Sand laminated paneling before priming and painting.
Painting over laminated wood paneling can spruce up a dark, dull or stained surface. Preparing the paneling for primer is the foundation of the project. Whether the laminate is thick or extremely thin, it must be sanded in order to give the primer coat something to bond to. Run your hands over the surface before you start, and make sure the laminate is firmly adhered to the wall before sanding, priming and painting.
Instructions
1. Remove all switch and outlet plate covers with a screwdriver and set them aside. Lay down a plastic or cloth tarp to cover rugs and floors. Wear a dust mask and safety glasses to protect yourself from laminate particles.
2. Sand the wall from top to bottom with medium grit sandpaper, working in smooth, even strokes, with the grain. You don't have to completely remove the top coat of the laminate. The idea is to score it evenly.
3. Vacuum the a soft brush attachment to remove dust and laminate particles. Wipe the wall with a damp cloth to pick up remaining dust and dirt.
4. Pour primer into a paint tray. Cut in the corners, ceiling and baseboard lines with a trim brush. Cut in the gaps between boards if they are deeper than 1/8-inch. Wash out the brush and set it aside to dry, or put in a resealable plastic bag to keep it for later use.
5. Coat the paint roller with primer. Roll it onto the wall in long, smooth, crossing strokes for uniform coverage. The primer will form a bond with the sanded surface and will make the top coat cling. Allow the primer coat to dry for two to four hours.
6. Paint the primed surface with a latex top coat of your choice, using the same procedures as Step 4 and 5. Allow the topcoat to dry for 24 hours before reinstalling switch and outlet covers.
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