Tips and Secrets for How to Paint Laminate Furniture
Laminate furniture is inexpensive which makes it a great choice for shelves, office furniture, cabinets and other furniture. It is produced by attaching a sheet of plastic to particleboard or other inexpensive, lightweight wood product. Laminate furniture comes is many difference colors and shades; however, they may come a time when you will want to paint laminate furniture. Painting laminate furniture is actually quite easy and is an excellent way to change the décor of an entire room quickly and inexpensively. I love to keep things simple so here are clear-cut, short and sweet tips for how to paint laminate furniture.
1. Use a mild soap such as Dawn dishwashing detergent and a rag to wipe down the laminate furniture to remove any dust, dirt and buildup from the furniture. Dawn is a good choice because it cuts and removes grease. If the furniture has any grease or grunge, the primer and paint will not adhere causing problems with the finish. Do not soak the furniture with water and all to dry thoroughly before applying the primer.
2. Although most instructions for painting laminate furniture advise you need to sand the furniture, I prefer to use a primer specifically for hard to paint surfaces. This prevents gauging or scratching the furniture by sanding, does not create the mess that sanding does and also serves the dual purpose of priming and sealing without sanding. Bulls Eye Oil-Base is a good one to try because it dries fast, sticks to all surfaces and is a great primer for both oil and latex topcoats.
3. I prefer to use a form roller if possible for a smoother finish; however, depending on the type of furniture you may want to try a textured roller or soft-bristle brush for a textured finish. I also prefer oil-based paints because it gives better coverage and adheres better than a latex or water-based paint. Of course, the color choice is completely up to your taste and décor!
4. Apply the first coat of paint and allow to dry completely before applying a second coat. It is better to apply two thin, even coats of paint rather than one thick coat of paint.
If you are a little timid about using a primer that does not require sanding, choose a small inconspicuous spot, try a little bit of the primer and paint before doing the entire piece. You can then see if this works well or if you should lightly sand the entire piece of furniture prior to priming and painting.
Sources: RemodelingCenter.com
DoItYourself.com
