Painting laminate furniture is different from painting wooden furniture, and if you haven’t done it before, you may be wondering how to spray paint laminate furniture. Spray painting has been gaining popularity in recent years as it provides a quick and efficient way to give your furniture a fresh coat of color, and this time we’ll use it to transform your laminate piece.
So let’s see the combo of spray paint for furniture and laminate furniture, and learn how you can do it yourself with just a few easy steps!
Laminate furniture is made of a thin layer of synthetic material over wood that is smooth and glossy, and unlike wooden furniture, laminate does not absorb paint well. This makes it tricky to paint and can result in a patchy and uneven finish if not done properly.
This makes many people hesitant about attempting to paint their laminate furniture. But with the right tools and techniques, you can get a beautiful and long lasting finish on your laminate piece and save money instead of buying a new one.
In this post, we’ll use spray paint for laminate furniture – spray paint is convenient and easy to use, comes in a wide variety of colors, and dries quickly. It also helps to avoid brush marks and drips that can be more common with traditional paint and painting methods.
So keep reading to find out how to paint laminate furniture with spray paint successfully and tackle your laminate DIY project with confidence!
Supplies Used for Spray Painting Laminate Furniture
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Cleaning Laminate Furniture
Start by giving your piece a good wipe down with a cleaning solution. You can use a degreaser or mild detergent and water, but my favorite for this job is Krud Kutter. Make sure to get into all the nooks and corners to remove any dirt, grime, or grease that may have accumulated over time.
Let your furniture dry completely before moving on to the next step. Any residual moisture can affect how well the paint adheres and may cause an uneven finish. You want a clean, smooth surface for the best results. You can get more details and tips on how to clean furniture before painting here.
Sanding Laminate Furniture
So now that your furniture is clean and dry, it’s time to tackle the sanding process. Again, laminate furniture with its slick surface can be tricky to paint, and sanding helps to create a rough surface for the paint to adhere to.
But you don’t need to sand it down completely – just enough to dull the shine and remove any imperfections. Grab some 220 grit sandpaper and begin gently sanding the laminate surface. You don’t want to press too hard or you may damage the material.
Be sure to also sand any areas with scratches or chips. Sanding these areas will help to even out the surface and create a smooth canvas for painting. If you have deep scratches or chips, you’ll need to follow some extra steps to repair them. Here’s repairing old furniture to guide you through the process.
Remember, the better your prep work is, the better your final result will be! Once you’re done sanding, make sure to vacuum up the dust you created. After vacuuming, I also like to use a tack cloth to wipe away any extra dust remaining on the surface. You don’t want any dust particles to get trapped under the paint and affect the finish.
Do I need to sand before spray painting?
You may be tempted to skip the sanding step, especially if you’re using spray paint. You might be looking for a quick and easy painting process, and if you can get away without sanding, you’ll want to know.
To answer the question, yes, you do need to sand before spray painting laminate furniture. Remember, we need to help the paint adhere to the slick laminate surface, and sanding is the most efficient way to do so.
But it is possible to skip sanding and work around it. You can check out how to paint laminate furniture without sanding here, but we still recommend sanding if you want the best and most durable finish for your furniture. It’s a tried and tested method for sure!
Priming Laminate Furniture
Another important way for a successful spray painting project with laminate furniture is to properly prime it before painting. Priming helps the paint stick better and last longer, and for this step, we recommend using a clear shellac or BIN shellac based primer, both available in spray cans for easy application.
These spray primers do have a strong odor so it’s important to use them in a well ventilated area or outdoors and wear proper safety gear like a respirator. Apply 2 coats of primer evenly on the entire surface, making sure to cover every nook and cranny. Here’s priming wood for painting so you can learn more about why priming is important and how to apply your primer.
This will create a strong bond between the laminate and paint, preventing it from peeling or chipping easily. Just remember to let the primer dry completely before moving on to painting. Each primer may have a different recommended drying time so make sure to read the instructions carefully.
Spray Painting Laminate Furniture With Behr Spray Paint
After doing all the prep work, we continue with the fun part – spray painting! Behr spray paint is a great choice for painting laminate furniture with its durability and wide range of color options. We have tested it alongside other popular spray paints and we have to say, Behr was a top performer. You can check out the test in this best spray paint for wood furniture post!
When using Behr spray paint, make sure to shake the can well for at least a minute before applying. You want the paint to be properly mixed so it sprays nicely and evenly. Holding the can about 10 inches away from the surface, use smooth back and forth motions to create thin and even layers of paint.
Wait for about 10 minutes between coats so the paint can dry properly. This will also help prevent runs or drips in your final finish. Once you’re done applying all your coats, leave the furniture to dry completely for at least 24 hours. For a more detailed guide on using spray paint, here’s how to spray paint furniture!
After that, you can lightly use your newly painted laminate furniture. It will take up to a month for the paint to fully cure though, so be careful not to damage or scratch it while it’s still in the curing process.
More Spray Painting Furniture Tips
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