How to Paint Fake Wood Furniture

Give fake wood furniture a makeover with paint.

Fake wood furniture often consists of fiberboard or particleboard with a plastic laminate veneer designed to look like real wood. You can paint this type of furniture, but the smooth, glossy surface does not accept paint readily. Choose high-quality paints and take the time to properly prepare the surface. Otherwise, your paint may begin to flake off soon after the project is completed.

Things You'll Need

• 80-grit sandpaper
• Rags
• Water
• White vinegar
• Oil-based enamel paint
• Paintbrush
• 220-grit sandpaper
• Spray polyurethane

Instructions

1. Sand the fake wood furniture with 80-grit sandpaper. Continue sanding until the entire surface of the furniture feels slightly rough to the touch.

2. Wipe the furniture clean with a rag dampened in a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar. Dry the fake wood with a clean, dry rag.

3. Apply two coats of oil-based enamel paint to the fake wood furniture with a paintbrush. Let the first coat dry before you apply the second.

4. Sand the dry painted furniture lightly with 220-grit sandpaper until the surface feels smooth. Wipe away any dust created during sanding with a dry cloth.

5. Cover the painted fake wood furniture with clear spray polyurethane. Keep the can moving constantly during application to apply a thin, even layer to the furniture.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use the furniture until the polyurethane is completely dry.

References

• "Paint Saves the Day;" Lucianna Samu; 2009