How to Properly Repaint Laminate Furniture by Yourself

Do you still have shelving units, dressers, or wardrobes made from laminated particle board (DSP) or medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and have you ever considered replacing them? Don't rush to throw away such furniture, because with the right approach, you can refresh your interior and make it more vibrant and unique. We share the most useful tips for updating the color of laminated furniture.

1. Remove Grease and Dirt

The surface of laminated furniture must be thoroughly cleaned of any contaminants and degreased. Use liquid cleaning agents that dissolve grease. After rinsing well, dry the surface thoroughly.

If the furniture consists of many decorative elements and drawers, it is better to disassemble it before painting. If the furniture design is very simple or only the fronts need to be painted, leave everything as is.

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2. Sand the Surface

Laminated surfaces on furniture are made of PVC, which means they absorb little water and therefore do not readily accept paint. To improve the adhesion of paint layers to the laminated surface, it is necessary to treat the surface with sandpaper, preferably grade 0. Use protective equipment such as a respirator or dust mask, because dust from this type of coating is very harmful.

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3. Prime the Surface

Don't skimp on this step and buy any primer that comes to hand. Choose a primer based on polyurethane, which works even on glass and tiles. It's crucial to cover all fittings and decor with masking tape that you haven't removed or plan not to repaint.

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4. Fill Cracks and Gaps

The surface of old furniture may not be perfect, so all chips and cracks should be filled with spackle or epoxy resin. After spackling, allow the surface to dry and re-prime it.

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5. Choosing Paint, Rollers, and Brushes

Alkyd enamels and polyurethane paints are suitable for painting furniture with PVC film. Almost every manufacturer has a special lacquer and paint product line for furniture restoration. For MDF and particle board items, use acrylic latex-based compositions, but only after applying special primer.

The easiest way to paint large surfaces at home is using a roller. For corners and hard-to-reach areas, use a brush with a beveled edge.

Another option is using a spray gun with paint consumption between 60 and 200 grams per square meter. This professional approach requires some experience, as the nozzle size and pressure must be calculated independently depending on the paint type.

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6. Protective Topcoat

If the fronts of furniture will undergo heavy wear or are located in a humid area, it is necessary to apply a protective clear coat over the painted surface. A water-based topcoat will protect the paint from moisture and wear.

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