Melamine is a synthetic resin that is made by mixing melamine and formaldehyde. Melamine is one of the surfaces used in our houses that quickly become outdated, gets scratched and nicked easily during normal use. Note that the melamine is composed of different layers that should not be sanded. But the best thing that can be done is to resurface melamine with a quality paint job.
In the following blog, we are going to discuss everything that is needed to paint the melamine surface. This will include the process of surface preparation, selection of right paint, tools needed, and steps for painting a melamine surface.
Surface Preparation
It is important to note that the melamine cannot be sanded down to a natural grain. In the case of wood, exposing grain is vital for the paint to stick, whereas, the melamine is designed to repel the kitchen spills that include oil, water, and food. As we know that paint is also similar to a spill so the paint cannot stick to melamine surfaces easily.
Keeping this in mind, it is important to prepare the surface to let the paint stick well for a long time of period. If the paint is not applied properly, then it will peel off easily creating more mess for the homeowners. The best way to avoid this is to degloss and roughen the plastic surface of melamine and use the right paint.
Selection of Right Paint
For counters, usage of ordinary paint is not the right thing to do. It is good to purchase an all-in-one countertop resurfacing system. One of the popular choices is Rust-Oleum’s Countertop Transformation. The best thing about this kit is that they are specially made for the rigors of countertops by laying down a thick topcoat that will securely stick with a bonding primer coat.
In addition to this, urethane-reinforced acrylic paint can be used for melamine and laminate kitchen cabinets paint. It is expensive in comparison to the acrylic-latex paints used on drywall. But the urethane-reinforced products possess best hiding abilities and stick better on the surfaces with problems. Remember that the cabinet coat is designed to stick to plastic, metal, and urethane surfaces without a primer but melamine needs to be sanded before the application of paint.
The third option that can be used is the 100% acrylic flash bond primer. After the primer, apply two coats of satin or semi-gloss enamel paint along with two coats of clear acrylic sealer.
Want to get rid of all the headache regarding painting or selection of paint? For this, contact expert Cape Cod painting contractors of Total Care Painting. The professionals know exactly how to paint the surface properly using proper technique and equipment.
Tools and Equipment Required
The tools and equipment that you need during the process are below:
• Paint roller with dense-foam roller cover
• Synthetic-bristle paint brush
• 150 or 220-grit sandpaper
• Dust mask or respirator
• Clean, lint-free cloths
• Contractor’s paper
• Plastic sheeting
• Painter’s tape
• Drop cloths
• Work light
• Tack cloth
• Paint
Painting of Melamine Surface
The entire process of painting melamine surface is divided into two parts:
• Sanding and Cleaning the Surface
• Application of Primer and Paint
1- Sanding and Cleaning the Surface
This part of the process is further divided into the following steps:
1-It is best to set up a workplace before you start the work. It is recommended to place a drop cloth or a newspaper on the floor before you start the work. Open all your windows or turn on the fan for proper ventilation. Remember that if there is anything near you that can’t be moved, then it is better to cover it a drop cloth for protection.
2 -Use a sander to roughen (lightly) the surfaces. A person has to attach 150-grit sandpaper to the sander and have to sand every area that will be painted later. It is very important to pay attention to the edges.
3 -Need an alternative to sanding? Apply a liquid deglosser with a paintbrush and leave it to soak in wood for 15 minutes. After this, wipe it with a cloth. Note that the liquid deglosser will finish the shines on the surface and makes the surface look dull to be prepared for painting.
4 -Sanding dust should be wiped away using a tack cloth. It is essential to clean all the dust particles, loose wood, and coating. Check all the corners and joints to ensure that no spot is missing.
5 -Clean your surface with trisodium phosphate detergent. Dilute 4 ounces (110g) of TSP powder in a 2 gallon (7.6 L) of warm water. To wipe down all the surfaces, use a sponge. After this, use a clean rag for rinsing the surface with fresh and clean water. Don’t forget to wear gloves to avoid the irritation on skin when using TSP.
2-Application of Primer and Paint
Now, the next part of the process is the application of primer and paint. Wondering, how to paint melamine? Follow the below steps:
1 -Use a paint brush for applying a primer on all the corners and edges. Use a paintbrush that is specially designed for melamine. Check all the areas properly that you cannot reach using a roller.
2 -Use a roller to apply the paint on an entire surface. When painting, roll the primer in one direction on every surface. Ensure that your roller sounds wet and crinkly. If that sound is missing, then apply more primer. Furthermore, if there is a new roller cover that is having fibers, then wrap it in masking tape before you use it. For removing the loose fiber, rip off the masking tape otherwise it would create problems during the project.
3 -Sanding primer is the next step once it dried for removing any imperfections. It is best to use 220-grit sandpaper to smoothen over any drips and other marks by the primer. Use a tack cloth to wipe down the sanded surface. Normally, the primer needs 4 hours to dry. To know the actual time, read the instructions on the primer box.
4 -It’s time to apply the second coat of paint. Cover the entire surface of kitchen cupboards and furniture again. Wait till the primer is completely dried. Remember that there is no need to sand the surface again after the second coat of primer. Apply another coat of paint for melamine surface only if you see any imperfections.
5 -Apply the first coat of melamine paint on the primed surface. Utilize a foam roller for even painting on all the surfaces. Wait for 6 to 8 hours so that the first coat can be dried. Keep three things in mind:
• If you are going to use a paintbrush, then brush against the grain and brush with it.
• Paint applied to melamine needs more time to dry in comparison to the wood.
• Buy the paint specially designed for melamine surfaces from the home improvement stores.
6-Apply the second coat of melamine paint once the first coat is dried. Use a paint brush or roller to apply the paint properly on a surface. Let the final coat dry for 24 hours.
7-Want a smooth finished surface? If yes, then it is better to use spray paint. Start the painting with the back or inside of any doors to cupboards. After this, spray paint on all the surfaces and let it dry overnight. Before you spray paint for melamine, remember the following things:
• It is recommended to wear a respirator mask all the time when you are working with the spray paint.
• Ensure that the spray paint you are going to buy should be specially designed for melamine surfaces by reading the label before the purchase.
• Apply the second coat (only if you need) once the first coat is completely dried.
This was a detail about painting the melamine surface. To do the work right, it is important to pick the right type of paint and follow the above steps to paint the surface in a better way.
Is the entire process difficult for you? Hire professional painters from Total Care Painting to get work done on time. The skilled painters will do the painting using the right equipment, tools, and high-quality paints. They will also tell about the trendy exterior and interior paint color ideas for guiding the valuable customers. The years of experience help the painters to do the painting job with ease. Furthermore, they ensure that the surface is painted evenly and the entire painting job is done within an affordable price range.
To know more about the painting services, call at (774) 327-9118.