How to paint metal wardrobe frames?

[renorenoreno]

Hello!

I have in-built mirror wardrobes that are framed with black metal, I assume aluminium?

I am painting the entire room and would like to paint the wardrobe frames the exact same colour. 

I know I need to paint the metal with a metal specific primer, but i'm not sure about the top coat? Can I use the same paint as my walls or do I need a specific type of paint? How can I get the same colour?

I am painting my walls with Dulux Wash & Wear Low Sheen in Natural White. 

Any help would be most appreciated!

Thanks

[MitchellMc]

Hi @renorenoreno,

While Dulux Wash & Wear is an excellent choice for walls, it’s not designed to withstand the knocks and abrasions that surfaces like wardrobe frames typically face. If applied directly, even over primer, it’s likely to chip or peel over time. Since you're starting with black metal frames, your first step should be applying a metal-specific primer like the one from White-Knight, which ensures good adhesion.

For the topcoat, it’s important to use something more durable than standard wall paint. A great option would be a water-based enamel like Dulux Aqua Enamel, which is made for high-contact areas like doors, architraves and skirting boards. It has far better impact resistance than wall paint and is available in both semi-gloss and gloss finishes. The bonus is that Dulux Aqua Enamel can be tinted to match your wall colour, including Natural White, so you’ll get a uniform look throughout the room.

If you’re after something even tougher, you could explore metal-specific epoxy enamel paints. These are designed to perform exceptionally well on metal, though they might have limited tinting options. It’s worth checking with your local store's Paint Experts to see if any of these products can be colour-matched.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[renorenoreno]

Hey Mitch, 

Just a note to say thanks so much for the advice! Followed it to the tea and wardrobes have come out stunning. I used the metal epoxy paint and had it tinted to my exact wall colour to match. Super happy and have been living with them for a month or so now and no chipping at all!
Thanks!