Posted by frenchicfinland Admin
TIPS FOR PAINTING LAMINATE SURFACES
Read how we answer this question and explain how to get the best possible results when painting laminate furniture.
With Frenchic paints, the instructions for achieving a great result are ultimately very simple:
- Wash and clean the surface to be painted thoroughly, then let it dry.
- Sand all over and wipe away the sanding dust.
- Apply at least two coats to a dry, clean surface, using thoroughly mixed paint.
- Allow to dry according to the instructions.
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How to paint glossy and smooth laminate furniture?
From kitchen cabinets to custom wardrobes - there are so many pieces of furniture with a smooth engineered wood or glossy laminate surface. This is simply because laminate is lightweight and durable at an affordable price.
But what if you want to refresh these pieces or simply change their color?
That's where painting laminate furniture comes in. So, is it a practical option - or even possible?
Can you paint laminate furniture?
When it comes to upcycling or simply transforming furniture, some people think success is only possible with wooden furniture.
In a way, it's easy to see why. Glossy or very smooth surfaces don't give paint good adhesion, so solid wood furniture seems like a better option.
In fact, painting furniture with smooth surfaces is entirely possible - and it's not even particularly difficult with just a few tips and pointers!
Painting is all about proper preparation and choosing the right products
Choose a paint with good adhesion, designed for use on glossy laminate surfaces.
This way, there's no need for special primers, which saves both money and time.
Frenchic’s Al Fresco range, Lazy Range and Trim Paint ranges are the ideal solution. Our wall paint is also suitable for painting laminate surfaces. You can check which paint range is right for your project here.
You don’t need toxic primers or special undercoats, so the Frenchic range is the right choice for painting Ikea-style furniture or even laminate kitchen cabinets.
Using this 'self-priming' paint means that glossy laminate surfaces can be painted just like any other surface.
Provided, of course, that you prepare them thoroughly beforehand, which brings us to the next topic...
How do you paint laminate surfaces?
The process of painting laminate surfaces is no different from painting other furniture - it all comes down to preparation.
Clean and dry the surface to be painted
Whether you’re painting glossy kitchen cabinets or a laminate bedside table, the first step is to make sure the surface is very clean by using a good degreasing detergent, such as Sugar Soap.
Mix one part detergent with ten parts warm water, apply generously with a cloth or sponge, then wipe or scrub vigorously from bottom to top to avoid drips. Finally, rinse off any detergent residue with clean water. Let the surfaces dry completely.
Always roughen the surface before painting
Next up is sanding. This step is vital, as it removes the glossy surface and creates a rough, matt finish that maximizes paint adhesion. It’s worth noting that the glossier the surface, the more thorough the sanding needs to be.
You don't need to use an electric sander - thorough hand sanding is usually sufficient, so a sanding sponge or sandpaper is a good option. Thoroughly scuff the entire surface with medium or fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge, then wipe away the sanding dust.
Apply at least two coats of thoroughly mixed paint
Only paint a clean, dry surface with thoroughly mixed paint. Follow the drying times between coats; check them on the paint tin before you start.
Painting and paint curing
For painting, you can use a brush, a roller, or a paint sprayer, depending on your preference and the type of furniture you're painting. Rollers are quick to use on larger, flat surfaces, and spray painting is suitable for bigger projects. However, if you use a sprayer, the paint needs to be thinned with about 5-10% water, which may mean that extra coats are needed.
Standard painting advice applies, such as taping off edges, using long, even brush strokes, and applying the right amount of paint to avoid an uneven finish. See our guide for detailed instructions on painting furniture.
Another thing to remember is the paint's curing time
All paints take some time to cure fully. With Frenchic water-based paints, the surface reaches full hardness in three weeks, provided the painting has been done according to the instructions.
So treat a freshly painted surface carefully during the first few weeks, while the curing process is still underway and the paint is still soft and fresh.
You'll notice a huge difference in durability when you let the paint dry according to the instructions.
How do you paint laminate furniture without sanding?
When it comes to laminate furniture, one of the most common questions is whether you can paint a shiny, slippery, smooth surface without sanding.
Simply put, people want to skip some of the prep but still get the same stunning, durable result.
We'll keep it short and to the point - if you neglect preparation, be prepared to fail.
Sanding is really important when painting laminate furniture because a roughened surface improves grip, resulting in better adhesion and greater durability on smooth, slippery surfaces.
If you skip stirring the paint (shaking the can isn’t enough to lift the pigment from the bottom), you’ll almost certainly need to apply too many coats.
So stir the paint carefully with a wide mixing spatula or similar tool, lifting the pigment from the bottom. Thorough mixing takes a little time, but it’s also key to ensuring the protective additives are evenly distributed. Keep stirring for a little longer.
If you skip sanding or cleaning, things may look fine right after painting, but the paint may scratch, chip, and fail to last.
What kinds of laminate furniture can I paint?
Knowing how to paint laminate furniture opens up all kinds of possibilities for your home.
Laminate furniture has grown in popularity over the past couple of decades, and most people have at least one piece at home - if not several.
Popular choices include built-in wardrobes, sliding-door wardrobes, dressers, bookcases, kitchen cabinet doors, shelves, TV stands, and desks.
Tip!
Another benefit of painting furniture is that you can coordinate different pieces regardless of their original color.
For example, you could bring together a coffee table and a TV stand from different rooms.
You can even attach the units together, stacking them or placing them side by side.
Even if the furniture pieces don’t originally match, you can bring them together into one large unit using the same paint color, creating stunning, unique arrangements.
Add trim to a laminate furniture surface to create French-style frames, or cover it with semicircular trim for a modern look. Paint the whole piece, and you’ll have a stunning designer-style piece of furniture without the designer price tag!
The great news is that all your old furniture can benefit from a fresh coat of paint. You can easily change its style, bring it together with a coordinated color scheme, and give it a new lease on life.
See what others have painted on our social media channels or in our Facebook group - you’re sure to be surprised!
