thread: how can we paint this?

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Jul 2009
    1,973

    how can we paint this?

    HI guys

    we just picked up a second hand book case we think is made out of MDF and maybe covered ina laminate ..

    We want to paint/spray paint this..is this possible? if so do we need to do anything to it before hand, and what paint would we use?

    cheers

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Jun 2009
    vic
    2,886

    you will need a good primer first otherwise paint will just peel off the laminate, and if painted on directly to MDF will just absorb the paint. So start with a good primer.

    *oops gotta go check on tea*

  3. #3
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber

    May 2005
    in the national capital
    1,682

    Can you remove a shelf? If so I would take it to Bunnings or a paint shop and ask.

    If it is laminate it will be really quite hard to paint - even a lot of primers won't stick to it very well - but there is a product (possibly made by White King) that can be used to repaint kitchen cupboards etc and there is a primer that you can get for that which should work.

    HTH

  4. #4
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber

    Jul 2008
    Eastern Surburbs, Melbourne
    1,841

    DD2 bought a bookcase and wanted to paint it. Was told to give it a sand before hand so the paint would stick. Has since found out that you cannot paint it without sanding, yes, it will peel.
    It looked really good so definitely worth the effort of a paint job

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Jan 2010
    Shoe Heaven
    4,839

    if it is a laminate, then I suggest a fine sanding down (to rough up the surface), then you can buy undercoat specifically for going onto laminate, then paint with gloss as normal.

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Dec 2008
    8,986

    I've never painted over laminate but you'll have to sand it to rough up the surface so the paint will stick to it. Then prime it, then sand it lightly to make it smooth and you can paint over it.

    Remember to sand between coats of paint to get a nice smooth finish.

    I think Dulux make a primer and sealer in 1 but speak to someone about which primer would be best for that surface.

    I love painting stuff!!

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Jul 2009
    1,973

    I love painting things as well its fun creating something that looks new and different

    thanks guys for all your answers , will have to get to it