How to Paint Melamine

Co-authored by Sam Adams

Last Updated: September 16, 2021 References Approved

Melamine is a synthetic resin made by mixing melamine and formaldehyde, and it is a common binder for house or furniture paint. This paint is durable, so it is often used to paint laminate surfaces, such as cabinets or furniture. It is also very commonly used to cover particle board at pre-fabricated or flat-pack furniture shops. Use a sander and clean all of the surfaces before painting the melamine. Then apply primer and melamine paint to give a kitchen cupboard or an old piece of furniture a new lease on life!

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Sanding and Cleaning the Surfaces

1
Set up your workspace before you begin. Place newspaper, a tarpaulin, or a drop cloth on the floor below your project. Ventilate the area by opening all windows, and turning on a fan if possible.^{[1]
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- If there are other objects close by that you cannot move out of the way, also cover these with a drop cloth to protect them
2
Use a sander to lightly roughen the surfaces. Attach 150 grit sandpaper to the sander, and sand every area that you are planning to paint. Pay special attention to the edges and any detailing.^{[2]
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3
Apply a liquid deglosser as a quick alternative to sanding. Apply the deglosser with a paintbrush, and leave it to soak into the wood for 15 minutes. Then wipe it off with a cloth.^{[3]
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- Make sure that you are working in a well-ventilated area.
- Liquid deglosser takes the shine off surfaces and makes them dull to prepare for painting.
4
Wipe away all of the sanding dust with a tack cloth. Clean away all loose wood, coating, and dust particles from your project. Check all of the joints and corners to make sure that you haven't missed a spot.
- If there is a big mess, you can always vacuum or sweep away the dust first before using a tack cloth.
5
Clean all of the surfaces with trisodium phosphate (TSP) detergent. Dilute 4 ounces (110 g) of TSP powder into 2 gallons (7.6 L) of warm water. Use a sponge to wipe down all surfaces with the solution. Then use a clean rag to rinse all of the surfaces with fresh, clean water.
- Always wear gloves when using TSP to avoid irritating your skin.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Applying Primer and Paint

1
Apply primer with a paintbrush over all of the edges and corners. Use a paintbrush to apply a primer that is specifically for melamine. Target all of the areas that you cannot easily reach with a roller.^{[4]
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- Primers that are specifically for laminate wood are an alternative option.
2
Use a roller to apply the primer to the whole project. Roll the primer in one direction across each surface. Ensure that the roller always sounds crinkly and wet, and if it loses that sound, apply more primer.^{[5]
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- If you are using a new roller cover that has fibers, wrap it in masking tape before you use it. Rip off the masking tape to remove any loose fibers that would have otherwise been stuck to your project.^{[6]
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3
Sand the primer once it’s dry to remove any imperfections. Use 220 grit sandpaper to smooth over any drips or other marks caused by the primer. Wipe over the sanded surfaces with a tack cloth again.^{[7]
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- The instructions that are on the primer will indicate how long it will take to dry. This normally takes around 4 hours.^{[8]
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4
Add a second coat of primer. Cover the full surface of the kitchen cupboards or furniture again. Wait for the primer to dry.^{[9]
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- You don't need to sand the surface again after the second coat of primer, unless you notice more bumps or imperfections.
5
Apply the first coat of melamine paint over the primed surfaces. Use a foam roller to evenly coat all surfaces with paint. Let the first coat dry for 6-8 hours.^{[10]
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- If you prefer to use a paint brush, brush against the grain first and then brush with it.^{[11]
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- Paint applied to melamine takes longer to dry than on wood. This is because melamine isn’t as absorbent.
- You can buy paint specifically for melamine surfaces from home improvement stores.
EXPERT TIP

Sam Adams
Professional Contractor
Sam Adams is the owner of Cherry Design + Build, a residential design and construction firm, which has been operating in the Greater Seattle Area for over 13 years. A former architect, Sam is now a full-service contractor, specializing in residential remodels and additions.

Sam Adams
Professional Contractor

Working on a cabinet? Sam Adams, design firm owner, advises: “Don't paint it if it's a cabinet you use all the time. In a year or so, the paint will start chipping off around the handle because you touch the door every day. And if you paint a laminate cabinet, the paint will chip off all over. Painting a cabinet is like a Band-Aid. I think it’s better to just replace the entire cabinet.”
6
Add the second coat of melamine paint once the first is dry. Use either a foam roller or paintbrush again to apply paint to all of the surfaces. Let the final coat dry for 24 hours.^{[12]
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Spray paint your project if you prefer a smoother finished surface. Start with the back or inside of any doors to cupboards, so that you can get used to spray painting there first. Then spray paint your entire project, and let it dry overnight.^{[13]
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- Wear a respirator mask at all times when working with spray paint.
- Check that the spray paint can be used on melamine surfaces by reading the label before you purchase it.
- Apply a second coat with spray paint if you need to once the first coat is dry.