ᐅ Is it possible to paint a Pax wardrobe myself?

Hello everyone, I want to paint my Pax wardrobe myself, but I’m wondering if it’s actually practical to do so. The wardrobe is made of coated particleboard, and I’m not sure how well paint will adhere to it or if I need to take any special preparation steps. Are there specific types of paint or primers that are particularly suitable? I’m also interested in whether the painted surface will be durable enough against scratches and moisture, since the wardrobe will be in the bedroom. Has anyone had experience with this project and can offer advice on what to watch out for to achieve a professional-looking result? Thanks in advance!

fokar schrieb:
The cabinet is made of coated particleboard, and I’m not sure how well paint will adhere to it or if I need to take special preparation steps.

That is a very valid question because the success of painting furniture like the Pax cabinet largely depends on proper preparation. The coated particleboard usually has a melamine or foil surface, which is very smooth and hardly absorbent. To ensure paint or lacquer adheres properly, you should first lightly sand this surface. Fine sandpaper with a grit of 220 to 280 works well for this—you should apply light pressure and sand in circular motions or evenly over the entire area. The goal is not to remove the coating completely but to create a “key” for the new paint to grip.

After sanding, clean off all sanding dust thoroughly. A primer is then essential. It’s best to use a bonding primer specifically designed for smooth plastic surfaces or furniture. This will help the topcoat adhere better and make the final result more durable.

Regarding the paint itself: make sure to use a high-quality acrylic paint or a furniture spray paint intended for interior use and wood or furniture surfaces. Applying two to three coats is recommended, sanding lightly between coats to keep the surface smooth and free of dust inclusions.

If you follow these steps carefully, your Pax cabinet will achieve a proper paint finish that is also suitable for everyday use. Please feel free to share the cabinet’s dimensions and whether you also plan to paint the interior, as this can influence the choice of method and paint.

kulau schrieb:
Coated particle boards usually have a melamine or foil surface that is very smooth and barely absorbent.

This is an important point. I would like to add that the key to success is treating the surface with a suitable primer or bonding agent. Plain paint without a primer has little adhesion. Also, it’s best not to use overly aggressive sanding techniques – the foil must not be damaged, otherwise you will end up with unsightly spots.

Furthermore, I recommend letting the cabinet dry thoroughly at room temperature after painting before using it again. Acrylic paints often require several days to fully cure. If you seal the surface later with a clear coat, scratch resistance increases significantly.

A practical tip: If you have a spray gun or at least an atomizer, the final result is often more even than with a brush. However, preparation and care make the biggest difference.

kulau schrieb:
Please also mention the size of the wardrobe and whether you plan to paint the inside surfaces, as this affects the choice of method and paint.

Thanks for the detailed reply! It's a standard Pax wardrobe measuring 200 x 60 x 236 cm (79 x 24 x 93 inches). The doors are made of particleboard, and the inside surfaces are conventional wood fiber material – but rather raw. I would paint the door fronts completely, but the insides only where visible or for touch-ups.

Garry schrieb:
If you seal the surface with clear coat afterwards, the scratch resistance increases significantly.

One more question on that: Which clear coat would you recommend? Matte or glossy? The wardrobe should be as discreet as possible without too much shine but still easy to maintain.

I’m also interested in any tips you have for preparing the doors to remove them easily and then paint them flat. The room is about 10 sqm (108 sq ft), so I would probably need to spray them somewhere else — what about odor and ventilation requirements for these products?

fokar schrieb:
The cabinet should be as inconspicuous as possible and not too glossy, but still easy to maintain.

I think it’s great that you’re taking on a DIY project like this! 😊 For a matte finish, I definitely recommend using a matte or satin clear coat. It looks much more natural while still being durable. Glossy finishes are very tough, but fingerprints and scratches tend to show more.

When removing the doors, it’s best to label the hinges or make a small sketch so you can easily put everything back correctly later. Lay the doors on a stable surface so they don’t wobble while sanding and painting.

Don’t worry about the smell—use water-based products for painting if possible, since they are more environmentally friendly and have much less strong odor. Still, make sure to ventilate well! If you can’t ventilate the room properly, it’s a good idea to paint the parts in a garage or outside in a sheltered spot. That way, painting becomes twice as fun! Good luck, it will turn out great!