The only time a brush is your easiest option is if you're priming a curved surface. Regardless of the type of furniture your working with, it’s amazing what a little bit of paint can do! Although veneer cannot absorb stain in the same way that traditional wood can, it is possible to spruce up veneered furniture with paint. Read on for another quiz question. Apply an oil-based paint to the furniture. If you want to add a sealer to your furniture, when should you do it? It’s funny how furniture pieces went from 100% wood, to partial wood, to laminate and wood, and Veneer, to current ikea furniture and particle board. Learn tips and tricks for how to paint laminate furniture with this step-by-step video tutorial. unlocking this expert answer. TIP: If you ever add too much black wax simply remove your black wax by adding clear wax to a shop towel and then wiping off the excess black. For the last 4 years, I’ve been painting a lot of furniture! 2 Best Ways To Paint Laminate Furniture The Difference Between Laminate & Veneer Furniture Layering Chalk Paint | Empire Dresser Makeover 5 Ways To Paint Furniture Without Sanding IF YOU HAVE ANY TIPS ON HOW TO PAINT LAMINATE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE OR HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, FEEL FREE TO CHIME IN… I ALWAYS LOVE HEARING FROM YOU. You should allow the paint to cure before placing anything on it. Let it dry as per … Sealer is designed to protect paint, not just primer. Sanding and painting are dirty jobs that create lots of dust and fumes. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Clean. In this case, you can simply apply paint, texture, sand, and prime as per your desire on any veneer furniture and leave it to dry correctly to get the best results. With this tutorial, you can learn How to Paint on Laminate Furniture like a pro. But laminate is only patterned like wood; it doesn't have a true grain. Then re-try painting the cabinets. If you want to apply a sealer, you only need to do it once. Paint the first coat of stain or paint onto the wood with a good-quality brush. Love the animated show and tell. Approved. You must seal furniture painted with chalk paint with wax. ", "Scored a free cabinet, saw your message among the ads. Right! You'll just need to do some extra preparation before you get started. Therefore, you need to use a different tactic when sanding it. I'm keen to paint my laminate bedside cabinets now, but I've been to the DIY stores and, "Thanks so much for answering all the questions I didn't even know to ask. This article clarified a few doubts I had. Oil-based primers dry in 24 to 48 hours. Expert Interview. Why is the paint bubbling as I paint my primed laminate cabinets? For best results, take your time. Tips for painting laminate furniture with chalk paint. Allow the paint to dry for 2 hours, then repeat the process with two more coats of paint. Painting laminate kitchens needn’t be a headache. If you’d like to try this technique, make sure you buy your materials from your local Annie Sloan Stockist. Thanks for your help. Read on for another quiz question. One of the main causes of grainy paint is not wiping off all the dust off of your project before painting or re-painting it. Apply two coats of slick stick making sure to allow each coat to dry thoroughly. Be sure to start any painting project by sanding your surfaces with 150-grit sandpaper. (The beauty of laminate … A roller can be a fast way to cover large, flat surfaces with primer or paint. With over 20 years of experience, James specializes in exterior and interior painting, drywall, powerwashing, wallpaper, staining, sealing, and carpentry. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Do the bottom first. Pieces are typically made of particle board and then covered with a thin layer of plastic veneer, sometimes called laminate. You'll often find tutorials out there that claim you don't need to sand, and there are also lots of primers and paints promising that no sanding is necessary. The bottom edge of my kitchen cupboards have water damage so part of the laminate has come off. Remove all hardware from the furniture. If something won’t detach from the furniture, cover it with painter’s tape.Step 2, Fill in dents in the furniture with a wood filler. This article was co-authored by James Guth. I painted the hardware in this pic with Annie Sloans Graphite and I did a wash of … I did not know that bubbles appear if furniture is inadequately sanded! ", "Gave me some detailed instructions on a project that is easier than I imagined! If the veneer is damaged or has chipped off in some places, but isn’t loose and flaky… you can either fill it with wood-putty and sand it smooth, OR you can embrace the character and prime and paint right over it. For painting laminate furniture, you want to do at least 2 coats of primer and let them cure completely (overnight if you can!) Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. There is no way to do so. Use either matte, satin or gloss depending on the finish you want. Painting laminate furniture is easier than it looks; so, even beginner crafters can master this painting technique. Painting Specialist. If you don't prepare veneer surfaces properly, the paint won't stick as it should, or it will peel off later. