DIY Staining Laminate Furniture

Laminate is constructed by heat-pressing a core product and decorative paper between two sheets of protective plastic film. The finished product is an inexpensive, durable building material that mimics natural stone or wood. Staining laminate furniture involves cleaning and roughening up the top layer of plastic coating, giving the liquid or gel stain something to which to adhere. This is accomplished without expensive or specialized tools.

Sandpaper, 220-grit
Rubber gloves
Safety goggles
1/4 cup trisodium phosphate
1 gallon warm water
Kitchen sponges
Polyurethane stain
Foam brush

Instructions

- 1
  Roughen up the laminate surface with 220-grit sandpaper to create an uneven surface so stain has something to which to adhere. Do not remove the protective plastic coating from the laminate.
- 2
  Slip on a pair of rubber gloves and safety goggles. Mix 1/4 cup trisodium phosphate (TSP) and 1 gallon warm water.
- 3
  Dampen a kitchen sponge with the TSP solution and wipe down the laminate surface. Dampen a separate sponge with plain water to remove any remaining TSP residue and dust.
- 4
  Allow the laminate to dry.
- 5
  Cover the laminate piece with a thin layer of polyurethane stain using a foam brush. Apply the stain with even, back-and-forth motions.
- 6
  Allow the first coat of polyurethane stain to dry completely or for at least eight hours before applying a second coat with the foam brush.
- 7
  Allow the final coat of polyurethane stain to set for at least 24 hours before using the laminate furniture.

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