Priya Kapoor
Painting a laminate dresser is a simple and cost-effective way to breathe new life into old furniture. While the standard method of painting laminate furniture involves sanding, it is possible to skip this step with careful preparation and the right products. This includes using a deglosser, liquid sandpaper, or a heavy-duty bonding primer to ensure the paint adheres correctly to the slick laminate surface. After cleaning the surface with a mild detergent or sugar soap, a high-quality primer can be applied, followed by two layers of paint and a durable top coat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Required products | Deglosser, liquid sandpaper, heavy-duty bonding primer, mild detergent, water, sugar soap, foam roller, paintbrush, polyurethane |
| Preparation | Remove hardware, clean surface, rinse and dry, tape sections, remove old residue, scrape off residue, apply adhesive remover or paint stripper, wash surface, sand surface, remove dust |
| Paint | Latex paint, chalk paint, milk paint, Sherwin Williams’ Emerald Line, Benjamin Moore’s Advance Line, General Finishes |
| Top coat | Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish, General Finishes high-performance topcoat |
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What You'll Learn
Clean the dresser's surface with a detergent or deglosser
Before painting a laminate dresser, it is important to clean its surface. This is because any layers of primer or paint that you add will go on more smoothly and will not peel away later if the surface is clean.
Designer and principal of Archute, Jacky Chou, recommends removing any hardware, such as knobs or pulls, and cleaning the surface with a mild detergent and water to remove dirt, grime, and oils. You can also use a quality cleaner/degreaser for this step.
If you are painting furniture with a laminated coating, such as IKEA furniture, it is beneficial to use a deglossing solution or liquid sandpaper to toughen up the smooth surface and prepare it for paint. These products still allow you to skip the sanding step, but they will add a little more time to the project as you wait for them to sit and take effect.
Liquid sandpaper or deglosser can be applied by saturating a cloth and wiping down a section of the furniture. As you move between different sections or areas of the dresser, be sure to use a fresh, clean section of the cloth.
After cleaning the dresser's surface with detergent or deglosser, it is important to let it dry completely before proceeding with the next steps of priming and painting.
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Use a bonding primer to help paint adhere
Laminate furniture is typically characterised by a hard, shiny finish. This smoothness hinders paint adhesion, which is why a bonding primer is so important. Without it, the paint will scratch off easily. A bonding primer specifically designed for laminate furniture will ensure a smooth finish that is unlikely to chip with general use.
Jon Christensen, a home renovation expert and the CEO of Bidmii, recommends Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer or Kilz Adhesion High-Bonding Primer, both available on Amazon. He suggests using a synthetic bristle brush or a foam roller to apply a thin, even primer to the entire surface of the dresser. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding drying time between coats and the number of coats needed. As a general rule, two coats of primer should be sufficient, allowing each to dry before applying the next.
If you don't want to use a bonding primer, you can try painting laminate furniture with chalk paint. This method still requires a protective finish of some kind. You can also make your own chalk paint, as described on The Morris Mansion blog. However, if you don't use a primer, you must seal the chalk paint after it dries.
After applying the primer, you can then apply your chosen paint. It is recommended to use durable latex paint, along with a good-quality bonding primer, to ensure a smooth finish. Any painted laminate surface will be prone to general wear and tear as the new paint coating is not as water-resistant or scratch-resistant as the original hard laminated wood.
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Apply two coats of paint, allowing each to dry
Painting a laminate dresser is a simple, cost-effective way to breathe new life into your furniture. While sanding is often considered a standard step when painting laminate, it is a time-consuming and laborious task. However, with careful preparation and the right products, it is possible to skip sanding and still achieve a long-lasting finish.
When painting laminate furniture without sanding, it is essential to use a high-quality bonding primer designed for laminate surfaces. The primer will create a good surface for the paint to stick to, as laminate on its own is too slick for paint to adhere correctly. Experts recommend using a synthetic bristle brush or a foam roller to apply a thin, even layer of primer to the entire surface of the dresser. It is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding drying time and the number of coats needed. Typically, two coats of primer are recommended, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next.
