Do you want to give your laminate furniture a bold, new look? Does that old chest of drawers need an update and some TLC? Spray painting laminate furniture can instantly transform the look and mood of any room in your home – without breaking the bank.
But before you break out that paint can and start spray painting, it’s important to understand what steps you should follow for the best results. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to spray paint laminate furniture with ease so you can refresh its style in no time!
9 Simple Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Spray Paint Laminate Furniture
Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Materials
You’ll need sandpaper, a clean cloth, primer or sealant suitable for use on laminate, spray paint, painter’s tape, and a drop cloth. If you’d like to give your furniture a distressed look, you can also use sandpaper and steel wool. It’s also recommended that you wear protective eyewear, gloves, and a face mask to protect yourself from toxic fumes.
This is especially important when spray painting indoors. You’ll also need to make sure that you have a well-ventilated area for spray painting.
Step 2: Prep the Furniture
Before you start painting, make sure to clean your furniture with soap and water or other cleaning products. Then use sandpaper to rough up any glossy surfaces on the laminate.
This will ensure that the primer or sealant can adhere to the material properly for the best results. If you’re going for a distressed look, sand more aggressively in some areas of the furniture.
Step 3: Prime or Seal
Using a brush or roller, apply primer or sealant over all of the areas you want to paint. Make sure that it’s evenly spread across the surface and left to dry completely before moving on to the next step! If you’re using a sealant, make sure it’s suitable for laminate.
It’s also important to triple check that you’re using a product designed for the material your furniture is made out of. If in doubt, consult the manufacturer’s guidelines. But in general, most sealants should do the job.
Step 4: Tape Off Unnecessary Areas
Depending on the piece of furniture, you may have areas that don’t need to be painted (for example, if it has metal parts). To protect these from the paint, be sure to cover them with painter’s tape. This will also ensure that you get a clean line between the painted and unpainted areas. However, if you’re going for a distressed look, this step can be skipped. It’s up to you!
Step 5: Spray Paint
Now for the fun part! Shake your can of spray paint and begin applying it in light even layers from a distance of around 8-12 inches away. It’s important not to overdo it as this could cause drip marks or uneven coverage – two things that you definitely want to avoid!
Let each layer dry completely before adding another one. This could take around 15 minutes, but it’s worth the wait.
Make sure to cover the area with a drop cloth or newspaper – this will help to protect your flooring from any splatters.
Step 6: Remove the Tape
After you’ve finished painting, carefully remove any painter’s tape that was used to cover up areas that didn’t need painting. If you’re going for a distressed look, now is the time to take out that steel wool and start sanding down any edges.
This will help to create a more weathered, rustic style. It’s also a great way to add a bit of character to your piece! If you don’t want to sand, you can simply remove the tape and admire your work.
Step 7: Let the Furniture Dry
Allow your newly painted laminate furniture to dry and cure for at least 24 hours before you move it or start using it. But make sure to keep it in a dry, well-ventilated area. This will ensure that the paint has enough time to fully adhere to the material. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions on how long it should take for your furniture to cure.
It may need to be left for a longer period of time. But it will all be worth it in the end! Keep in mind that certain types of spray paint (such as those with a glossy finish) may need more than 24 hours to dry and cure properly.
Step 8: Apply a Clear Sealant
To protect your newly painted furniture from scratches and chips, apply a clear sealant or topcoat with a brush or roller. It’s a good idea to use a sealant that is specifically designed for the type of paint you used. Again, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
Allow the sealant to dry before using your furniture again. It’s also a good idea to re-apply the sealant every few months to ensure that your furniture is properly protected.
Step 9: Enjoy the New Look
Now that you’ve completed the painting process, sit back and admire your work! You’ve just given your furniture a brand-new look – one that’s sure to impress visitors for years to come.
Be sure to take a picture before you start using it to show off your amazing transformation! Always remember to keep your furniture clean and maintain it regularly. This will help to ensure that it stays looking as good as new for years to come.
Spray painting laminate furniture isn’t hard, but it does take some time and effort. With these step-by-step instructions on how to spray paint laminate furniture, however, you can refresh the style of any piece in your home with ease. Remember to always follow safety tips when using spray paint, such as wearing gloves and eyewear protection.
It’s also important to be mindful of ventilation so that you don’t inhale fumes from the paint.
Do You Need to Use Professionals?
If you don’t feel comfortable doing the project yourself, there are professional painting services available. They will be able to do the job correctly and safely, so it may be worth the extra expense. However, if you are confident in your abilities and want to save some money, spray painting laminate furniture is a great DIY project that you can do yourself.
Whichever route you choose, make sure that you enjoy the process! It’s always satisfying to see an old piece of furniture transformed into something new and beautiful.
How Much Will It Cost?
The cost of spray painting laminate furniture will depend on the size of the piece, the amount of paint needed, and any additional materials you purchase. Generally speaking, a can of primer and spray paint should cost around $20 – $30, plus any extra items such as tape or sandpaper. All in all, it’s an affordable way to give your furniture an updated look.
Now that you know how to spray paint laminate furniture, it’s time to get started! With a few basic supplies and these easy-to-follow instructions, you can make any piece of furniture look new again in no time. Get creative and have fun with the process! Just remember to take safety precautions and be patient with the drying time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What Kind of Paint Should I Use?
A: The best type of paint to use is spray paint formulated specifically for laminate surfaces. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before use.
Q: How Long Will It Take for My Furniture to Dry?
A: This depends on the type of paint you are using. Most spray paints will take at least 24 hours for the paint to completely dry. Certain types of paints (such as those with a glossy finish) may need more time for the paint to cure properly.
Q: Does Spray Painting Laminate Furniture Cost a Lot?
A: No, it is an affordable project that can be done with supplies costing around $20 – $30. Plus, it’s a great way to give your furniture an updated look.
Q: Is Spray Painting Laminate Furniture Difficult?
A: Not at all! With the right supplies and these step-by-step instructions, you can make any piece of furniture look new again in no time. Just remember to take safety precautions and be patient with the drying process.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading this article on how to spray paint laminate furniture. All in all, spray painting laminate furniture can take some time and practice but the results are worth it.
The key is to properly prepare and clean the piece of furniture before you begin, work in a well-ventilated area, use multiple thin coats instead of one or two thick coats, and make sure to avoid leaving runs in the paint.
By following these tips, you’ll achieve a smooth finish that will last for years to come. So grab your spray paint, primer, sandpaper and other supplies and get ready to spruce up that laminate desk sitting in your garage! With some patience and preparation, you’ll soon have a beautiful piece of furniture fit for any room in your home.
