How to Paint Over Laminated Particle Board

Customize laminated particle board with paint.

Laminated particle board is often used to create inexpensive furniture and shelving. If you're purchasing it for a project, finding the perfect shade may be difficult or even impossible. In such cases, you can paint over the laminated surface. You can also paint over the laminated surface when it's time to repaint existing pieces. The secret to a successful paint job is proper prep work and the right primer.

Things You'll Need

• 1 tsp. of dish soap
• 2 cups of hot water
• Rag
• Sandpaper
• Tack cloth
• Towel
• High-adhesion primer
• Paint roller
• Roller cover
• Foam paintbrush
• Latex paint
• Clear polyurethane
• Extra-fine sanding sponge

Instructions

1. Mix 1 tsp. of dish soap into approximately 2 cups of hot water. Use this soapy water and a rag to clean the laminated particle board. Any grease or dirt on the surface may prevent the paint from adhering properly.

2. Sand the clean particle board vigorously with 80- to 100-grit sandpaper. The goal is to abrade the surface so that the paint will adhere to it.

3. Wipe the particle board with a tack cloth. Tack cloths are sold in home improvement stores and are designed to pick up dirt and dust.

4. Dry the surface with a clean towel, if necessary.

5. Apply a high-adhesion primer to the particle board with a paint roller or a foam paintbrush. An alcohol-based primer should adhere to the surface well, but check the label to ensure that the primer is suitable for glossy surfaces.

6. Apply a coat of latex paint with a paint roller or foam paintbrush when the primer is dry. Latex paint usually won't stick to laminated surfaces but the paint only needs to stick to the primer, not the particle board.

7. Roll on a coat of clear polyurethane when the paint is dry. The polyurethane goes on just like paint but provides a clear protective layer to prevent the paint from chipping. You can apply three to five coats of the polyurethane, but you must let each coat dry before you begin to apply the next.

8. Sand the final layer of polyurethane with a wet extra-fine sanding sponge until the surface feels smooth when you run your hand over it.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use either oil-based or water-based polyurethane. Oil-based polyurethane may yellow if it is used over light paint colors or exposed to sunlight. Water-based polyurethane will not yellow but it may have a slightly rougher feel than oil-based varieties.

References

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