Yes you can improve your fitted wardrobes...
Remove contents - remove handles - sand lightly by hand - brush/wash/vacuum to remove any dirt or sanding dust.
Paint - I would use satinwood paint because it goes on easy and dries quite quickly. If have to wait overnight to paint some more then wrap brush in clingfilm to stop it drying out. While paint dries go to H/W store and buy new handles - take sample with you. Fit handles put clothes in.
If you have the time paint doors first (both sides) and when dry paint surrounding woodwork else doors may stick.
You may wish to tart-up the inside with a bit of carpet, emulsion on the house walls, new hanging rails, hooks for belts etc. and a tiny hanging rail for kneck ties and scarves.
Wear old clothes - put newspaper or an old sheet on the floor - cover any nearby furniture or bedding - open window for ventilation. Stop often to look at what you're doing (all men do this). When painting doors paint the panels first, then the horizontals and lastly the uprights. Look for paint runs at the lower corners, do not overload the brush. Buy some white spirit to clean hands, splashes and brushes. After soaking brushes in white spirit douse in cheap washing up liquid and rinse under running tap until water runs clear.
Barry Bucknall, October 2008
