How to Paint Laminate Furniture

Some furniture looks like it’s made out of solid wood, but it's actually covered in a thin, wood-patterned paper called laminate. Even though it's not solid wood, you can still update your laminate furniture with a few coats of fresh paint. You'll just need to do some extra preparation before you get started. With a high-grit sandpaper and an oil-based primer, you’ll be ready to paint over the laminate on your furniture so it looks updated and new.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Sanding the Furniture

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Put them in a plastic bag so you don’t lose them. If something won’t detach from the furniture, cover it with painter’s tape.
You can find wood filler at your local hardware store. Let the filler dry per the instructions on the label.^{[1]XResearch source}
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^{[2]XExpert SourceJames Guth
Painting SpecialistExpert Interview. 21 July 2020.} Sand in circular motions until the surface of the furniture looks dull and less glossy. Don’t sand too much or you might tear up the laminate from the surface.^{[3]XResearch source}
Make sure the surface of the furniture is clean before you begin the priming process.^{[4]XExpert SourceJames Guth
Painting SpecialistExpert Interview. 21 July 2020.}

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Applying a Primer

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Move the furniture onto the tarp so no primer or paint gets on the floor. Use newspaper if you don't have a tarp.
2
Apply a high-quality latex primer to the furniture’s surface.^{[5]XExpert SourceJames Guth
Painting SpecialistExpert Interview. 21 July 2020.} Look for primer at your local hardware or paint store. Apply the primer using a brush or roller until there’s an even coverage on the entire surface of the furniture.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Use a spray can primer for an easier application.
After four hours, gently touch the primed surface with the tip of your finger to see if it’s fully dried. If the primer is still wet, let it finish drying.^{[7]XResearch source}
Lightly sand in circular motions like you did the first time you sanded the furniture. Wipe off any dust from the surface with a damp cloth.^{[8]XResearch source}

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Painting the Furniture

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Decide whether you want your finish to be glossy or matte, and look for an acrylic latex paint with that finish. You can find acrylic latex paint at your local hardware or paint store.^{[9]XResearch source}
Paint using short, even strokes going in the same direction. It’s OK if the first coat looks slightly patchy or uneven.^{[10]XResearch source}
Some paints may take longer to dry, so check the label on the paint you’re using for specific drying instructions. After two hours check to see if the first coat of paint is dry using your fingertips.^{[11]XResearch source}
This could take between three to four coats of paint. Allow the furniture to dry for at least two hours between each coat.^{[12]XResearch source}
You can re-attach any handles or knobs to the furniture once the final coat is dry, but avoid setting anything on the furniture until it's cured for a week to prevent peeling. You can also add a paint sealer to the surface of the furniture after the last coat dries.^{[13]XResearch source}

Expert Q&A

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What kind of primer do you use on laminate furniture?
James Guth
Painting Specialist
James Guth is the co-owner and founder of Chesapeake Painting Services LLC. With over 20 years of experience, James specializes in exterior and interior painting, drywall, powerwashing, wallpaper, staining, sealing, and carpentry. James holds a BS in Economics and Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Towson University
James Guth
Painting Specialist
Expert Answer
I would recommend using a high-quality latex or shellac primer, which will seal the surface and create a nice base for the paint.
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Question
Why is the paint bubbling as I paint my primed laminate cabinets?
Community Answer
Bubbling paint might be a sign that you haven't sanded the laminate enough. Use a 120-grit sandpaper and gently sand the surface of the cabinets in a circular motion. Then re-try painting the cabinets.
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I'm painting the bottom of a coffee table in egg shell and the top black. Which part should I do first?
Community Answer
Do the bottom first. This way you can feel comfortable tipping the table to it's side or upside down so you can complete the bottom without scratching or marring the newly painted top. You should allow the paint to cure before placing anything on it.
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