Priming is really important when painting veneers. Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 is a universal water-based primer, sealer and stain killer all in one. It is quick drying, taking only 30 minutes to dry. Once you have primed, it's ready to paint!
Start by using a brush to prime nooks, edges, corners, and cracks. Then, saturate a roller with primer and roll off the excess on the tray. Apply a thin and even coat of primer to the rest of the veneer surface. Primer provided a better adhesion of paint to the surface.
Many people prefer acrylic paints over any other paint, and that's because of its versatility. Acrylic paint is water-based, non-toxic, and easy to use and clean. These paints are known for their bright, vibrant colors. One of the main benefits to painting veneer furniture with acrylic paint is that it's fast-drying.
Clean the furniture.
Mix 2 Tablespoons of White Lightning or TSP in 1 gallon of hot water. Use a rag dipped in the solution to clean the entire surface of the furniture you'll be painting. Wipe the piece clean with a damp rag to remove any White Lightning residue. Let dry prior to painting.
Priming is really important when painting veneers. Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 is a universal water-based primer, sealer and stain killer all in one. It is quick drying, taking only 30 minutes to dry. Once you have primed, it's ready to paint!
Similarly to laminate furniture, older pieces of furniture often have a delicate top wood veneer. You can paint veneer furniture without sanding with the same steps as solid wood furniture. However, if you have to do any touch up sanding, make sure to use a very fine grit sandpaper so you don't damage the veneer.
If the veneer is damaged or has chipped off in some places, but isn't loose and flaky… you can either fill it with wood-putty and sand it smooth, OR you can embrace the character and prime and paint right over it.
Look for 100 percent acrylic, semigloss self-leveling paint, Digmann suggests. This type of paint will help smooth out any worn areas or dings and will also be durable and easy to clean in high-use areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. (Matte finishes on cabinets tend to be harder to clean.)
If you have ever worked with veneer then I bet you have sanded through it. We have all been there at least once but probably a few more than that. No worries. Fixing and painting over sanded through veneer is incredibly simple.
You can often see the thickness of veneer on the edges and corners. When refinishing veneer furniture, it's important not to over-sand a project, otherwise you'll break through to the plywood below. Too little sanding won't remove all of the scratches and dents. We recommend having a variety of grits, 100, 120, 320.
Tip: Latex paint is recommended for laminate surface painting projects because of its durability and smooth finish. Try ProClassic® Waterborne Interior Acrylic Enamel for lighter colors, and All Surface Latex Enamel Base for deeper hues.
Veneers are natural materials made from thin natural wood slices. Laminates are artificial materials made from decorative papers and plastic resins. Veneers are made from real wood sheets in a way that each sheet gives a unique design and appearance. Laminate sheets have the same design and appearance.
Most Ikea furniture is made of laminate wood, which can be hard to work with but by sanding first, you'll find the job a doddle. After sanding, wipe down the furniture to get rid of the dust. Once your furniture has dried, you move onto the next step.
Painting over varnished wood can be a daunting task. You might not have time to strip the varnish back by sanding it off completely which is where a Zinsser primer can do the work for you. We recommend using Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 for glossy surfaces like varnished wood.
Conclusion: Chemical stripping is your better option for a veneered piece. If you have sanded veneer and feel comfortable doing, it can certainly be done, just be patient, start at 100 or 120 rather than a 60 or 80 grit. Don't press hard with the sander, let it do the work.
How to Sand Veneer. Practice patience when hand sanding small veneered pieces. For most veneer types, we recommend starting with nothing coarser than a 100-grit and slowly working your way up to a 220-grit or finer, depending on the piece and desired outcome. All increases and changes should be gradual.