How to Change the Color of Laminate Shelves

Move your laminate shelving unit onto a large dropcloth in the area you want to paint it and then remove the shelves and any hardware connected to them, such as hooks or handles.

Spray all the surfaces of the unit, including the shelves you removed from it, with a household cleaning spray and wipe them down with a clean rag. Wait several minutes for them to dry completely.

Sand all the surfaces of the shelving unit and shelves with some fine sandpaper and then use a vacuum cleaner brush attachment to remove any excess dust from the shelf. Wipe everything down with a damp rag and allow them to dry.

Apply the alcohol-base laminate surface primer to the entire shelf with your paint roller. Use a paint brush on the edges of the shelves and wherever else you deem necessary. Consult the primer can to find out how long it takes to dry and then wait the specified period of time before continuing.

Apply a coat of the desired color paint using a new paint roller and brush and wait the specified time for it to dry. You can apply a second coat once the first coat dries if you think it is necessary or if the instructions on the can say you should. If you apply a second coat, wait for it to dry before continuing.

Put the shelves back inside the shelf enclosure and reconnect any hardware you removed. You have now successfully changed the color of your laminate shelf; put it back in its original location.