need help on how to paint a desk

alfa147x

Lifer
Jul 14, 2005
29,307
106
106
How can I paint the laminate on this desk that I have made of cheap press wood

Don't really want to buy a whole new desk, but a nice brighter color just so it will go with the room

I was told by a neighbor that spray paint does not stick to the laminate

Thanks
~Alfa
:cookie:
 

olds

Elite Member
Mar 3, 2000
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Topic Title: need help on how to pant a desk
Now, that's a weird fetish.
 

vi edit

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 28, 1999
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Originally posted by: oldsmoboat
Topic Title: need help on how to pant a desk
Now, that's a weird fetish.

Just watch out for splinters.
 

vi edit

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 28, 1999
62,484
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Serious answer - if you get some concrete or outdoor use primer it will likely cover the laminate well enough that you can hit it with another couple coats of whatever paint you want.

I wouldn't suggest spray paint. Just get a couple disposable trays and roller & trim roller for the edges and tight spaces.
 

cubeless

Diamond Member
Sep 17, 2001
4,295
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i have had luck with:

1) gently sand the laminate to rough, eliminate the shine
2) spray with a automotive primer of an appropriate color, very light coat 1, very light coat 2 (too much at once runs real fast)...
3) stand the desk up on end and pull on the pants... ;p

ok, actually repeat step 2 with the color coat... use multiple light coats...
 

cubeless

Diamond Member
Sep 17, 2001
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resist the urge to do thick anything...

if u want glossy, use a paint like an appliance epoxy enamel after the primer... follow the directions on the can!!! use multiple light coats...
 

OdiN

Banned
Mar 1, 2000
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You need to sand it to get a rougher surface so that the paint will stick - otherwise it will just flake off.
 

alfa147x

Lifer
Jul 14, 2005
29,307
106
106
Originally posted by: cubeless
resist the urge to do thick anything...

if u want glossy, use a paint like an appliance epoxy enamel after the primer... follow the directions on the can!!! use multiple light coats...

by thick i meant multiple layers till thick
 

alfa147x

Lifer
Jul 14, 2005
29,307
106
106

Injury

Lifer
Jul 19, 2004
13,066
2
81
Originally posted by: cubeless
resist the urge to do thick anything...

if u want glossy, use a paint like an appliance epoxy enamel after the primer... follow the directions on the can!!! use multiple light coats...

Yup, the lighter coats give it more time to absorb, stick, and dry.

As mentioned already,

- Light sanding
- Couple of light primer coats
- Couple of light color coats
- Use a sealant or finish when done... you don't want the paint to gradually stain anything on your desk.


As with all painting, if you take your time and follow directions on packaging, you can paint damn near anything.
 

Injury

Lifer
Jul 19, 2004
13,066
2
81
Originally posted by: alfa147x
any idea how i would go about giving it a new car finish ?

Why would you want to spend hours upon hours sanding a paint on a crap wood desk? It's like getting a paint job on a car that hope someone runs over so you can get a little bit of cash out of it.
 

MaxDepth

Diamond Member
Jun 12, 2001
8,757
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91
try stain instead of paint.

Painted desktop surfaces rarely if ever work or last.