Some furniture looks like it is made of solid wood, but is actually covered in a thin layer of wood-like material called laminate. However, even if they are not solid wood, you can remodel them with a few coats of fresh paint. You just have to prepare yourself before going to work. By equipping yourself with double-grit sandpaper and an oil-based primer, you will be able to paint your veneer furniture making it new and even more current.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Sand the Cabinet
Step 1. Remove the handles or knobs
Put them in a plastic bag so you don't lose them. If you can't unscrew something, cover it with masking tape.
Step 2. Fill the crevices with wood putty
You can purchase this product at any hardware store. Let it dry following the instructions on the label.
Step 3. Sand down using a 120 sheet of sandpaper
Sand in circular motions until the surface has lost its luster. Don't be too energetic, or you could tear the laminate apart.
Step 4. Clean the cabinet with a damp cloth to remove any residue left by sanding
Make sure the surface is clean before using the primer.
Part 2 of 3: Apply the Primer
Step 1. Spread a protective tarp in a well-ventilated area
Move the furniture onto the tarp so the primer and paint don't stain the floor. Failing that, he uses newspaper sheets.
Step 2. Apply an oil-based primer
Look for an oil-based primer at a hardware or paint store. Apply it with a brush or roller until a uniform coverage is achieved over the entire surface of the cabinet.
Use a spray primer to make application easier
Step 3. Let the primer dry for at least four hours
After that, gently tap the surface with your fingertips to see if it is completely dry. If it's still wet, wait some more.
Step 4. Sand the treated surface with a 220 sheet of sandpaper
Proceed with circular motions as you did previously. Then, wipe off the residue with a damp cloth.
Part 3 of 3: Painting the Cabinet
Step 1. Use latex acrylic paint
Decide if you prefer a glossy or matte finish and look for a latex acrylic paint that will do this. You can buy it at a hardware or paint store.
Step 2. Apply the first coat of paint using a brush or roller
Spread it out using short, even strokes that go in the same direction. It is not a problem if the first pass will seem slightly uneven or uneven.
Step 3. Let it dry for at least two hours
Some types of paint take longer to dry, so read the label carefully for exact times. After two hours, check if the first layer is dry using your fingertips.
Step 4. Apply several coats of paint, waiting for each one to dry, until even coverage is achieved
You will probably have to do three and four passes. Let the furniture dry for at least two hours between applications.
Step 5. Do not use the freshly painted furniture for a week
Once the last layer of paint has dried, you can mount the handles or knobs, but don't put anything down for seven days so that the paint has time to adhere well and doesn't flake. You can also add a sealer when the last coat of paint has dried.
