Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Sand and clean the surfaces
• Part 2 of 2: Apply primer and paint
• Warnings
• Necessities

Melamine is a synthetic resin made by mixing melamine and formaldehyde and is widely used as a binder in home and furniture paints. This durable paint is often used to paint laminated surfaces such as kitchen cabinets and furniture. It is also often used by furniture stores that sell furniture that you have to assemble yourself to coat particle board furniture. Use a sander and clean all surfaces before painting the melamine. Then apply a primer and melamine paint to give a new life to your kitchen cabinets or an old piece of furniture.

To step

Part 1 of 2: Sand and clean the surfaces

1. Before you start, prepare your workplace. Place newspaper, a tarpaulin, or a canvas cloth on the floor under the object. Ventilate the room by opening all windows and turning on a fan if possible.
   • If there are other objects nearby that you cannot move, cover them with canvas cloths or sheets as well to protect them.
2. Use a sander to roughen the surfaces slightly. Attach a 150 grit piece of sandpaper to the sander and sand any surfaces you plan to paint. Pay particular attention to the edges and areas with details.
3. Apply liquid sandpaper or sanding gel as a quick alternative to sanding with a sander. Apply the product with a paintbrush and let it soak into the wood for 15 minutes. Then wipe it off with a cloth.
   • Make sure you work in a well-ventilated area.
   • Liquid sandpaper removes shine from surfaces and dulls them to prepare them for painting.
4. Wipe off all sanding dust with a tack cloth. Remove all wood chips, paint particles and dust particles from the object. Check all cracks and corners to make sure you haven't missed any spots.
   • If you've made a lot of mess, you can also vacuum the dust up with a vacuum cleaner or wipe it off before treating the surfaces with a tack cloth.
5. Clean all surfaces with trisodium phosphate. Dissolve 120 grams of powdered trisodium phosphate in eight liters of warm water. Use a sponge to wipe all surfaces with the mixture. Then rinse the surfaces with a clean cloth and fresh, clean water.
   • Always wear gloves when using trisodium phosphate to avoid skin irritation.

Part 2 of 2: Apply primer and paint

1. Prime all edges and corners with a paintbrush. Use a paintbrush to apply a primer specifically designed for melamine. Treat all areas that you cannot reach properly with a paint roller.
   • Primer intended for laminated wood is also an option.
2. Use a paint roller to apply the primer to the entire object. Roll the primer in a single direction on all surfaces of the object. Check if the paint roller makes a slight sticky noise and is wet when applying the paint. When the paint roller stops making noise, put it back into the primer.
   • If you're using a new fiber-based paint roller, wrap masking tape around it before using it. Then peel off the painter's tape to remove any loose fibers that would otherwise have gotten into the paint layer on the object.
3. Sand the primer when dry to remove any imperfections. Use 220 grit sandpaper to smooth out any run-offs and imperfections in the primer. Then wipe the sanded surfaces with a tack cloth.
   • Read the directions on the primer package to find out how long the drying time is. Drying time is usually about four hours.
4. Apply a second coat of primer. Cover the kitchen cabinets or furniture with a second coat of primer. Wait for the primer to dry.
   • There is no need to sand the surface again after applying the second coat of primer unless you see more bumps and imperfections.
5. Apply the first layer of melamine paint on top of the primer. Use a foam roller to cover all surfaces with an even coat of paint. Let the first coat dry for six to eight hours.
   • If you'd rather use a paintbrush, brush against the grain first, then go with the grain.
   • When you paint melamine, it takes longer for the paint to dry than when you paint wood. This is because melamine absorbs the paint less well.
   • You can purchase paint specifically for melamine surfaces at hardware stores.
   EXPERT TIP

   Apply a second coat of melamine paint when the first coat is dry. Use a foam roller or paintbrush to reapply paint to all surfaces. Let the last coat of paint dry for 24 hours.

6. Use spray paint if you want the surfaces to be smoother. Start with the back or inside of the cabinet doors so you can get used to working with spray paint. Then apply spray paint all over the object and let it dry overnight.
   • Wear a breathing mask all the time when working with spray paint.
   • Check the aerosol can of spray paint beforehand to see if the paint is suitable for melamine surfaces.
   • If necessary, apply a second coat of spray paint when the first coat is dry.

Warnings

• Always follow all safety instructions on the packaging of the painting supplies you use.

Necessities

• Newsprint, tarpaulin or canvas cloth
• Sander
• Sandpaper
• Liquid sandpaper or sanding gel
• Cleaning cloth
• Tack cloth
• Trisodium phosphate
• Gloves
• Primer
• Paintbrushes
• Paint rollers
• Melamine paint