Yes, wardrobes can be resprayed, and the results can be dramatic
If your bedroom wardrobes are solid but look dated, scratched, or just the wrong colour for your space, you do not always need to replace them. In many cases, you can respray wardrobes and get a fresh, modern look without the cost and disruption of new fitted units.
A wardrobe respray is one of those upgrades that feels bigger than it is. The room looks brighter, cleaner, and more “finished”, even though the layout stays the same.
If you want a general idea of what can be resprayed across kitchens, wardrobes, and surfaces, you can review the full scope here: Services.
What “wardrobe respraying” actually means
A proper wardrobe respray is not a quick coat of paint with a brush or roller. It’s a process designed to create a smooth, even finish that looks like it came from a factory.
That usually involves:
Careful protection and masking of the room
Removing doors, handles, and sometimes hinges
Deep cleaning to remove oils and residue
Sanding and surface keying for adhesion
Priming with the correct bonding system
Spraying multiple thin coats for a consistent finish
Allowing proper drying and curing time
Refitting and alignment checks
That combination is what gives the “new wardrobe” look, not just “painted wardrobe”.
What types of wardrobes can be resprayed?
This is the first question that matters, because not every surface behaves the same once paint is applied.
MDF wardrobes
MDF is very common in fitted wardrobes. It’s usually a good candidate for respraying, especially if the panels are flat and the edges are in good condition.
Timber wardrobes
Solid wood doors and frames can also be resprayed, and the finish can look excellent. The key is preparation so the grain and previous coatings do not show through.
Melamine and laminate finishes
Many modern wardrobes have a smooth melamine or laminate surface. These can often be resprayed, but they need the right prep and primer. If they are not bonded properly, that’s where chipping can happen later, especially around handles.
High gloss wardrobes
Gloss finishes can be resprayed too, but gloss shows imperfections. If you want a premium look, the prep has to be careful and consistent.
The short version: most wardrobes can be resprayed, but suitability depends on the condition and surface type.
When respraying wardrobes is a great idea
A wardrobe respray makes the most sense when the structure is still solid and the issue is mostly cosmetic.
It’s a strong option if:
Your wardrobes are sturdy but look dated
The colour no longer fits your bedroom style
There are scuffs around handles and edges
You want a modern matte or satin finish
You want a cleaner look without replacing fitted units
It can also be a smart move if you are updating flooring, painting walls, or changing lighting. Fresh wardrobes can make the whole bedroom feel like a redesign rather than a small refresh.
When replacing might be better than respraying
Respraying is not magic. If the underlying material is failing, a new finish will not solve structural problems.
Replacement may be the better option if:
The wardrobe carcass is warped or weak
Door hinges are pulling out of damaged chipboard
Panels are swollen from significant moisture exposure
The layout no longer works for your storage needs
If you are unsure, a quick assessment is usually enough to tell what’s realistic.
What affects the cost of respraying wardrobes?
Wardrobe respray pricing is usually driven by scope and complexity, not just “one wardrobe vs two wardrobes”.
Here’s what typically affects the quote:
Number of doors and panels
More doors means more prep, more spraying, more drying time, and more refitting.
Style and detail
Flat slab doors are simpler than doors with grooves, shaker detailing, or ornate trim.
Condition and previous coatings
Old DIY paint, peeling finishes, or heavy wear around handles can increase prep time.
Colour and finish choice
Some finishes are more forgiving and practical for daily use. Others require more careful prep to look perfect.
If you want your finish to work with current interior trends, it helps to look at proven colour directions first: Most Popular Kitchen Respray Colours in Ireland. Even though that guide is kitchen-focused, the colour logic often carries over beautifully to wardrobes, especially neutrals and soft modern tones.
How long does a wardrobe respray take?
Most wardrobe resprays are much faster than replacement, but the timeline depends on size and drying requirements.
A simple wardrobe with a small number of doors can often be completed quickly. Larger fitted wardrobes, multiple units, or detailed doors can take longer, mainly because each stage needs time to set and cure properly.
The most important thing is not rushing the finish. A paint job can feel dry to touch but still be curing underneath, and that’s when marks and sticking can happen.
Should you DIY your wardrobe respray?
Some homeowners try DIY, especially with smaller freestanding wardrobes. It can work, but the quality often depends on your setup and patience.
DIY can be reasonable if:
You have a small piece of furniture, not full fitted units
You can remove the doors and spray in a clean space
You have the right primer for your surface
You can allow proper cure time before using it
DIY becomes risky when you’re dealing with large fitted wardrobes inside a lived-in home. Dust, ventilation, and overspray become real problems, and uneven texture is hard to avoid without experience.
If you want to understand what a professional process covers, it helps to compare it against DIY steps: Services.
Choosing the right finish for wardrobes
For wardrobes, you want something that looks great but also holds up to daily handling.
Matte finishes
Matte looks modern and soft in bedrooms, especially with warmer lighting. The trade-off is that matte can show marks more easily if people frequently touch the doors with oily hands.
Satin finishes
Satin is often the practical sweet spot. It looks clean, feels modern, and tends to be easier to maintain.
Gloss finishes
Gloss can look premium, but it shows fingerprints quickly and highlights surface imperfections more than matte or satin.
If you have kids, pets, or you’re simply someone who wants easy maintenance, satin is usually a safe option.
Hardware and details that make wardrobes look brand new
If you want the “wow” result, paint is only part of the story.
Small upgrades that can elevate the final look include:
New handles (modern black, brushed brass, or minimalist styles)
Soft-close hinges if your current hardware is tired
Filling old handle holes if you’re changing placement
Matching wardrobe colour to skirting and wall tones
These are the details that make a respray look intentional, not just refreshed.
How to choose a company for wardrobe respraying
If you’re investing in respraying wardrobes, you want a finish that lasts. The best way to avoid regret is asking the right questions before you book anyone.
A helpful checklist is here: Top Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Kitchen Respray Company in Dublin.
Even though it’s written for kitchen work, the core questions still apply to wardrobes because the same principles matter: preparation, bonding, finish durability, protection, and what’s included in the quote.
A simple checklist before you request a quote
If you want a smooth quote process, do this first:
Take clear photos of the wardrobe closed and open
Photograph close-ups of edges, corners, and handle areas
Note any peeling, swelling, or damage
Count the doors and drawers
Decide if you want to change handles
That gives enough information to get a realistic estimate quickly.
Final thoughts: is wardrobe respraying worth it?
If your wardrobes are structurally sound, respraying can be one of the best value bedroom upgrades you can do. It modernises the space, costs far less than replacement, and avoids major disruption.
If you want to explore the full scope of what can be resprayed and what’s included in the process, start here: Services.
FAQs
Can fitted wardrobes be resprayed without removing them?
Often yes. In many cases, doors can be removed and sprayed, while the surrounding area is protected and masked.
Will a resprayed wardrobe finish chip easily?
A durable finish depends on correct preparation, bonding primer, and proper cure time. Rushed prep is the main cause of chipping.
Can you respray sliding wardrobe doors?
In many cases, yes, but sliding systems require extra care around tracks, alignment, and hardware.
What colours work best for wardrobes?
Neutrals and soft modern tones are popular because they stay timeless and suit most bedrooms. For inspiration, see: Most Popular Kitchen Respray Colours in Ireland.What should I ask before hiring someone to respray wardrobes?
Ask about preparation, primer system, protection of your home, curing time, and what’s included. This checklist helps: Top Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Kitchen Respray Company in Dublin
