What is this? But if you want to do it right so your dresser can look amazing for years to come, then there's one extra step you need to do before painting laminate furniture. That extra step (and most important step) is to prime with a really good bonding primer that will stick to the laminate.
BIN Shellac Based Primer
But, you won't have to concern yourself with tannins on your laminate furniture since it's not actually real wood and all. BIN Shellac Based Primer also has excellent adhesion and sticks to slick surfaces such as glass, ceramic tile, plastic, metal, and hardboard.
I used Kilz Primer (view on Amazon), which blocks, seals, and preps the surface to which the paint will adhere. Primer is important, especially when painting over laminate. Unlike wood, laminate is a smooth, non-porous material, so it really needs something to 'grab' onto—primer will do the trick!
It's easy to skip the sanding step, because sanding is a drag… but it's especially important with laminate. Because it's often somewhat glossy-looking, and important to sand it down until the finish is very dull before priming. We recommend using 120 grit sandpaper for this.
The best way to ensure paint on laminate lasts is to sand the surface and use a good bonding primer, followed by two layers of high-quality latex paint and a durable top coat – allowing each layer to dry thoroughly before adding the next.
Sanding a surface removes the top glossy layer, allowing the substance to receive the primer. Without sanding the surface in advance, the new coat of paint won't stick to the previous layer.
Tip: Latex paint is recommended for laminate surface painting projects because of its durability and smooth finish.
A: Like most rules, there's always an exception, so YES, you can paint laminate furniture without sanding or priming IF you use the right kind of paint. You can skip the primer if you are painting laminate furniture with chalk paint.
Since laminate or most IKEA furniture has a high gloss smooth finish you'll need to start with a primer. Not just any primer will do, it needs to be Zinsser BIN Shellac-Based Primer because it is a shellac based primer and a water-based or oil-based primer won't hold.
Smoke damaged, knot bleed, metal, plastic, or laminate furniture – you need a primer, luckily you will find a version to suit your needs. So first up Zinsser 123; Zinsser's 123 Primer can be used on pretty much all surfaces and has a dry time of one hour. The low odor and water cleanup make it ideal for use indoors.
I always use Kilz primer for laminate and have had great luck with it. For painting laminate furniture, you want to do at least 2 coats of primer and let them cure completely (overnight if you can!) in between coats. You can even sand in between coats for maximum adhesion.
The first step is the trick to painting laminate. It's not difficult, but to create a base for the main paint to stick to you'll need to prime the furniture first. The best primer to do that is Zinsser BIN Shellac-Based Primer.
We recommend INSL-X Stix Acrylic Waterborne Bonding Primer because it's formulated to bond to surfaces such as slick laminate cabinets. To achieve a stroke-free finish, use the brush to paint the edges and tight spots, and a roller on the large surfaces.
What happens if you paint laminate cabinets without using a primer first? The paint needs the primer to help it bind to the cabinets. Use a bonding primer, a stronger product than a regular primer, to ensure it sticks to the laminate. If you don't prime laminate candidates, the paint may quickly flake or peel.
And, with that final layer of topcoat dry, you've given a fresh new look to an old laminate countertop. The painted surface is durable, but not quite as resistant to water and scratches as the laminate, so be sure to wipe up spills quickly and avoid scratching the paint as much as possible.
Using 120-grit sandpaper, lightly sand the laminate surface in a circular motion. Don't worry if the furniture starts to look a little dull and less glossy, this is what you want to happen. Avoid sanding too much or you might tear up the laminate from the surface, or even make a hole.
Don't use abrasive tools
Laminate floors can scratch, so steer clear of anything abrasive (steel wool, for example). You'll want to use a soft-bristle broom or dust mop to sweep up debris. If you're vacuuming, be careful to use an attachment without a beater bar or rotating brush, which could scratch the surface.
If you want to make a big impact in your kitchen without a big investment, consider priming and painting your laminate countertops. Your local paint store can supply you with the best type of paint to use in this project. Many recommend a water-based acrylic primer, paint and top coat.
In my experience, spray paint in a can does not come out looking fabulous on laminate pieces. I find it's always a little too shiny, sticky, hard to work with, and the paint smell just penetrates the furniture piece.
BONDING PRIMER
Primers like Kilz, Fuse, and Zinnser are good for bonding very strongly. Primers can be costly, but if they are of good quality there will be no need for sanding.
The quick answer to the question, “Do I need to sand primer before painting my wall?” is YES. Primer should be sanded before you apply the paint. A primer is used to help cover up the existing color of your wall.
In short, you will typically need 2 coats of primer for most painting projects. Apply primer liberally and allow to dry fully before applying your final coat of interior paint. To get more painting advice for your next painting projects, click the link below.