A Touch of Grace

Laminated wood is easy to recognize. Laminate is an artificially synthesized wood, typically made of plastic, and is printed to appear as real wood.

-bright & shiny appearance
-extremely durable
-slick & hard when your fingernails scratch it

Put on protective gear i.e goggles, gloves, and a dust mask or respirator. Lightly sand the entire laminated surface with I50-grit sandpaper.

-laminate will appear cloudy
-scuffed surface will allow your primer to adhere

Scrub the surface you’ll be painting thoroughly in three steps.

I- Wipe away the dust with a microfiber cloth
2- Use a degreasing cleaner to ensure all the dirt and grease is removed
3- Wash away any cleaner residue with a rag and water

Once your surface has fully dried, apply a thin, even coat of primer. Allow to dry and lightly sand with 220 grit sandpaper. Wipe away dust with a microfiber cloth. Apply second coat of primer.

Different primers have various dry and cure times.
Typically –
Water-based primer (latex & acrylic) = 3 hours
Oil-based primer = 24 hours

Paint time! Take a coin and scratch test the primer. If no scratches, continue. Apply your paint coats following the same steps as you applied the primer coats.

-sanding between coats helps achieve a smooth, brushless finish
-scratch tests: if easily scratches your primer, go back and sand at a rougher grit and clean again. If your primer scratches off that means your paint will as well and will not be durable.

Protect your paint with a clear top coat. Apply using a sponge going in the same direction as when you painted.

-Applying with a sponge helps attain a smooth finish and is easier to work with.