Tuesday, May 7, 2013

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 
Thanks Maryann!


28 comments:

  1. Yes, it's fun!
    Maybe your husband should try it sometime... LOL

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  2. Fun indeed! Love it, thanks for the tips on painting laminate.
    Would love for you to share at Amaze Me Monday!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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  3. Applause.. applause!! That looks great and I see a current, funky feel to the piece now that it's that great shade of blue! And the pop of green on the knob is brilliant! Thanks for the hint of using Rust-0-leum's primer. Never would have thought of that!!

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  4. This is awesome. I've often wondered about painting laminate. The colour is gorgeous!

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  5. I love love love this! I used to have a dresser like this...I wish I would have kept it! Thanks for linking up to Centerpiece Wednesday and sharing this post with us!
    Karin

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  6. This is great! I have a dresser that looks like that nightstand's big sister waiting to be redone. My husband was convinced we need to do some heavy sanding, glad to know we don't!
    www.werefarfromnormal.com

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  7. I love that color! What a great piece.

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  8. Had to come back to thank you soooo much for sharing at Amaze Me Monday!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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  9. It is a great FUN piece, thanks for the info, never have tried paiting laminate before, I will try now :)

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  10. Wow, I would never think that is laminate. You did a great job!
    Jamie @ somuchbetterwithage.com

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  11. she looks fabulous after! I put the Rustoleum spray paint on my shopping list. I can't wait to give it a try...
    Thanks for the tips, my friend! Happy mothers day!!..… :)

    hugs xx
    Crystelle
    Crystelle Boutique

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  12. Looks great! I find zinsser BIN primer to be great as well!!

    New follower! Looking forward to your posts.
    www.sherepurposedit.blogspot.ca

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  13. What a great tutorial! Thank you for linking this up at Rustic Restorations Weekend!

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  14. Good advice. Ayyyy...those plastic legs. Who ever thought of that sheer bit of genius? Thanks for sharing!
    Stacey of Embracing Change

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  15. Great tutorial & that blue is gorgeous! I'm featuring it in the PoPP Spotlight this week.

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  16. So cute!! And a great tutorial on how to paint laminate! I get this question a lot and you put it into the easiest to understand terms!

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  18. Hello,

    Thank you for your awesome tips. Since I am a beginner at this, could you tell me what type of paint you used?

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  19. Thanks you for this write, i m enjoyed thanks you, masko

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  20. I was just browsing pinterest for inspirational ideas with brightly painted furniture and came across this. I literally have this SAME peice which I'm prepping for primer and the matching dresser going with a bright fushia/purple and crystal knobs. But I LOVE this blue, gorgeous and great job!

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  22. Hello, my question is what did you charge for this piece? Its beautiful.

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    Replies
    1. I've been Ive been revamping furniture & other things for awhile now but too afraid to sale so I give it to family etc...lol

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    2. I've been Ive been revamping furniture & other things for awhile now but too afraid to sale so I give it to family etc...lol

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  23. Hello, my question is what did you charge for this piece? Its beautiful.

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  25. Landed here via pinterest and am so glad I did. This is a really helpful post for chalk painting on plastic furniture..... was researching on whether chalk paint is possible on plastic furniture or not. Thank you for these tips really helped!

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