How to Paint Plastic/Laminate furniture

There is a tab on my blog about how I paint furniture.  I include a few tips on how to paint laminate, but I thought I would share them again. :)

My client brought me this little table and said she had picked it up for 5 bucks! Yep, 5 bucks.  Now, I know we've seen them everywhere (I painted one exactly like it a couple of weeks ago).  This style is usually the same, with laminate tops, pressboard sides, and plastic feet.

Every painter's nightmare, right?

Wrong!  

Pieces like these are just as "paintable" as wood.  You just have to know how! :)

Step 1:  Sand

Always scuff sand really well.  I use a fine 3M sanding pad.  You do NOT want to use a heavier grit to scuff sand on surfaces that are not wood.  It will leave scratches that you won't be able to remove.  The purpose of scuff sanding is to remove any sheen on the finish.  This is especially important for laminate as it is such a smooth surface.  When done sanding make sure to wipe your piece down really well--removing all dust.  This is important, too.  If there is a fine layer of dust on the laminate your primer will not adhere.  Ask me how I know. ;)

Step 2: Prime

I use Rustoleum Painter's Touch in a spray can.  I really do swear by this stuff!  Love how it comes out of the nozzle, how it goes on, how any drips actually run out, and the chalky finish.  It is made to adhere to plastic, metal, and wood.  And, it adheres to laminate!  It comes in black, white, and gray.  Make sure the primer is absolutely dry before painting (no cheating, and be patient).  It actually dries very quickly, so not much patience is required. ;)

If you don't want to spray (or can't) use a good adhesion primer, like this one from Sherwin Williams.

 Step 3:  Paint

After primer you just paint as you normally would.  :)

See, that wasn't scary!  Pretty simple.  It's really not any different than the normal steps you would take, you just have to use the right products.  And, no fudging or your paint will fall off. ;)

Here she is after:

My client picked the color for her daughter and I love it on this piece.  It has a very feminine feel.  I'm a fan of mixing a bright color on a traditional piece.  

 Cute little legs, even if they are fake. ;)

  I love this small pop of green against the bright blue.  

My husband always says all the women call the bright, colored pieces (which he hates) "fun".  Well, I whole heartedly agree that this little night stand is FUN! :)

color = Capri SW

This tutorial and nightstand were featured by 

Maryann @ Domestically Speaking

Thanks Maryann!

Linked up here:

Monday:
Dwellings

Tuesday:
Hickory Trail
The Style Sisters
Domestically Speaking
DIY by Design
Green Willow Pond

Wednesday:
Ginger Snap Crafts
Stone Gable

Thursday:
Shabby Creek Cottage

Friday:
Homespun Happenings

Saturday:
Life on Lakeshore Drive

InLinkz.com