Marcus Chen
Painting a flat, painted laminate dresser is a simple and cost-effective way to breathe new life into your furniture. It is a chance to inject your style and create unique pieces that reflect your taste. Before painting, it is important to clean the surface with a quality cleaner/degreaser and remove any old residue, such as leftover tape glue. Once the surface is dry, it is crucial to sand it with low-grit sandpaper to remove the shine and add texture, as paint does not adhere well to shiny surfaces. After sanding, use a clean roller or brush to apply a high-quality primer and let it dry. Finally, apply one to two coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. With the right preparation and technique, you can easily transform your laminate dresser into a beautiful piece that you will enjoy for years to come.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Clean the surface | Use a quality cleaner/degreaser |
| Remove old residue | Scrape off or use adhesive remover/paint stripper |
| Sand the surface | Use low-grit sandpaper (120-220 grit) to remove the shine and add texture |
| Choose a primer | Oil-based or shellac-based primers are recommended; brands include Sherwin-Williams Extreme Bond Primer, Kilz Original Primer, and Zinsser BIN Primer |
| Apply primer | Use a mohair roller or foam roller for a smooth, even coat |
| Lightly sand the primed surface | Use sandpaper to provide texture and remove dust |
| Choose paint | Acrylic-based or waterborne alkyd enamel paint recommended; brands include Fusion Mineral Paint and Benjamin Moore ADVANCE® Interior Paint or INSL-X® Cabinet Coat |
| Apply paint | Use a mohair roller or paintbrush for the first coat; wait at least four hours before applying the second coat |
| Final touches | Reassemble the dresser, decorate with accessories, or apply a topcoat/sealant |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right paint
Painting a laminate dresser is a great way to inject your style into your home by creating unique pieces that reflect your taste. It is important to choose the right paint to ensure that your hard work does not chip, scuff, or peel off.
Firstly, it is important to note that laminate cannot be stained due to it not being real wood. It is made of synthetic material, usually plastic, that creates a thin, glossy, and hard exterior layer. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a paint that can adhere to such a surface. One option is to use chalk paint, which does not require sanding or priming beforehand. However, if you opt for a different type of paint, you will need to prime the surface first.
When it comes to priming, it is recommended to use an oil-based primer or a powerful bonding primer, such as Kilz Original Primer or INSL-X STIX, to ensure the paint adheres well to the laminate surface. It is important to apply the primer evenly and let it dry completely before moving on to the next step. After priming, lightly sand the surface to create a smooth finish and remove any imperfections.
For the paint, you can choose a latex paint, which is known for its durability and smooth finish. You can use lighter or darker paint colours and a wood-grain tool to create a wood-like effect. Alternatively, you can use acrylic-based or waterborne alkyd enamel paint, such as Fusion Mineral Paint, for a durable finish. Always follow the specific drying instructions on the paint can, and consider applying a second coat if needed.
Additionally, you can use the Benjamin Moore Color Portfolio app to help you choose the ideal shade for your dresser. This app allows you to match the colour of your paint to a beloved piece of furniture, a scarf, or any other item in your home.
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Prepping the dresser
Prepping a dresser for painting is a vital step in achieving a professional-looking finish. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing a flat-painted laminate dresser:
Clean the Dresser
Use a damp, lint-free cloth to wipe down the dresser and remove any dust, debris, and tougher stains. You can use a combination of equal parts vinegar and water for stubborn grime. Allow the dresser to dry completely. This step is crucial as dust can get stuck in the paint and ruin the finish.
Remove Hardware and Detach Mirrors
Remove any hardware, such as drawer pulls and knobs. If the dresser has a mirror, detach it. Sand down the area where the hardware was attached to smooth out any grime.
Examine for Old Residue
Check the dresser for any old residue, such as leftover tape glue. These can usually be scraped off, but if necessary, use adhesive remover or paint stripper. Test any chemical products in an inconspicuous area first to ensure they do not damage or discolour the dresser.
Sand the Surface
Laminate surfaces tend to have a hard, shiny finish. To improve paint adhesion, use medium-grit sandpaper (220-grit or finer) to sand the surface, removing the shine and adding texture. Remember to vacuum the sanding dust and ensure the area is well-ventilated.
Prime the Surface
Apply a coat of primer to the dresser. Oil-based primers, such as Kilz Original Primer, are recommended for laminate surfaces. Use a mohair roller or brush to apply the primer evenly. Allow the primer to dry, and then lightly sand the surface to create a smooth finish and remove any dust particles.
