Has anyone used chalk paint on lacquer furniture?

Terrell Solano
by Terrell Solano
I have two bookcases that are black lacquer and wanted to see about painting them with chalk paint but I am afraid.
  11 answers
  • Becky Becky on Mar 22, 2016
    I have used on on SO many surfaces and haven't found one yet that it doesn't stick to.
  • Casey Gragg Casey Gragg on Mar 23, 2016
    I'd do it in a heartbeat! I love to refurbish old things. I believe it would work if you prep the piece before applying paint.
  • Marj MRC Creations Marj MRC Creations on Mar 23, 2016
    If you use an oil-based, high adhesion primer, like the Kilz primer and follow directions regarding drying time, then you should be able to paint after that and it will stick to the laminate surface. I've painted laminate before, but hadn't prepped it properly and had to start over. Cleaning and priming your bookcases are key!
    • See 1 previous
    • Marj MRC Creations Marj MRC Creations on Mar 15, 2019

      Jayme, there are two that should do the trick in creating a primer for slick surfaces. The water-based one has a black and grey label, Kilz MAX and the oil-based primer has a red label, Kilz Original. I now use BIN oil-based primer by Zinsser, the shellac-based one in the red can for hard to paint surfaces and to block bleed-through from some woods. Hope this helps!

  • Rosalyn macmillan Rosalyn macmillan on Mar 23, 2016
    Hi, I have used chalk paint on many surfaces. I do believe you can sometimes get a bleed through with lacquered products in dark colours. I recommend using a primer first. I like Zinsser BIN. It has a quick drying time and doesn't smell like some of the others.
  • Tma1673289 Tma1673289 on Mar 23, 2016
    Went to a chalk class last month. A couple of ladies had high lacquer end tables. They had to sand first before applying the paint.
  • Kathy C Kathy C on Mar 24, 2016
    A paint-on deglosser might work?
  • Birdie Berghuis Birdie Berghuis on Mar 24, 2016
    Fine grit sandpaper and rough up the surface before painting.
  • Tobey McCool Tobey McCool on Mar 24, 2016
    I bought a desk that had a high gloss black paint on it, I painted over the black with chalk paint and distressed it to bring the black out.
  • Lisa House Lisa House on Mar 25, 2016
    Yes you can but if you prime first you will use less paint..
  • Janice Janice on Sep 15, 2023

    You can do this with success if you get a good primer that sticks to all kinds of surfaces.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Sep 15, 2023

    Sand, prime and paint. Kilz or Zinsser make good primers.