projects can be found at the following links... 

• Project - Kitchen Units
• Project - Fireplace
• Project - Wardrobes