My kitchen units are looking very tired and I would like to brighten them up. Can I paint them? They are a matte brown and white.

 

The answer is a definite yes, provided you don’t mind a bit of work. If you have a kitchen full of dull presses or cabinets, boring tiles in the bathroom, or weary wardrobes in the bedroom, take heart... you don’t have to take out a big loan to refit the whole place, just freshen it up with a few tins of paint and a little bit of TLC. (tender loving care)

 

“Oh, but surely its impossible to paint kitchen presses, tiles and other shiny surfaces, because the paint will just peel off” you say!

 

Well, believe it of not, you can! with the help of an amazing not so new product called E.S.P. (short for Easy Surface Prep). You’ve no doubt seen it on the various popular TV DIY shows such as Changing Rooms, Beyond the Hall Door etc where it has been rightly hailed as one of the best new painting or decorating products ever seen. E.S.P. will make it possible for you to change the look of all those tricky, and normally very difficult surfaces without sanding, dust or hard work. Transform the look of your presses, tiles, wardrobes to any colour under the sun with any oil or water based paint for the price of a few cans of paint, and probably for well below €100. Paint the fridge to match the presses, or the wardrobes to match the new curtains or whatever. The possibilities are endless and limited only by your own imagination. In fact, you can even use E.S.P. to change the colour of all those other doors, architrave’s and so on. Gloss over gloss, varnish over varnish, all are now possible, and at minimal cost to you which is always welcome news. It is a good idea to use an oil-based paint in the bathroom because of the moisture etc. If you use a water based paint elsewhere, bear in mind whether its needs to be washable etc. (Note: give the paint time to cure properly before you give it a hard time)


More helpful ideas.


Here’s two more interesting items that will be a huge help in any or all of the above scenarios. If you are using a water based paint (emulsion) add about 10% of another amazing new product called Floetrol. This will ensure a streak-free lovely even finish, especially on deep colours or vinyls, and it is also a dream in yellows, reds etc. Saves a coat or two also which is no harm workwise!
If you are applying an oil paint, add some Owatrol oil and this will ensure a really smooth, brushmark-free, rich finish making your work look like it was done by a pro.