Will Chalk Paint Stick To Laminate
You may have heard about the charm and versatility of chalk paint but are unsure if it will work on your laminated piece. Laminate has its challenges when it comes to painting with its slick surface. So, will chalk paint stick to laminate?
It’s important to know the answer before starting your project. Let’s learn if you can recreate these chalk paint furniture ideas on laminate furniture, and if so, share tips and tricks on how to get the best results.
Laminate is a common material in furniture that gives a smooth and glossy finish to surfaces. It makes any piece look more modern and sleek, but it can be tricky to paint on due to its nonporous nature.
Chalk paint is also popular for being easy to use and being able to create a vintage, distressed look. You can learn more about what is chalk paint? here and what is so great about chalk paint here. If you’re curious about how chalk paint looks on furniture, check out these chalk painted furniture makeovers.
But how about painting laminate furniture with chalk paint? This paint is known for its versatility and ability to adhere to various surfaces, but can it also work on laminate? Can you use chalk paint to transform your laminated furniture into a beautiful and unique piece?
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Does chalk paint stick to laminate?
So, will chalk paint stick to laminate surfaces? The answer is yes! However, you must first prepare the furniture properly. While chalk paint has great adhesion, it needs some more help to adhere well to laminate.
Sanding will remove any gloss or shine from the laminate, roughen up the surface, and create a better bond between the chalk paint and laminate. You can use fine grit sandpaper to sand the surface lightly, making sure to clean off any dust or debris before painting.
Another important step is priming. This will give an extra layer of adhesion and help block any stains from showing through the paint. Check out the best bonding primer for laminate furniture options you can use here.
Best Chalk Paint for Laminate Furniture
Now, will it matter what chalk paint brand you’ll use for your laminate furniture project? Actually, any chalk paint will do! As long as you do the proper prep work, you’re good to go with whatever brand you like.
If you need recommendations, here are the top chalk paint brands. For a more budget friendly alternative, you can turn latex or wall paint into chalk paint with our homemade chalk paint recipe and these best chalk paint recipes.
How to Paint Laminate with Chalk Paint
Now onto our guide to painting laminate furniture with chalk paint! Start by cleaning your laminated piece with a degreasing cleaner like Krud Kutter. We want a clean surface to work with, so make sure you wipe off all the dirt and grime.
Time to get to the sanding and priming steps – these are key to making your painting project a success. Scuff up the slick laminate with 220 grit sandpaper, and don’t forget to clean up the dust afterward. If you leave any dust behind, it can ruin your paint job!
Then, apply 2 coats of your chosen bonding primer. This clear shellac is one of our favorite primers and really helps the chalk paint to stick; otherwise, it might chip and peel. You can learn all the benefits of priming wood for painting here. Check out more recommendations for the best primer for chalk paint in this post.
You can brush or spray chalk paint with these best chalk paint brushes and best paint sprayer for chalk paint options. If you want a smoother finish, you should go for a sprayer. Chalk paint is also thick, so make sure to thin it first – here’s how to thin paint for a sprayer to guide you on this.
Apply 2-3 coats of paint, making sure each coat dries fully before adding the next one. You can distress the chalk painted laminate after the final coat is dry. Learn different techniques on how to distress chalk paint here.
And finally, seal your painted laminate furniture. Chalk paint is porous, meaning it can easily absorb dirt and moisture. Adding a topcoat will help protect the paint and make it easier to clean. We recommend 3 coats of waterbased polyurethane – here’s how to spray polyurethane for a flawless finish.
Check out our guide on how to seal chalk paint here, which also features other best sealers you can use. We also have a list of the best topcoat for chalk paint options here.
For laminate projects we worked on, you can check out this laminate desk makeover and this post on how to paint a laminate dresser. Plus, check out this step by step guide on how to chalk paint laminate furniture!
Can I paint over laminate without sanding?
What if you don’t have the time or patience to sand your laminate furniture before painting? Can you still have great results with chalk paint? You actually can! Just make sure you don’t skip priming if you decide to skip the sanding. Our post on how to paint laminate furniture without sanding covers more tips and tricks on this.
That said, we still suggest sanding since it helps the primer and paint adhere even better to the shiny laminate surface. You can learn more about what happens if you don’t sand before painting in this post.
Will chalk paint stick to laminate? To sum it up, yes, it does, with the proper preparation. Sanding and priming get your laminate furniture ready for chalk paint, and any brand will do as long as you do this much needed prep work. And for a durable and easy to maintain finish, you should seal the chalk paint.
More Painting Furniture Tips
- How To Paint Over Chalk Paint That Has Been Waxed
- How To Keep Chalk Paint From Scratching
- Layering Chalk Paint
- How To Fix Lumpy Chalk Paint
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