Can I Paint Laminates?
Laminate is a man-made product (usually plastic) that is actually ‘printed’ to look like it has wood grain. It allows manufacturers to create furniture, cabinets, and flooring for less money.
If you have some laminate coated furniture or laminate kitchen cabinets they can be painted, you just have a trickier job on your hands. The shiny, smooth surface just means you have to sand and use an adhesion primer to encourage the paint to stick.
Ensure you wash the laminate surface down with Tikkurila's Cleaning Agent or a strong detergent solution. This will remove grease and create a smooth canvas. Wipe off any residue with a damp cloth.
When the surface is dry, sand with fine paper. Because it’s often somewhat glossy-looking, it's important to sand it down until the finish is very dull before priming. We recommend using 120 grit sandpaper for this. And, unlike real wood, it’s unnecessary to sand with the ‘grain’
Apply a wood or melamine primer depending on the surface.
Priming
Once priming is complete apply two coats of your chosen colour. You might want to use a small roller for a smooth finish. After the first coat is completely dry, sand with a fine paper to ensure a smooth, professional finish. Remember to wipe off any dust with a damp cloth.
Topcoat Options
- Everal Aqua 10, Everal Aqua 40 or Everal Aqua 80, depending on the sheen level required
- Helmi 10, Helmi 30 or Helmi 80, depending on the sheen level required
- Empire Furniture Paint
If you require more advice on painting laminate, give our technical team a call on 0131 334 4999 or send a message to them here.