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Use a spray can primer for an easier application. There are few steps involved in painting the laminate furniture with chalk paint, Clean the furniture well with the water, and let it dry, Since it is laminate wood there is no need to sand it, so you can skip this step but if you are going to … Thank you. There are only two possible outcomes: the veneer is in better health, and the inside material is not chipping off yet. To paint laminate furniture, start by sanding down the surface using 120-grit sandpaper so that the paint will stick better. Go over the veneer with 120-grit sandpaper. ... From how-to posts on flipping furniture, thrifting for finds, home DIY, recipes to share and beauty tips and tricks, it is all here to share! If you paint a piece of real wood furniture or cabinetry, the wood will absorb some of the paint or primer into its pores, which creates a tight bond and helps the paint stick to the wood. Applying a couple of coats of paint over a veneer finish can give an item a fresh, new look. Exactly! Priming is really important with laminate furniture, so don’t jump straight to applying the paint as this will be wasted effort. % of people told us that this article helped them. Wipe down the surface with a damp cloth to remove the dust created from sanding. Put them in a plastic bag so you don’t lose them. Try again! ", "I did not know how to paint laminate. How to Whitewash a Piece of Wood Furniture, How to Change an Oak Furniture Finish to an Espresso Color, How to Refinish a Laminate Dresser & Night Stands, Mademan.com: How to Paint Laminate Furniture, The Washington Post: If You Can't Love Your Laminates, Paint 'Em, How to Paint a High-Gloss Finish on Stained Furniture, How to Refinish Pine Furniture That Has Been Stained, How to Paint a Veneered Particleboard Dresser. Allow the paint to dry for at least 24 hours. Common concerns when painting laminate furniture are:1. What should I use to seal laminate furniture? It is more difficult to get an even coat with spray paint, so you will do best with several thin coats. Allow the paint to dry for at least 24 hours. What's the easiest way to apply primer to laminate furniture? Thanks, "I'm planning on painting my desk to match my new room decor. Click on another answer to find the right one... Not necessarily! Painting Over Laminate with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint; Painted Kitchen Cabinets; Painting Over Laminate with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. Even though it's not solid wood, you can still update your laminate furniture with a few coats of fresh paint. ", "I've never painted laminated wardrobes before, so I've found this article to be very helpful. This article has been viewed 634,934 times. Adding a sealer after each coat of paint will just dramatically increase the overall painting time (since it also has to dry) for no real benefit. I did not prime this shelf first because you aren’t supposed to have to do that with chalk paint, but what you are looking at right now is 4 coats, and it is still not fully covered- so frustrating! you won't necessarily scratch it up like you would real wood, but there's still a better way to sand laminate. Otherwise, follow the instructions on your primer. The only way is to fix the damage and then proceed to paint if you still want to. Be careful not to gouge the surface though: You're ju… I started out by cleaning this shelf with a deglosser. Using my Zibra paint brush I apply Slick Stick to the surface. You can find wood filler at your local hardware store. Read on for another quiz question. When you use a spray can to prime, make sure you keep the can in smooth, constant motion to ensure an even coat. (It’s a … How to Paint IKEA Furniture with Chalk Paint. This may include handle pulls, hinges and decorative knobs. You don't need to apply a sealer to make up for imperfections in your initial coat of paint. ", "The whole article was very informative and helpful with clear instructions. The key to a successful paint job, however, is all in the preparation. Fortunately, the preparation is easy and just requires a little sanding and a couple of coats of primer. You can even sand in between coats for maximum adhesion. Thank you! Thanks. Apply an oil-based primer with a paint roller. Next, apply an oil-based primer with a brush or roller and wait 4 hours for it to dry. Anyone with old laminate furniture knows painting over it can be difficult, but it doesn't have to be. ", "A very nice tutorial! Even though laminate isn't real wood, it's still not the best idea to sand against its "grain." Pick another answer! This will ensure that the paint job lasts for years. Painting wood veneer is not hard. Now I am ready to get started. With over 20 years of experience, James specializes in exterior and interior painting, drywall, powerwashing, wallpaper, staining, sealing, and carpentry. Sealers are designed to protect paint, and in order to do that, they need to be the outermost layer - a sealer can't protect paint that's on top of it! All chalk paint is is latex paint with powder mixed in – usually plaster of Paris. Use a 120-grit sandpaper and gently sand the surface of the cabinets in a circular motion. "Very useful information. Try another answer... Not exactly! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. It's true that first coats of paint are often rougher than subsequent coats, and that's fine. You can use any quality brush to do this. James Guth. Step-by-step DIY instructions on how to repaint or refinish laminate, wood veneer or particle board furniture such as a bedside table. If the veneer is in good condition and isn’t chipping… you can sand, prime, and paint like you would any piece of furniture. If you’re using a paint that’s a 2 in 1 primer, like our Furniture Paint, you can skip this step. Yes, you can apply a sealer to the paint after you've painted over the laminate. ", "I found the article very helpful and informative with clear instructions. Your instincts are good - you should always sand wood with the grain. Last Updated: July 30, 2020 See more ideas about furniture, redo furniture, painted furniture. Use that paint they call Unicorn Spit on it but would only paint the legs other colors on just the bottom of the table and the top of the table left as a wood grain is gorgeous, although I would never destroy an oak table with paint, you could always dress up the table with a cheery bright table runner and add flowers in a vase on top of the table to add color also add some … This article was co-authored by James Guth. When you have your piece of laminate furniture painted in your favorite chalk style paint and sealed you can paint your hardware! And remember not to sand too hard, or you could sand the laminate right off of the furniture. Could spray paint be used