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Priming the surface
Before priming the surface of your laminate dresser, it is important to prepare the surface. Sand the dresser with 150-grit sandpaper, removing any shine and adding texture. This is crucial as laminate usually has a hard, shiny finish that can hinder paint adhesion. Once you have finished sanding, use a damp cloth to wipe down the surface, removing any dust or residue.
When priming the surface, use a high-quality primer, such as Sherwin-Williams Extreme Bond Primer, INSL-X STIX Primer, or KILZ Primer. These primers are designed to provide excellent adhesion to your topcoat, ensuring a durable and long-lasting finish. Using a mohair roller, apply the primer evenly to the entire surface of the dresser. Allow the primer to dry completely, following the manufacturer's instructions. For example, it is suggested that primer takes seven days to completely dry.
Once the primer has dried, lightly sand the surface again with fine-grit sandpaper to provide texture and remove any new dust particles. Remove the dust with a dry cloth or a dust spray. This step is crucial to achieving a professional and even finish. After sanding, you can proceed with painting your dresser, applying the paint in smooth strokes that go in the same direction as the wood grain.
It is important to note that priming is an essential step when painting laminate furniture. Unlike wood, laminate is a smooth and nonporous material, so it needs something to grab onto. Primer will do this trick, providing a smooth base for better adhesion and a truer colour from your paint. Additionally, priming will help protect the wood and cover any stains or discolourations.
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Painting the dresser
Painting laminate furniture is a straightforward, economical, and effective way to give your dresser a makeover. It is important to prepare the surface before painting to ensure the paint adheres properly.
First, examine the dresser for any old residue, such as leftover glue, and scrape this off. If necessary, use an adhesive remover or paint stripper, but test it on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't cause damage. Next, wash the surface with a quality cleaner or degreaser, such as TSP Degreaser, and allow it to dry.
Once the dresser is clean and dry, use sandpaper to sand down the surface. Laminate usually has a hard, shiny finish, so sanding is crucial to remove the shine and add texture, which will help the paint adhere. Use low-grit sandpaper, such as 150-grit sandpaper, and sand until the surface is dull and feels slightly rough. An electric sander can make this process faster.
After sanding, use a dry cloth or dust spray to remove any dust particles. Then, apply a high-quality primer, such as a shellac-based primer like Kilz Original Primer, using a mohair roller. The primer will improve paint adhesion and ensure a durable finish. Once the primer has dried, lightly sand the surface again with fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit or finer) to provide texture and remove dust particles.
Now, you are ready to paint your dresser. Use a clean mohair roller or a paintbrush to apply the first coat of laminate paint. Latex paint is recommended for its durability and smooth finish. Allow the first coat to dry for at least four hours, and then apply a second coat of paint. Check the paint can for specific drying instructions.
Once the final coat is dry, you can reassemble the dresser and enjoy your freshly painted piece of furniture!
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Finishing touches
Once you've painted your laminate dresser, it's time for the finishing touches. Here are some ideas to complete your project:
Lining the drawers
Consider adding a fun pattern or colour to the inside of your drawers. You can use peel-and-stick wallpaper, which is an easy and commitment-free way to add some personality to your dresser. Choose a design that complements your chosen paint colour.
Hardware
The hardware on your dresser, such as handles or knobs, can be cleaned up and repainted if necessary. You can use spray paint in a colour that complements your new dresser colour. For example, you could use dark gold spray paint with a brighter gold on top, sealed with a clear topcoat.
Decorative accessories
Add some decorative accessories to the top of your dresser to complete the look. This could include items such as a lamp, a mirror, a plant, or a basket tray for storing small items. Choose accessories that reflect your style and personality.
Anchoring
If you're using your laminate dresser in a child's room, don't forget to anchor it to the wall to prevent tip-over accidents. This is an important safety measure to consider.
Protection
Finally, consider sealing your painted dresser with a top coat to protect your hard work. You can use a product such as General Finishes High-Performance Top Coat in Flat to give your dresser a durable finish.
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Frequently asked questions
Before painting your laminate dresser, it is important to clean the surface with a quality cleaner/degreaser. Once the surface is dry, sand it with low-grit sandpaper to remove the shine and add texture. This step is crucial as laminate has a hard, shiny finish that can prevent paint adhesion.
It is recommended to use latex paint when painting laminate furniture due to its durability and smooth finish. You can also use chalk paint, which does not require sanding or priming.
It is important to always use a primer when painting laminate furniture to ensure better paint adhesion. You should also work in a well-ventilated area and put down a drop cloth to catch any paint drips or debris. Additionally, if you do not want paint to get inside the drawers and the dresser, be sure to tape off these areas.
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