How to Paint Over Laminate Wood Walls

Create a mixture of 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap, 1/4 cup of ammonia and 1/2 gallon of lukewarm water. Stir the ingredients to create a sudsy mixture.

Dampen a large kitchen sponge with the soapy water, and wipe down the laminate walls to remove any dirt, grit or grease. Wet a piece of No. 0000 steel wool with the soapy mixture, and work it into any difficult stains.

Dampen a soft cloth with plain water, and wipe away the soapy mixture from the laminate paneling. Dry the walls with a soft cloth, and allow the remaining moisture to evaporate before continuing.

Rub the laminate surface with 150-grit sandpaper. Using a light hand, roughen up the surface with the sandpaper to ensure the primer adheres more effectively. Wipe down the walls with a tack cloth to remove any dust created by sanding.

Apply a light coating of shellac-based primer to the sanded surface. Use a paint roller to apply the primer to the bulk of the walls, and then finish the finer areas, including the edging, with a natural-bristled paintbrush.

Allow the primer to set for at least 48 hours before covering the walls with a thin layer of acrylic or latex paint. Once again, use a roller for the bulk of the work and a smaller brush for the edging. Allow the paint to dry for at least four hours before applying a second, and if necessary, third layer.

Allow the final layer of paint to dry for at least 24 hours before decorating the walls.