Tip: Latex paint is recommended for laminate surface painting projects because of its durability and smooth finish.
You don't absolutely have to, but they'll look much better if you do. Laminate is a synthetic product with a glossy surface, which makes it difficult for the paint and primer to adhere to it.
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.
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!
The BIN shellac-based primer, Cover Stain primer, and clear shellac primer mentioned above all come in aerosol spray paint cans and are SO good at getting paint to stick to laminate cabinets or furniture.
Chalk paint is famous for sticking to just about anything, and in this case it makes the perfect primer between the laminate surface and the Satin Enamels paint. It's easy to apply and dries quickly. And the Satin Enamels provide the perfect durable finish over the chalk paint.
Latex or water-based paint works well on laminate cabinets if you use a good primer. But before it fully cures, the paint remains sticky and may peel off easily if two painted surfaces bump against each other. With a water-based primer underneath. latex paints may take one to four weeks to cure.
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.
The KEY to having the paint stick is to use the proper primer. I recommend using Zinsser Oil Based Primer. This stuff sticks like glue! I love their water based primer too, but when painting laminate, just go for the oil based, I feel it adheres better.
White Knight Tile & Laminate paints can both be used on a variety of surfaces including interior laminate, melamine or ceramic surfaces. The key difference between the two products is that Tile paint provides a gloss finish and Laminate paint provides a satin finish.
Prime the surface using a bonding primer to ensure that your paint will stick to the laminate. Paint on at least two coats of chalk paint evenly over the entire piece of furniture; lighter colors may need more coats for full coverage.
Formica® Countertops - Can I just paint them? "Yes"... Formica® countertops can be painted and over time people have used latex paints, epoxies, and even cans of enamel spray paint.
When you're ready to paint your countertops, get a paint kit that's made for your surface or choose a paint that's suited for the material of your countertop. Water-based acrylic paints work well for laminate counters.
Mod Podge is sort of like clear glue {though not quite the same as Elmers glue} – and it's the tackiness that allows it to really truly grip onto the laminate without needing any sort of prep work beforehand.
I know sanding isn't all that fun, but it really is necessary for this project. Light sanding makes sure the paint can adhere to the smooth laminate surface properly. It also knocks out any little imperfections before painting, ensuring that damage won't show through the paint.
The second option to seal the laminate is to paint the surface with an enamel paint. My favorites are Valspar Cabinet Enamel, Benjamin Moore DTM low lustre enamel, and Benjamin Moore Super Spec high gloss enamel. Each of these paints are made to adhere to almost any surface (wood, metal, glass, and more).
Completely change the look of your laminate kitchen floor on a budget! Rust-Oleum HOME Floor Coating is a hassle free, two-part system that requires no stripping, sanding or priming and creates long-lasting results you'll love. To get started, make sure your floor is clean of dirt and debris and dry.
Ideal Uses: Metal, Wicker, Concrete, Wood, Vinyl, Laminate, Plastic and, Glass.
First, laminate can be painted over. It's not difficult (at all), you just need to do it right. I'll go into the how to paint laminate in a minute. Second, laminate is more durable than wood when it comes to scratches and dings.
Don't skip sanding. Laminate has a synthetic, glossy surface, so sanding is especially important. Don't oversand. Laminate is a thin material, so be gentle to make sure you don't break through the top layer.
Priming is really important with laminate furniture, so don't jump straight to applying the paint as this will be wasted effort. If the laminate has never been painted before, you will need to apply two coats of primer. When the first coat of primer has dried, lightly sand it before applying the second coat.
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.