Laminate surfaces are not as simple to paint as other surfaces. They require special attention before you can start painting them!
Step 1: Get Your Materials: No matter what type of laminate surface you wish to paint over, youll need some 80 to 120 grit sandpaper, trisodium phosphate (TSP), a foam roller, and special melamine paint designed to be used on laminate surfaces.
Step 2: Sand the Surface: Before you begin painting, sand down the laminate surface to remove the laminate surface gloss. It can take a while so you have to be a little more patient. Without doing this, the paint cannot adhere to the surface, so it would be pointless to paint it. When sanding, remember to work on the laminates edge and substrates surface at the same time!
Step 3: Wash the Surface with TSP: After youve finished sanding off the laminate gloss, its time to apply the TSP. First, mix it with water. TSP is designed to remove both gloss and grease from surfaces. When handling it, remember to wear gloves. After youve finished washing the surface, you have to let the laminate dry completely before you do anything else.
Step 4: Apply the Primer: Start applying the primer 30 minutes after the surface is washed and it should be allowed to dry for a full 24 hours before applying the paint.
Step 5: Start Painting: Now, its time to actually start painting the surface. To do this, youll really want to go with a high-density foam roller because melamine paint creates a hard, durable surface and foam rollers do not roll bubbles like some other types of paint rollers. This ensures that the surface stays smooth and even when the paint is applied.
Step 6: Apply Two More Coats: When using melamine paint, its best to apply two or three regular coats instead of trying to paint on one thick coat. If you are painting cabinets or other vertical surfaces, you have to remove them and put them in a place where they can be painted horizontally.
Step 7: Apply the Finish: Melamine finish takes 6 days to fully cure so you have to make allowance for it. Otherwise, you may ruin the finish and have to start all over. Melamine finish is designed to last several years.
