Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - Refinishing formica veneer furniture
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judykay
07-07-02, 03:33 PM
I have a bedroom set, dark wood covered with a formica like veneer. This is a 1970's set but (unfortuantely) still in excellent condition. I wish to paint it a lighter color (not stain).
My thoughts are to completely sand the pieces, then prime and paint. Is this enough to allow the paint to adhere without peeling.
My thoughts are to completely sand the pieces, then prime and paint. Is this enough to allow the paint to adhere without peeling.
George
07-07-02, 06:28 PM
You're on the right track. I can specifically suggest (because I've used them) both BIN and KILZ as a primer.
Both are sandable, which is important to getting a good smooth undercoat for your finish paint, and both adhere well and provide good adhesion for the finish coat to follow.
Any paint of your choice (either oil based or latex) can be applied over either of these primers.
Both are sandable, which is important to getting a good smooth undercoat for your finish paint, and both adhere well and provide good adhesion for the finish coat to follow.
Any paint of your choice (either oil based or latex) can be applied over either of these primers.
judykay
07-08-02, 03:28 PM
Thanks so much. What grit should I use for the final sanding? Is 80 too coarse to start with and is 100 OK for the final? Or shoudl it be more? Most of the surfaces are straight and flat but there are a couple of base trim pieces that are rounded. They can be hand sanded with minimal discomfort.
I do like KILZ as a primer but it is all I've ever used.
I do like KILZ as a primer but it is all I've ever used.
George
07-08-02, 06:51 PM
Judy:
80 is fins for the initial sanding, especially those areas covered with Formica. After the primer is has dried I'd use something in the range of 120 - 150 grit to get as smooth a surface as possible.
One advantage to using paint (that's not available in clear finishes) is the paint will hide irregularities better. Still, it only makes sense to prepare the subsurface as best you can.
80 is fins for the initial sanding, especially those areas covered with Formica. After the primer is has dried I'd use something in the range of 120 - 150 grit to get as smooth a surface as possible.
One advantage to using paint (that's not available in clear finishes) is the paint will hide irregularities better. Still, it only makes sense to prepare the subsurface as best you can.