How to paint laminate furniture

How to Repaint Old Laminate Furniture

Rejuvenating an old laminate piece of furniture can seem like a daunting task, but the process is similar to that of wood furniture. Follow these steps to achieve a successful result:

1. Disassemble Your Furniture

Remove drawers, doors and any other removable components to facilitate the painting process. Disassembly helps prevent leaks and easily paints every nook and cranny. In the end, the dismantling time is offset by the time saved in applying the paint.

2. Prepare the Surface with Scotch-Brite

Lightly sand the surface with scotch-brite to remove the shine from the surface. Paint adheres best to a matte surface. Be sure to sand evenly to avoid differences in appearance. Then wipe off the dust with a microfiber cloth and degrease the furniture with rubbing alcohol or a degreasing cleaner.

3. Apply the Primer

Use a primer to improve paint adhesion, especially on synthetic surfaces like laminate. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly, taking into account the specific characteristics of the material.

4. Apply Finish Coats

Choose an enamel paint, preferably acrylic-polyurethane based for a high quality finish and increased resistance to wear. Apply the finish with a short nap roller for optimal results.

Useful Tips:

  • Protect your workspace with plastic or cardboard.
  • Any dried casting can be scraped off and repainted.
  • Be gentle with the furniture for the first few days, as the paint takes time to fully harden.
  • Respect the drying times for an optimal finish.
  • For small imperfections between layers, use fine sandpaper or scotch-brite.
  • Choose water-based products for safer and more environmentally friendly work.