How to Apply Faux Finishes to Melamine

Unscrew all the doors, hinges, knobs and drawers. Number the doors so you remember exactly where they go by writing the number in the space where the hinge goes and putting a piece of masking tape over it. When you are finished painting, you'll remove the tape to reveal the number.

Scrub the melamine clean to remove grease, wax and dirt. Sand the surface thoroughly first with 80-grit sandpaper, then with 120-grit sandpaper. You can also use sanding sponges, which are handy for getting into edges and corners. Wipe down to remove sanding dust.

Apply a good bonding primer using a brush and 4- to 6-inch roller.

Paint at least one coat of either high quality satin or semi-gloss enamel in your base color. Use latex acrylic paint; for extra toughness, look for an epoxy or urethane modified latex.

Mix the paint or glaze for the faux finish. This will depend on the finish or technique you use. Mix enough of each color to do the whole project to ensure uniformity.

Apply the faux finish. Use a brush and clean rags for glazing and antiquing, specialty rollers or sponges for a marble or texture finish, or brushes and combs for wood graining. Finishing touches like marble veining are usually applied with a small artist's brush.

Roll on a protective finish coat of acrylic varnish. This is not necessary for all faux finishes, but will give some finishes an even, smooth appearance.