Modern home furniture products often utilize laminate construction which bonds engineered synthetic materials to particleboard layers to look like wood grain. Although numerous painting specialists recommend sanding your furniture before painting it, using proper preparation techniques and high-quality primers can let you skip sanding and concentrate on bringing your painted furniture ideas to life.
Sanding
Laminate functions as a tough synthetic substance available in solid colors or wood grain finishes with benefits including resistance to heat and simple maintenance.
Though plastic laminate costs less than solid or veneer wood options it lacks the natural tactile quality and scratch resistance found in real wood.
Both laminate and solid wood surfaces require preparation before you can paint them. To prepare the surfaces they must be wiped down and sanded to eliminate shiny finishes or any surface imperfections.
Despite being a task people may not enjoy, sanding furniture proves crucial to achieving professional-grade paint results. Rough up the surface with 120 grit sandpaper to access all cracks and crevices before you wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove dust particles. Another wipe down after priming helps ensure that subsequent paint layers stick properly to the surface.
Primer
Laminate is a man-made surface which resembles wood and maintains its properties to serve as a durable option for painted furniture because it withstands damage better than regular wood.
Painting over laminate requires several important considerations. Surface preparation with high-quality furniture-specific primer is essential before painting because simply wiping down and painting doesn’t suffice.
The best primer choices for painting laminate furniture include Zinsser Bull’s Eye 1-2-3 primer or Kilz Adhesion High-Bonding Primer together with an Amazon foam roller for thorough corner coverage. The additional time invested in performing the task correctly produces more durable and professional results.
Paint
Transforming a room through painting laminate furniture costs less than buying new furnishings yet beginners often find the process intimidating and complicated.
To prepare any laminate surface for painting you should clean it completely with sugar soap and a damp cloth before sanding it lightly. Sanding laminate surfaces is vital for all paint projects because it removes shine and allows paint to bond effectively yet requires safety precautions including protective eyewear and potentially masking.
The glossy nature of laminate makes it impossible for paint to adhere properly without any surface texture which DIYers often overlook by skipping sanding. Experienced painters advise selecting a strong bonding primer such as Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 or Kilz Adhesion High-Bonding Primer that provides excellent adherence for surfaces prone to peeling over time.
Finishing
A large amount of furniture which seems to be made from wood including dressers and desks are constructed using laminate material. This synthetic surface can be refreshed through acrylic paint application followed by a protective topcoat application and finishing with a clear sealant.
Begin by cleaning your piece to eliminate grease and residue before using sandpaper to smooth the surface and create texture. Home renovation professional Jon Christensen suggests using Sherwin-Williams Extreme Bond Primer which you can purchase from Amazon as your high-quality primer choice.
After your primer has dried completely you can start applying paint to your furniture. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying each coat and wait until each layer is completely dry before proceeding.
Choosing the correct paint and primer combination is essential for achieving a durable finish that resists daily wear and tear on furniture. A clear topcoat offers extra security against scratches and other types of damage.