Project list
Sign in to your account
With project lists you can...
Please sign in or create an account to use Project Lists
Looking to give your wardrobe doors an upgrade? Closets can show a lot of wear-and-tear through chipped wood or tarnishing, but there’s no need to splurge on new wardrobe doors. All they need is an easy D.I.Y. refresh to give them a new lease on life.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
Before painting, remove your wardrobe door using a screwdriver or drill; set it aside.
To ensure the paint sticks to the timber properly, use an orbital sander to sand the front and back of the door.
Adding some trim can make a big difference. First, take your rectangle trim and see where you’d like it to go. (Typically, 100mm from the edge of your wardrobe gives you a clean, modern look, but feel free to play around to see what you like.)
Mark the four corners of where you’ll be placing the trim – top, bottom and both sides. This will be your guide for where you’ll be placing your trim.
Use a mitre saw and cut the trim to length. After each cut, check that the corners fit flush together; make adjustments if needed.
Starting with the top piece, place some glue on the trim. Attach this piece to the door where you marked the guide and check that it’s level.
Once you’re satisfied with the first piece, glue on the remaining pieces, following your guide. You should end up with a perfect rectangle of trim on your wardrobe door.
Using a nail gun, secure each piece of trim by nailing it in place. Place a nail on each corner and a few in between.
For a smooth finish, take some wood filler and use a spatula to fill each nail hole. Allow to dry before sanding it down.
Now you’re ready to paint your wardrobe doors. Use enamel paint and a sponge roller for a smooth and sleek finish.
Finish off your project by adding new handles, if desired. Simply attach your new handles by popping the screw in from the back of the door.
Alternatively, you can paint your old hardware or leave it as-is.
All that’s left to do is to hang your doors!
For more renovation inspiration, watch Episode 6: Teen bedroom, study and main bathroom renovation in our Make It Happen: The House Project series.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
