Painting melamine furniture is an easy way to update lifeless flatpack pieces, add colour to your home and get more life out of furniture you already own. But, because melamine has a smooth, non-porous surface, creating a long-lasting finish comes down to proper preparation. That means sanding thoroughly and using the right primer before painting.
What you need:
How To Do It:
Step 1: Sand
Lightly scuff the dresser with 120 grit sandpaper. This step is essential because melamine is very smooth, which makes it difficult for paint to adhere to. Sanding gives the primer and topcoat a better surface to grip, helping you avoid peeling, chipping or an uneven finish over time.
Step 2: Prime
Once the surface has been sanded, apply one coat of Dulux Precision Maximum Adhesion Strength Primer. This primer is designed to help topcoats bond to hard-to-paint surfaces like melamine. This is key to achieving a long-lasting finish. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to your topcoat.
Step 3: Paint
Apply two coats of your chosen topcoat colour, allowing the first coat to dry before applying the second. For this project, we used Dulux Wash & Wear Low Sheen in Sea Breeze Half to create a beautifully soft finish that fit’s perfectly into the bedroom space. Cut in around the edges with a brush before rolling with a mini roller to fully cover the dresser.
If you’re tired of plain white melamine furniture but don’t want to replace it, paint is a budget-friendly way to add personality and colour to your space. With the right preparation, primer and topcoat, you can transform a simple flatpack dresser into a piece that better suits your home.
Head to your local Inspirations Paint store for the products and advice you need for your next furniture painting project.
Looking for more ways to personalise your space? Learn how to hack Kmart shelves with paint or see how easy it is to spray paint metal lockers.
FAQs About Painting Melamine Furniture
Can You Paint Melamine Furniture Without Sanding?
For best results, sanding is recommended before painting melamine furniture. Even a light scuff with sandpaper helps reduce the slick surface and gives the primer a stronger grip. Skipping this step can make it harder for paint to adhere properly, especially on furniture that gets regular use.
What paint sticks to melamine furniture?
Paint will stick best to melamine when the surface is sanded and primed first. A specialist primer like Dulux Precision Maximum Adhesion Strength helps create a suitable base for your chosen topcoat.
Do you need primer before painting melamine?
Yes. Primer is important when painting melamine because it helps the topcoat bond to the smooth surface and improves the durability of the finish. We recommend Dulux Precision Maximum Adhesion Strength Primer.
How many coats of paint do you need?
For this project, we applied two coats of topcoat after priming. Two coats usually help create even coverage and a more consistent finish.