How to Paint and Stain Veneer on a Particle Board

Particle board furniture and cabinets are cheaper than traditional wood, but when it comes to updating them or even adding a new coat of paint, that inexpensive option becomes a hassle. Though it may seem more difficult, particle board is not impossible to paint. Since most particle board surfaces are covered with a laminate veneer, taking additional steps to make sure the laminate is clean for the paint to stick is important.

Particle board piece
220-grit sandpaper with sander
Tack cloth
Water
Towels
Primer
Paint roller or brush
Latex paint
Finishing stain

Instructions

- 1
  Take apart the particle board piece if it is a large structure. If just working with one piece of particle board, then move on to the next step.
- 2
  Use 220-grit sandpaper on a sander or by hand to sand down the entire surface of the particle board. Make sure to get every corner and edge of the particle board to create a coarse surface. There should no longer be a shine from the laminate on top of the particle board.
- 3
  Wash the particle board with a tack cloth that is slightly damp. Remove all of the dust and wood particles that appeared during sanding and make sure the entire surface is clean and dry before moving on.
- 4
  Apply a thin coat of primer to the particle board piece using a paint roller or brush, depending on the type of surface. Allow the primed pieces to sit and cure according to the instructions by the primer's manufacturer. Most require at least 7 days to cure before adding the top coat.
- 5
  Apply the top coat of paint in one or two coats, depending on the color. Allow the particle board to dry before reassembling or using the piece again.

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