Help with chalk paint- not sticking to laminate table top?

Debbie Harper
by Debbie Harper
I'm using the plaster of paris recipe for make your own.
  10 answers
  • Gennifer D. Morrison Gennifer D. Morrison on Jun 19, 2015
    You need to sand the laminate :) It's too slippery and shiny to have anything stick to it. You can sand it by hand or use an electric sander. Just keep going until it is no longer shiny :)
  • Jeani Miller Miner Jeani Miller Miner on Jun 19, 2015
    If you use Annie Sloan paint instead of homemade you won't have this problem. I've used it on glass, brass, plastic, previously varnished and yes, even laminate. at most a little quick scuffing is all I've ever had to do
  • Michele Eures Michele Eures on Jun 19, 2015
    I've had this problem even using the Annie Sloan paint. Always do some sanding on any surface so your paint (any type) adheres properly.
  • Hope Williams Hope Williams on Jun 20, 2015
    After sanding, apply a good cost of Zinzer brand shellac. Then paint. It just needs something to bond to.
  • Pocketful of Posies Pocketful of Posies on Jun 20, 2015
    If you don't have time to sand, use a liquid deglosser. You can find it in the paint dept at HomeDepot or Lowes. I used it prior to painting my 1970's laminate nightstands (without sanding) and the paint went on perfectly. I was also using a homemade chalk paint recipe with plaster. It's been a year and half and my nightstands still look great. You can see them in my Faux Brick Wall post. http://www.hometalk.com/diy/paint/faux-brick-stencil-feature-wall-8782861
  • Jane Jane on Jun 20, 2015
    Prime it would be my answer. I also think that Lowe's brand or Sloan's might make a difference after priming.
  • Mcgypsy9 Mcgypsy9 on Jun 20, 2015
    I too am working on a laminate piece that I am chalk painting. Well I talked to a friend of mine who is a professional and she said with laminates you really need to prime it first. Even with chalk paint. I am heading out right now to get the primer as I need to get this piece done.
    • Mcgypsy9 Mcgypsy9 on Jun 23, 2015
      @Mcgypsy9 I should let you know that I am now in the process of priming my cabinet and can already tell that my paint will stick to this. I do need to do a second coat as I had tried painting it first without primer and the paint is literally nicking right off! I want a second coat of primer on it anyway just for peace of mind! OH and I am using Valspar High-Hiding primer that I actually found in my workshop, so I didn't have to go to the store after all : ) I will post some pics later.
  • Lisa Lisa on Jun 20, 2015
    I have had great success in painting laminate surfaces, and have always used Bullseye primer!
  • Gloria tulip Gloria tulip on Jun 22, 2015
    I painted my small chest and left the top as was. There is a reason why there is a laminated top - easy to kept nice looking, does not scratch, all one has to do is wipe clean. I left the top while, as it was manufactured in the mid-60s.
  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Dec 13, 2022

    You need to strip it off and paint over the surface with a special Primer for the Job! Go to DIY and they will put you right!