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.
Latex paint is recommended for laminate surface painting projects because of its durability and smooth finish.
The first thing you need to know is that, without proper preparation, paint won't adhere to a laminate surface. Some paints will just bead up on the surface of the laminate. Other paints will go on with a splotchy, uneven finish and the first coat will begin peeling off as soon as you try to paint a second coat.
You can paint the cabinets with oil-based paints, acrylic paints, or melamine paints once they have been primed. Moisture-resistant materials in the paint make Melamine paints ideal for painting laminate surfaces, since they are just right for the moisture and steam that are so prevalent in kitchens.
So yes! You can paint laminate furniture without sanding! Keep in mind though, if you have any scratches or spots of nail polish (like I did), you'll want to sand those areas so you have a nice smooth surface for your paint.
Chalk paint is a great choice for painting laminate cabinets because it “hides” brush strokes. If you're using chalk paint for a project, you pretty much can't mess it up.
Laminate doesn't play well with all primers and paints, only those specially formulated to adhere to its picky surface. If you opt for a primer, choose a bonding primer tenacious enough to stick to laminate (view example on Amazon), and then top it with an oil- or latex-based paint after the primer has cured.
BIN Shellac Based Primer
But you don't have to worry about tannins on laminate furniture, because it's not real wood! BIN Shellac Based Primer has excellent adhesion and sticks to slick surfaces like ceramic tile, glass, metal, plastic, and hardboard.
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.
Ultimate durability and performance of an oil based paint with the easy water clean-up and fast dry of a latex. Smooth factory like melamine finish.
Carefully fill and sand any dents, bashed corners or chipped edges with a wood filler. After that, apply two coats of our Multi Purpose Primer. This will give your MDF and laminate furniture a really good base and help the paint to stick.
As for the kind of paint you should choose, we recommend that you pick a resilient paint product like porch paint, though latex paint is also an excellent alternative. If you want to match your laminate wood floor with floor tile or nearby vinyl plank, you can also choose to use chalk paint for better contrast.
Oil based paints dry much harder providing exceptional resistance to wear and tear. Though the paint dries harder, there is not much elasticity within the paint allowing the paint to likely crack. Becoming dry, chalky and brittle. Water based paints now days dry hard and resist damage and wear and tear.
If you're planning to paint the laminate a dark color, you can skip the primer altogether and paint on one of these enamel paints. Beware that painting over damaged laminate will not result in a perfectly smooth surface.
Once the cabinets are primed, you can paint them with oil-based paints, acrylic paints or melamine paints. Melamine paints are specifically designed for painting laminate surfaces, as the moisture-resistant materials in the paint make them just right for the moisture and steam so prevalent in kitchens.
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 suggested that primer takes seven days to completely dry.
Oil-based primer means that the base of the primer is oil. This primer can be used in combination with oil-based paint. Oil-based primer is better at sealing in stains and tannins. So, if you have a nasty smoke stain or smell that you'd like to cover, oil-based primer is ideal.
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.
If your chalk paint isn't sticking - and your furniture looks like it is repelling the paint - take these steps! Step 1: Wipe off any wet paint in the areas where it isn't sticking. Don't let it dry and then try to add more. If you can intervene and wipe off as much of the wet paint as possible, that's the best!
Step 3 – Paint
Some will tell you to use laminate paint but I love milk paint for laminate so I would recommend that. Use your roller to paint the flat surfaces and a brush to carefully paint the detailed areas. Let it dry per the paint can's instructions. Apply another coat or two as needed.
Lightly Sand the Entire Piece
Laminate is a slick and non-porous surface so it's best to lightly scuff the surface. I use 150-220 grit sandpaper to sand the laminate because it's the BEST way to get the primer and paint to adhere properly. Trust me… this step will ensure your paint job lasts!
You can paint laminate floors as it's an easy way to elevate the aesthetic of any room. You will need to clean the floors, and sand down the glossy laminate finish before you begin the painting process. Be sure to prime your floors with a good oil-based primer to leave them beautiful and fresh.
Depending on what kind of surface you're painting you'll need to choose paint that is right for your particular floor. Our GoodHome durable floor and stairs paint is perfect for wood, laminate, or tiles.