Laminate furniture is budget-friendly and widely available—but its slick surface can make it feel impossible to paint. Fortunately, with the right tools and Artisan Paint Company products, you can transform any laminate piece into a beautiful, long-lasting feature.
Whether it’s a flat-pack sideboard, a glossy veneer dresser, or a retro laminate dining table, here’s your step-by-step guide to achieving a flawless finish that lasts.
Step 1: Clean the Surface Thoroughly
Start by removing any hardware or fixtures. Clean the entire piece using Artisan Easy Scrub to eliminate dirt, grease, and furniture polish residue. This helps your primer and paint stick properly.
After scrubbing, wipe down the surface with a damp cloth to remove any remaining cleaner.
Step 2: Lightly Sand the Surface and Choose Your Paint
While Artisan Quick Prep primer has enhanced adhesion qualities designed for slick laminate surfaces, to achieve professional, long-lasting results on smooth laminate furniture, we always recommend scuff sanding the surface with a 120- or 220-grit Prep Pad. This process creates a slightly roughened texture that helps the primer and paint bond more securely. After sanding, thoroughly wipe away any dust with a tack cloth before proceeding.
Choosing Your Paint: Artisan Chalk Paint vs. Artisan Mineral Paint
Once your surface is prepped and primed, selecting the right paint finish is key. Artisan Paint Company offers two excellent options:
- Artisan Chalk Paint is our signature paint, prized for its rich coverage, smooth matte finish, and ease of use. It is ideal for most laminate furniture projects where a classic, soft matte look is desired. Chalk Paint requires minimal prep over the Quick Prep primer and offers excellent adhesion and durability.
- Artisan Mineral Paint is a more robust, durable option designed for high-traffic or frequently used surfaces. Mineral Paint provides a harder finish with enhanced resistance to scratches, moisture, and wear—making it an excellent choice for kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, or furniture that needs extra protection. Its finish is eggshell, offering a subtle sheen and increased longevity compared to chalk paint.
Choosing between these depends on the function and wear your furniture will endure. For everyday pieces or decorative furniture, Chalk Paint is a great choice. For surfaces exposed to moisture, heat, or heavy use, Mineral Paint offers superior durability while still delivering a beautiful finish.
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Step 3: Apply Artisan Quick Prep Primer
Laminate surfaces are notoriously tricky to paint without proper priming. Artisan Quick Prep is specially formulated to help paint grip to non-porous surfaces like laminate, melamine, and glossy veneers.
Apply one even coat using an Artisan Blue Italian Brush or a 4mm microfibre roller. Allow to dry thoroughly—usually 2 hours depending on conditions. This product comes in White, Grey, and Black, making it easy to choose a base that supports your final colour choice.
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Step 4: Paint Your Piece
Apply two thin coats of your chosen Artisan Chalk Paint or Mineral Paint, allowing the first coat to dry completely before applying the second. Use an Artisan Blue Italian Brush for fine control and smooth coverage or a 4mm microfibre roller for larger flat areas. Avoid overworking the paint, and let each layer dry fully to avoid streaks.
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Step 5: Sand Lightly Between Coats
After the first coat of paint is dry, use a 320-grit Prep Pad to lightly sand the surface. This helps flatten out any brush or roller marks and ensures a silky smooth finish. Wipe away dust before applying the next coat.
Step 6: Protect Your Finish
Once your final coat is completely dry, protect it by applying Artisan Finishing Wax. Use a lint-free cloth or wax brush to apply thin, even layers and buff gently for a soft sheen.
For a super durable finish, especially in kitchens, bathrooms or for furniture that sees daily use, apply two coats of Artisan Poly Varnish instead. This water-based varnish comes in Matte, Satin, and Gloss finishes, offering flexible protection to suit your desired look.
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FAQs
Q: Can I paint laminate furniture without sanding?
A: Although Artisan Quick Prep Primer will increase adhesion, we strongly recommend scuff sanding laminate surfaces with 120- or 220-grit Prep Pads to achieve the best long-term results.
Q: How long will the paint take to cure?
A: Touch-dry times are quick—often within an hour. But full curing for durability takes up to 21 days, so be gentle with your piece for the first few weeks.
Q: Can I use Artisan products on melamine or glossy veneers too?
A: Yes! The same method applies to any slick or non-porous surface. Just be sure to clean, scuff sand, and prime properly.
Final Thoughts
Painting laminate furniture is entirely achievable—and incredibly rewarding—with the right tools and preparation. Artisan Paint Company’s curated range of primers, paints, and sealers ensures your finished piece not only looks stunning but stands the test of time.
From bold colour updates to soft neutral transformations, laminate furniture can become a treasured part of your home with a little know-how and the perfect products.
Ready to get started? Explore our full collection online:
Happy painting!
