How to - Pantry Renovating

During this long lock down I have tackled many things I have put off for years.

I have been needing more space for along time and it seemed like the perfect time to do a Pantry Renovation and if you have the need for space this is for you.

Looking at what's in front of you, you know it's gonna be a long day but it is worth it.

Step 1 - Cleaning out the Closet.
Start by emptying the cupboard out. It would be a good idea to have some boxes ready for easy storage.
My cupboard was covered in black mould so I had to clean the whole cupboard first. To see how I got rid of the mould see my Mould removal post here.



Step 2 - Preparation.
You now have to remove all wallpaper or lose paint of the walls and fill in any cracks.

For wallpaper you need - 

• Scraper.
• Warm water and a cloth or 
• Wallpaper stripper. Here's a link to the one I use Click here.
• Sand paper

For Paint you need - 

• Scraper
• Sandpaper

To remove wallpaper you use a damp cloth to wet the paper and then use your scraper to get an edge and pull as much of as possible. Once you have it all off give the wall a quick sanding to remove any paper or debris.

For paint its not so important to remove all of the paint, instead what you need to do is remove any lose flakes and then sand the edges to blend them in. If you want to know if it is sanded enough do my Blind mans test. The blind mans test is to close you eyes and rub your finger tips across it. If you can feel a definite step it is not finished and you will see it after you paint it.

Step 3 - Filling time.

More often than not you will have accidentally uncovered a hole in the plaster or accidentally took off more than you should. Mix some filler up and go over any cracks and marks and leave to dry and then sand it off ready for decorating. If you have never used filler go to my post on how to use filler.

Step 4 - Pre-Decorating.

It is important that you now make sure all dust and debris is cleaned off the ceilings, walls and floor before you go any further so wipe everything down with a dry cloth and sweep or vacuum all sides and the floor.

Step 5 - Time to Decorate.

If you chose to go for wallpaper -

1. Paint the Ceiling first. It may need a couple of coats but don't forget to do it now not later no one wants runs of paint on your new wallpapered walls .
2. Paint your woodwork. Skirting boards and window sills as many coats until your happy with.
3. Bring on the wallpaper. Just check if it is paste the wall or the paper.

This order is the best way to make sure you get no paint on the wall paper and gives you the best finish.

If you go for paint - 

1. Paint the Ceiling first. It may need a couple of coats but don't forget to do it now not later no one wants runs of paint on your new wallpapered walls.
2. Paint the walls. Take care when painting the walls to not get over spray on the ceiling and when touching up (painting around the edges) not to paint the ceiling. Use masking tape or a painters tool to avoid getting paint on the ceiling.
3. Paint the woodwork. Once again use masking tape or painters tool to stop you getting paint anywhere you don't want it to go.

Paint and wallpaper is all dry its time for installing your shelves and filling it with all your food and household items you have been craving the space for.

When installing shelves remember to use a spirit level and a pencil to make sure your shelves are level and you don't end up with lots of jams and jars all over the new pantry floor.

Well done you now have a pantry not a cluttered cupboard.