Painting formica

[jocelee117]

I want to paint over a book shelf and a desk that I think is...formica. It's the material on those fake wood folding tables (the ones where the top peels off). I've heard that it's impossible to paint over them, but I've also heard that you just need to sand them down; or, it's paintable as long as I use a good primer... So now I am all confused. :confused: Can anyone please tell me how to paint those shelves step by step? Thanks!!

[marksr]

Welcome to the forum
Paint doesn't adhere well to formica [especially in the long run] although what you have may not be formica but its' cheap cousin [for lack of the correct name] I believe it will paint a little better. I would sand it well wipe it down with a deglosser and use an oil base primer. Finish coat with either oil enamel or waterborne enamel. Latex doesn't dry hard enough and would likely peel or chip.