How to Paint a Built-In Wall Unit

Don't use a nylon paintbrush.

If you'd like to alter the look of a built-in wall unit by refinishing it with paint, consider a critical point before starting the application process. Untreated wall units will ultimately reject painted finishes. Treat your wall unit with a primer base coat, or flaking will occur. Use a particular base primer depending on the unit's condition, or adhesion problems are bound to result. Once the wall unit is primed, finish it with a certain paint, formulated with special chemicals that allow it to hold up to abrasion.

Things You'll Need

• Heavy-duty fabric drop cloths
• Power sander
• 180-grit sandpaper
• Tack cloths
• Professional painter's tape
• Wooden stir stick
• Latex primer
• 3- to 4-inch polyester paintbrush
• Acrylic enamel
• Oil-based primer

Instructions

1. Place drop cloths beneath the built-in wall unit.

2. Sand existing varnish from the wall unit, using a power sander. Use single sandpaper sheets on awkward areas of the unit, inaccessible to the power sander. Skip this step if your built-in wall unit is unvarnished.

3. Clean sawdust from the unit, using tack cloths.

4. Protect areas of the wall adjacent to the built-in wall unit, using painter's tape.

5. Apply latex primer to the wall unit, using a polyester brush. Apply delicate pressure with your paintbrush as you prime. Allow the unit to dry for two hours.

6. Rinse all of the primer from the brush bristles, using running water.

7. Apply enamel to the wall unit, using the polyester brush. Apply delicate pressure with your paintbrush as you paint. Allow the unit to dry for two hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Condition stained built-in wall units, using oil primer. Select one made for use with acrylics.

• Never paint unprimed built-in wall units, or peeling will result.

• Don't use a nylon brush to paint a built-in wall unit, or flaws will show in the finish.

• Never use latex primer on stained built-in wall units, or the finish will peel.