Yes, chalk paint will stick to laminate, but because laminate has a slick, non-porous surface, it requires proper prep to prevent peeling. For lasting durability, clean the surface thoroughly to remove oils, scuff-sand to remove the shine, use a bonding primer, and seal with a clear topcoat.
Tip: We recommend using latex paint when painting laminate furniture because of its durability and smooth finish.
If the laminate you're painting is really shiny, give it a quick sanding. A light sanding ensures the paint has a textured surface to adhere to. Add a little water to your chosen Chalk Paint™ colour if the paint is too thick. Just be sure to mix the water into the Chalk Paint™ very thoroughly.
While chalk paint is popular for its matte finish and low-prep application, it has notable disadvantages. It requires sealing to prevent re-liquefying, struggles with stain bleed-through, is prone to visible brush marks, and can be more expensive than traditional latex paints.
Adhesion and Coverage: Chalk Paint is known for its excellent adhesion to various surfaces, including veneer. It adheres well without the need for extensive priming or sanding, making it a convenient option.
Make sure you're using paint specifically designed for laminate surfaces. When selecting the finish, satin is a popular choice, but you can also opt for a gloss finish if you prefer a shinier look. Apply thin coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry fully (at least eight hours) before applying the next.
No, chalk paint generally does not require a primer. Thanks to its unique, highly adhesive formula, you can usually paint directly over most clean, dry surfaces, including raw wood, existing paint, and varnishes. However, there are a few specific exceptions where priming is necessary to prevent issues.
Chalk paint is still used by dedicated hobbyists, but its overall popularity has declined significantly as design trends shifted toward natural wood finishes and sleeker, more durable paints.
Tjhoko Paint can be used on wood, metal, glass, natural fabrics, laminated surfaces and previously varnished surfaces with no sanding or priming required (just a thorough wipe down with Lacquer thinners) – Tjhoko Paint is truly a revolutionary product!
Red is universally considered the hardest paint color to cover. Vibrant red pigments are highly transparent and inherently prone to bleeding through subsequent layers. Other notoriously difficult colors to cover include black, dark blue, dark green, and bright yellow.
Can you paint laminate? Yes—and it's actually quite simple. Follow our step-by-step guide on how to paint laminate furniture, including project-specific tips for painting laminate cabinets, desks, coffee tables, bookshelves and dressers. You cannot stain laminate, since it is not real wood.
To make laminate furniture look like wood, you can either apply a textured faux-paint finish or use peel-and-stick wood veneer. Both methods require proper cleaning, scuff sanding to create grip, and a strong bonding primer to prevent peeling.
A sure way to recognize wood laminate is when the grain does NOT follow through your piece. Wood Veneer is a sheet or thin layer of 'quality-natural-hardwood' that is adhered to a lesser quality wood surface. Wood Veneers give the impression of a more desired quality wood without being as costly.
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.
Hot glue works great with laminated items. But best velcro is the little circle dots that have adhesive on them already.
Common Mistakes When Painting Laminate Cabinets
One of the most common errors Simone sees is homeowners skipping the primer altogether or using the wrong type. She also warns against rushing drying time between coats or not fully cleaning grease and residue from the cabinet's surface.
You can apply Chalk Paint® using a dry brush or wet brush technique. The difference really is in the finish you'll achieve. For a smooth, even look, you want to really charge your paint brush with Chalk Paint®. The brush is wet with paint meaning it will go really far and give the best coverage.
While you do not strictly have to seal chalk paint, it is highly recommended. Unsealed paint is extremely porous, meaning it easily absorbs oils, moisture, and fingerprints. Sealing it prevents stains, protects against scuffs, and allows you to wipe down the surface without damaging the color.
The best primer for chalk paint depends on your project, but the top overall choices are Zinsser B-I-N for blocking wood tannins and Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 for general adhesion. If your furniture is very slick, a dedicated bonding primer like Dixie Belle Bonding BOSS is ideal.
People use chalk paint primarily for its convenience and versatility in DIY and furniture upcycling. It requires almost no prep work, dries incredibly fast, and creates a unique, velvety matte finish.
Cool gray is being replaced by "mushroom" neutrals (warm taupes and greys with subtle green or violet undertones), warm earthy khakis, and soft, natural sages.
Top 10 Timeless Paint Colors for Your Home
Skipping Proper Surface Preparation. One of the biggest mistakes is diving straight into painting without preparing your surface. Dirt, grease, and glossy finishes can all prevent chalk paint from adhering properly, leading to uneven coverage or chipping.
For most chalk painting projects, two coats are perfectly sufficient for full, solid coverage. However, the exact number depends on your specific colors—lighter colors painted over a dark surface may require three coats, while some darker paints achieve complete coverage in just a single coat.
Red is universally considered the hardest paint color to cover. Vibrant red pigments are highly transparent and inherently prone to bleeding through subsequent layers. Other notoriously difficult colors to cover include black, dark blue, dark green, and bright yellow.