Once the primer is dry, it is time to move on to the paint application process. For laminate furniture, it is best to use durable latex paint or milk paint, which is known for its high quality and scratch resistance. When applying the paint, use a good-quality paintbrush or a foam roller to achieve a smooth and streak-free finish. Apply the first coat of paint evenly to the primed surface, and allow it to dry completely before proceeding.
After the first coat of paint has dried, you can move on to the second coat. Apply the second coat of paint in the same manner as the first, ensuring that the entire surface is covered. Again, allow this coat to dry thoroughly before moving on to any additional steps, such as applying a topcoat or sealant.
By following these steps and allowing each coat of paint to dry completely before proceeding, you will achieve a professional-looking and long-lasting finish on your laminate dresser, even without sanding.
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Use a foam roller to avoid streaks and undesired texture
Painting a laminate dresser without sanding is possible, but it requires careful preparation and the right products. One of the most important steps is to use a primer to create a good surface for the paint to stick to. Laminate surfaces are usually too slick for paint to adhere correctly.
When applying the primer, it is recommended to use a foam roller to avoid streaks and undesired texture. A foam roller will help you achieve a thin, even application, ensuring that the paint adheres properly and has a smooth finish. It is also useful for working in tight spots and on awkward corners.
Jon Christensen, a home renovation expert, recommends using a synthetic bristle brush or a foam roller to apply a thin, even layer of primer to the entire surface of the furniture. He suggests following the manufacturer's instructions for drying time between coats and the number of coats needed.
It is worth investing in a high-quality primer designed specifically for laminate surfaces, such as Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer or Kilz Adhesion High-Bonding Primer. These primers will provide excellent adhesion and ensure a durable finish.
After priming, you can proceed with painting. It is recommended to use durable latex paint and apply at least two coats to ensure a long-lasting finish. Once the paint is dry, you can add a tough topcoat to seal in the paint and prevent any peeling.
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Add a tough topcoat to seal the paint and prevent peeling
Adding a tough topcoat to seal the paint is the final step in painting laminate furniture without sanding. This is especially important when you have skipped sanding, as a clear topcoat will act as the final protective barrier, trapping the paint against the laminate surface.
Jon Christensen, a home renovation expert and CEO of Bidmii, seconds this and recommends using the Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish, available at Walmart. He also recommends using durable latex paint, along with a good-quality bonding primer, to ensure a smooth finish that is unlikely to chip with general use.
You can also use polyurethane to help protect the finish. Apply two to three coats with a foam or soft-bristle brush, lightly sanding between coats with 220 or 320-grit sandpaper.
If you are looking for a water-based option, General Finishes high-performance topcoat in a satin finish is a good choice. It goes on without any fumes, and cleanup is easy. Once it's dried, it's incredibly durable and washes well.
It is important to note that any painted laminate surface will be prone to general wear and tear as the new paint coating is not as water-resistant or scratch-resistant as the original hard laminated wood.
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Frequently asked questions
You can paint a laminate dresser without sanding by first cleaning the surface with a mild detergent and water to remove dirt, grime, and oils. Then, apply a liquid sandpaper or deglosser to remove the sheen from the laminate. After this, apply a bonding primer specifically designed for laminate furniture, such as Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer, and finally, use a high-quality paint such as durable latex paint.
The best type of paint to use on a laminate dresser without sanding is a high-quality, durable latex paint. You can also use milk paint, which is available in a range of hues and does not require priming. Another option is chalk paint, which can stick to most surfaces without any prep work, although it does require a protective finish.
Yes, it is recommended to use a primer when painting a laminate dresser without sanding. The primer creates a good surface for the paint to stick to, as laminate on its own is too slick for the paint to form a good bond. A bonding primer specifically designed for laminate furniture will ensure a smooth finish that is unlikely to chip.
There are several primers available that are suitable for painting a laminate dresser without sanding. Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer is a water-based option that is not too expensive and claims to make paint stick to any surface. Another option is the BIN Shellac-based primer, which is easily obtainable at your local hardware store, although it does have a strong smell.
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