How to paint laminate?
I have 2 cheap laminated book cases I would like to paint, but, am a little leery cause I don't want to ruin them.
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They’re probably melamine or “foil”, over particle board. This is paper thin plastic.
If the particle board is exposed at the edges or gouged, water based paints will soak into the exposed particle board and “mushroom” which will ruin them. So chalk paint is out.
I would consider spraying them with enamel spray paint after cleaning them with acetone (nail polish remover).
You could spray paint them
Instead of using paint, you could try covering them with Contact paper or self-stick wallpaper.
Clean well. Prime with Kilz primer. Then paint
Good to know William!
Good primer and then any paint can go on
Hello Selarson,
If it is laminated wood finish, use Easy Surface Primer (ESP) then undercoat and then paint. Don't over wet the surface, let it dry well between coats and don't try to rush the drying by using a heat source. Best wishes.
Hi! Clean and use a good primer like Kilz so you have better adhesion. Good luck and stay safe!
Quality paint and brushes are not inexpensive anymore.
If the book cases are cheap, think about how much money you want to put into them and decide first if they are worth it before you rush out and start purchasing supplies.
A good deglosser will get you started. Then a primer such as Kilz or Zinsser 123, the the paint of your choice. I prefer using a small sponge roller so there's no brush makrs, though a brush is sometimes necessary in small areas. Even then you'll need to take additional care not to scrape the paint with anything too sharp. Also, be sure to let the paint dry very well between coats and let the piece "cure" well before adding items back into the bookcase; otherwise items left on the shelves for a lengthy time may "stick" and remove the paint when removed.
Here is a helpful video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3qDfPhUQ5Y
Hi, laminate is pretty easy to paint if you prep it well before the time. Probably the most important thing is to sand it so the paint has something to grip onto and wipe it down well afterwards to get rid of any sanding dust. Have fun, I'm sure your bookcases are going to turn out beautifully
I would put contact paper on them. Wal Mart sells some pretty patterns at a reasonable price and easy to use.
Hello a good bonding primer would be recommended after a cleaning. The prep that goes into a project can ensure results you’ll be happy with.
You can purchase a "deglosser" from your local home improvement store along with a package of steel wool. Apply the deglosser to the laminate and rub in a circular motion wherever you intend to paint. Rinse with a clean damp cloth until all is removed, let dry and paint with a primer, then the paint color of your choice. A lot of work and often will take 2-3 coates of paint to get a nice smooth finished look but well worth the effort if you plan to keep the bookcases long term.
Here's a post I wrote about my experience painting laminate - https://chascrazycreations.com/faux-wood-grain-table/
HELLO,
Hope it works for you!
You can paint with a preparation called ESP first and then pain as you like after.