Veneer is a decorative layer of wood that is affixed to the surface of another object. Veneers can be primed, painted, stained, and treated like any other wood surface. Painting veneers is a great way to beautify furniture, make old furniture look new, or change the appearance of an object to fit a new decor scheme. A good way to paint veneers is to clean, sand, and apply a primer before you paint them.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing the Workplace
Step 1. Do a small project outdoors
Sanding and painting will cause dirt that produces a lot of smoke and dust. If you are handling small objects that can be moved easily, take them outdoors to be handled there.
A shed or garage is also an ideal place if you can't paint outdoors because of the weather
Step 2. Increase ventilation in the room
If you must handle the object indoors, protect yourself from the fumes by opening doors and windows to let fresh air in. Also open the vents to let the smoke out, and turn on a ceiling fan or a sitting fan to keep fresh air circulating.
Step 3. Cover the area around it
Spread a drop cloth or plastic sheet to protect the floor and the area around the workspace. If the object is large and difficult to move, place a drop cloth on the floor around it and apply duct tape to keep the cloth from sliding out of place.
Step 4. Remove the existing hardware
Veneers are commonly used on furniture and interior décor items, and they sometimes have hardware, such as handles, hinges, or brackets. To avoid getting paint, remove these items before you begin the painting process. Most hardware can be removed using a screwdriver.
Once the hardware and screws are removed, store them in a safe place so they won't be forgotten or lost
Step 5. Apply the tape to the area around it that you don't want to paint
Some veneers are mounted on or near other surfaces that don't want to be painted. For example, if you want to paint a table, but the legs don't, protect the table legs from getting paint.
On small areas, use masking tape to cover the area. On a large area, cover the surface with a plastic sheet and apply tape to keep the plastic from sliding
Part 2 of 3: Repairing and Cleaning the Surface
Step 1. Repair scratches and indentations
Before painting veneers, repair any chipped, dented, or dented areas. Remove any loose veneer and sand the edges of the hole. Fill the existing hole with putty, then smooth it with a kape (putty squeeze). Make sure the hole is completely filled with putty.
- Allow the putty to dry completely before you proceed with the process.
- Follow the putty manufacturer's instructions for proper drying time. Depending on the depth of the hole, drying time can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.
Step 2. Clean the surface using a degreaser (oil/grease cleaning product)
Paint will not adhere well if the surface is covered with dirt, oil, or dust. To keep the surface clean, wipe the area with a cleaner that also acts as a degreaser, such as a cleaner containing ammonia, denatured alcohol, or 120 ml of trisodium phosphate mixed with 2 liters of water.
- Use a clean, non-abrasive sponge or scouring pad to rub the degreaser on the veneer surface.
- After cleaning, wipe the area with a damp, clean cloth to remove any remaining degreaser.
- Let the surface dry.
Step 3. Sand the veneer surface
Place sandpaper with a grit (roughness) of 220 on the orbital sander (hand sanding machine). Sand the veneer to smooth the putty, even out the surface, and give the veneer a fine streak. This will make it easier for the primer to adhere to the veneer surface.
- For small areas, you can use a block of sandpaper, but you can speed up the process if you use an orbital sander.
- Use an emery block to get to hard-to-reach gaps and places.
Step 4. Use a vacuum cleaner and remove the adhering dust
Before painting, you must remove all dust and sanding powder. Vacuum the veneer and the area around it to remove any remaining dust, then wipe with a slightly damp cloth.
Let the surface dry before you apply the primer
Part 3 of 3: Applying Base Paint and Painting
Step 1. Choose the right paint and primer
Veneer is wood so you can choose from a variety of paints. In general, you should start with a primer that matches your primary paint type, then paint the veneer surface. Next, complete the process by applying a clear protective layer, varnish, or sealant.
Types of paints that are often used for wood include oil-based enamel paints, water-based enamel paints, chalk paints, milk paints, hi-gloss enamel paints, dyes and varnishes, and acrylic paints
Step 2. Apply primer
Stir the primer and put it in the paint tray. Begin the process using a brush to apply the primer to crevices, edges, corners, and cracks. Next, dip the roller brush into the primer and remove the excess paint on the tray. Apply the base coat thinly and evenly on the veneer surface.
Once applied, allow the primer to dry for at least 3 hours before applying your first coat of paint. For an exact drying time, check the instructions on the primer's package
Step 3. Paint the veneer surface
Once the primer has dried, you can apply the first coat of paint. Stir the paint and place it in a clean paint tray. Use a clean brush to apply paint to the inside of cracks, corners, and edges. Replace with a roller to paint the remaining veneer. Apply the paint thinly and evenly over the entire surface of the veneer.
- Allow the first coat of paint to dry before you apply the next coat.
- If you need to apply a second coat, follow the paint manufacturer's instructions for the drying time required for each coat.
- Depending on the type of paint, you may have to wait about 2-48 hours between coats of paint.
Step 4. Apply varnish to seal and protect the paint
When the last coat of paint has dried, use a clear paint, varnish, or sealant to protect the painted veneer. Fill the paint tray with clear paint, then use the brush to reach into cracks and corners. Use a foam brush or roller to apply a thin and even layer of protection over the entire surface of the veneer.
Clear varnish or paint is especially important for furniture that is used frequently, such as desks, dressers, and regular tables
Step 5. Remove the tape after you have applied the last coat
Remove the tape by pulling the ends with your fingernail. Pull the tape toward your body at a 45-degree angle from the floor. Use a knife or razor to scrape off any paint that's stuck to the tape before you remove the tape.
It's important to remove the tape while the last coat is still wet. Otherwise, the paint will dry on the tape and peel off with the tape, ruining your work
Step 6. Allow the veneer to dry and the paint to cure (curing)
The paint may dry in a few hours, but it can take several weeks to harden properly. Curing is the process of hardening and strengthening the paint, and don't overdo it with freshly painted veneer before the paint has completely hardened.
Paint hardening can take anywhere from 1 week to 1 month. Check the instructions on the package of the paint you are using to determine the exact setting time
Step 7. Reinstall the hardware
After the paint has hardened within the allotted time, use a screwdriver to reattach the hardware that was removed before you painted. Once the hardware has been reassembled, you can return the piece to its original place and use it again as usual.
