Can You Paint Over Laminate

If you are painting a veneer wood piece of furniture i recommend the method outlined in my original cabinet painting post.

Can you paint over laminate.

We re using 100 grit sandpaper to do that. Many recommend a water based acrylic primer paint and top coat. Alternatively you can use a urethane reinforced acrylic paint such as insl x cabinet coat. Primer is important especially when painting over laminate.

After 1 coat of primer i applied 3 coats of café au lait paint. To paint laminate furniture start by sanding down the surface using 120 grit sandpaper so that the paint will stick better. Laminate and plastic can be worrisome to paint for some people because it seems like a surface that paint would not stick to. As with any paint job the secret to success is in the preparation not the painting.

If you select a paint that can be applied directly over laminate view example on amazon you can skip the primer just know that this qualification may limit your color choice. Begin by sanding the laminate. One coat is sufficient but you can do two coats if you prefer. And this project is no different.

Your local paint store can supply you with the best type of paint to use in this project. I personally take a 150 grit piece of sandpaper and sand the whole top in a circular motion. If the primer is not adhering to the laminate properly you ll notice it looks uneven and bubbly. The right way to paint over laminate.

You can simply paint over them. This doesn t remove the pattern or color of the laminate countertop. You can t really tell that is was faux wood grain laminate when it s painted correctly. The first step to painting laminate countertops is roughing up the surface enough to allow the paint to adhere well.

Next apply an oil based primer with a brush or roller and wait 4 hours for it to dry. Then apply a coat of an acrylic latex paint with a brush or roller using short even strokes. Be sure to use the correct protective gear a mask and safety glasses. Let me just tell you that it s totally doable and a dated pieces can look amazing again.

It just removes the surface s slickness. Once it s dry gently sand the surface with a 220 grit sandpaper. Unlike wood laminate is a smooth non porous material so it really needs something to grab onto primer will do the trick. If you want to make a big impact in your kitchen without a big investment consider priming and painting your laminate countertops.

You can also take an electric sander to the piece.