Learn how to paint laminate furniture with chalk paint the right way. I’m taking all the guesswork out of it for you. Relax and be confident that you’ll be successful painting that dresser. There’s nothing worse than a failed finish on your furniture, and I’m pretty sure you’re like me and want to do it the right way the first time. That wasn’t the case with my first attempt, so today, I want to share my second successful attempt.
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How To Paint Laminate Furniture
Ah, yes, those beautiful laminated pieces of furniture that look so pretty but are a booger to paint. Well, at least they used to be. Ever since I discovered SLICK STICK, I sure don’t pass up nearly as many of these beautiful french provincial dressers. This one had a few issues. Isn’t that always the case? (*insert eye roll here)
Below is a product list for you to find the products that I know like and trust to help you paint over that shiny, slick laminate.
- White Lighting (furniture cleaner prep)
- Plastic Spray Bottle (for White Lightning)
- Paper Towels
- Slick Stick
- Mini Synthetic Paintbrush
- Chalk Mineral Paint
For you video learners, here is a quick tutorial. WATCH THIS!
NO Sanding Required
Say what? NO Sanding to prep a laminate surface before painting? You heard me right.
I’m using a product that preps the surface for paint. It works beautifully on slick surfaces like laminate.
Using A Bonding Primer
Here’s how you do it! After the usual cleaning with the White Lightning, paint two coats of the SLICK STICK over the laminate surface. Allow 2-3 hours between coats to ensure it’s fully dried. Painting over the first coat before that time is not a good idea. You want to ensure that all the water has evaporated, even the water you can’t see or feel on the surface.
Allow Time To Dry
Allow the painted surfaces to dry for another 24 hours. Next, you will want to do a “scratch test.” This is where I use my fingernail or another object and scratch across the surface. This will give you the assurance you need to proceed with your painted furniture makeover. The only reason that the finish could fail is if you don’t clean it well before. All the more reason for using White Lighting to clean the surface first. This is how to paint laminate furniture the right way. Now, find your favorite color of chalk paint and get to painting!
I’m so happy you joined me here today. I paint a lot of furniture and share them weekly, so come back often. Or subscribe to receive my free weekly newsletter, where I share everything.
Until the next project… xo, Do
I’m excited to see the rest of this project! I always seem to bite off more than I thought I would need to chew when picking pieces, so I know the feeling!
Hi Ashlie! I’m just finishing it up and I’ll be sharing soon. It’s a total overhaul job. 🙂
xo, Do
Can’t wait to see my friend. I know it’s going to be fabulous! ??
Thanks, Denise
I’m pretty excited about this one, but don’t I say that with every makeover? 🙂 xo Do
Does this technique work on kitchen and bathroom cabinets that are laminated? Have some areas that are worn and bubbled is it ok to sand first?
Thanks
Hi Linda! It sure will but it will not cover up any damaged or bubbled areas. You will want to repair that with bondo or some other filler first. Clean well and then apply 2 coats of the slick stick. You should be good to go for them to accept paint. Please share the results with me. I love a good makeover. Good luck dear! xo
Can you spray the paint on the furniture after you slick stick? If so, how many coats of paint should go on after slick stick?
Hi Dana! You absolutely can. That depends on the paint that you use. If you are using a chalky type of paint, I would say 2 light coats for full coverage. I don’t use latex paint. Here are the paints and sprayer I use. xo
Chalk Mineral Paint https://dixiebellepaint.com/paint/?aff=80
Sprayer for chalk mineral paint https://dixiebellepaint.com/wagner-home-decor-sprayer/?aff=80
Liner for sprayer https://dixiebellepaint.com/wagner-home-decor-sprayer-cup-liners/?aff=80
Do you use any kind of wax after you paint with chalk paint?!
Hello Kristyn! I use Dixie Belle chalk mineral paint that doesn’t require a sealer. However, if you want a silky smooth buffed wax feel, you most certainly can. I use the best dang wax by Dixie Belle. You can find it here. https://dixiebellepaint.com?aff=80
I could really use your advice, I have an entertainment center that I plan to turn into a beverage cabinet on my back porch, it is laminate. What kind of paint should I use to keep it weatherproof? My porch has a roof and is screened in but the humidity in Alabama is a problem, also the pollen is going to be a problem so I’ll need to be able to wash it down…is this even possible?
Hi Linda.
I have bad news. The humidity will be the issue. Unless you can cover every single inch inside and out with a waterproof sealer, the paint finish will fail. If you have laminate, it probably isn’t 100 percent wood. It may be okay for a year or so, but eventually, the humidity and extreme temperature changes will take a toll. If you could find something that is solid wood, it would tolerate the moisture a bit better. But the wood will still swell. Sorry for the Debbie downer advice. I love the idea. 🙂 xo