to obtain a similar outcome? Learn how to paint laminate the right way – and no more chipping paint! Poor adhesion after the paint has dried/cured.This will cause all your hard work and paint finish to scratch off easily long after your piece is complete.This is a perfect piece to show you The 2 Best Ways to Paint Laminate Furniture. ", "So much helpful advice in one article! As you can see, Slick Stick goes on white which makes it a great base when painting laminate furniture in light colors or white. If you will be applying a second coat, lightly sand the furniture … (I use this orbital sanderwith variable speeds.) Wipe down all surfaces to be painted with white spirit using a lint free cloth. Thanks. Then, apply a coat of an acrylic latex paint with a brush or roller using short, even strokes. Can I paint formica fitted wardrobes in a chalk paint? James holds a BS in Economics and Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Towson University If you are painting laminate furniture with chalk paint, you will still need to prime first. Her work has been featured on Relationships in the Raw, The Nursery Book, Spark Trust and several travel-related websites. Lara Webster has been writing professionally since 2009. Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? Using veneered furniture is an inexpensive way to decorate your home. Share 10. It's easily understood with the pictures. Which part should I do first? Not quite! With a high-grit sandpaper and an oil-based primer, you’ll be ready to paint over the laminate on your furniture so it looks updated and new. Some furniture looks like it’s made out of solid wood, but it's actually covered in a thin, wood-patterned paper called laminate. There’s a better option out there! Let the filler dry per the instructions on the label. What direction should you sand laminate furniture in? Oct 22, 2018 - Explore Cynthia Burnos's board "Painting veneer furniture" on Pinterest. Sand the veneer enough to create a rough texture for the paint to grab onto but not deep enough to expose the particle board beneath. Although, it does sound like a lot of coats! Some of the the furniture I’ve been painting is laminate furniture, which can be a little scary. 15 August, 2015 by Suzanne. How do I paint over water damaged laminate? If you will be applying a second coat, lightly sand the furniture between coats and wipe away dust with a damp cloth. Try again! James Guth is the co-owner and founder of Chesapeake Painting Services LLC. Now you know how, you can see how quickly the colour of your kitchen can be updated – and how cost effectively! "I have laminated bedroom furniture, and would now like to paint it to match my new white headboard and side tables. Apply an oil-based paint to the furniture. This article received 18 testimonials and 80% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. The key to perfect veneer painting rests in the preparation. What type of varnish can I use on a painted surface? If you are considering painting IKEA furniture with chalk paint, you can still use the same tutorial above. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. James holds a BS in Economics and Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Towson University This article has been viewed 634,934 times. What can I use on a plastic laminate surrounding a window? However, like latex paint, 1-2-3 Primer is water-based, so it won’t adhere as well to laminate furniture without first sanding, and a longer cure time is also recommended when painting laminate. Thanks. Support wikiHow by Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 634,934 times. Step 1, Take off any handles or knobs from the furniture. By using our site, you agree to our. A good paint job is not something that can be completed in a few hours. Sand the entire dresser surface, including the drawer fronts, with a fine-grit sanding block to … Once it’s dry, gently sand the surface with a 220-grit sandpaper. When you're sanding laminate, ignore the "grain" entirely and instead sand with small circular motions. I'm painting the bottom of a coffee table in egg shell and the top black. Use any clear varnish to seal and protect the paint from marking. Bubbling paint might be a sign that you haven't sanded the laminate enough. So after all the DIY drama I shared Monday, here’s the tutorial on how to stain & paint veneer furniture the right way.. Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWJIJM3qmyQ&feature=youtu.be&t=8, http://realitydaydream.com/the-difference-between-laminate-and/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auW3ejK8GsQ&feature=youtu.be&t=154, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWJIJM3qmyQ&feature=youtu.be&t=76, http://vintagerevivals.com/2015/05/how-to-paint-a-laminate-dresser, http://www.thecreativityexchange.com/2015/11/how-to-paint-laminate-furniture-and-get-a-smooth-finish.html, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3qDfPhUQ5Y&feature=youtu.be&t=234, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3qDfPhUQ5Y&feature=youtu.be&t=254, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3qDfPhUQ5Y&feature=youtu.be&t=283, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/29772-dream-it-do-it-how-to-paint-laminate/, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Rinse off any soap residue, and then wipe down the surface with a dry cloth to expedite the drying time. Guess again! Brushing on a primer is totally doable, but it takes a long time and makes it more difficult to get a super-even coat of primer. James Guth is the co-owner and founder of Chesapeake Painting Services LLC. This way you can feel comfortable tipping the table to it's side or upside down so you can complete the bottom without scratching or marring the newly painted top. Pin 311. ", "Very helpful. This mid century style piece of furniture is vintage! Not quite! Can I seal paint that has been painted on laminate with lacquer? If you want to know how long to allow the paint to cure before using the furniture, read on! 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