How to Refurbish Particleboard Furniture With Paint

Repair Damage

Over time, or with especially hard use, the plastic veneers of particleboard can get scratched, chipped, or scuffed with permanent stains. Moisture can also damage the core particleboard, causing swelling.

• Repair Chips and Scratches: Fill the damaged area with wood filler or wood putty, using a putty knife. Then, smooth the patch area so it is even with the surrounding surface and let the putty or filler dry overnight. Once dry, gently sand over the repaired area with fine-grit sandpaper until the surface is completely smooth.
• Repair Damaged Veneer: Carefully lift the loose veneer and use a putty knife to scrape away as much loose, dried glue as possible. Then, apply a thin layer of contact cement to both the particle board surface and the bottom surface of the veneer. Use a small stick or a pencil to keep the surfaces apart for 15 minutes or so. Press the plastic veneer down onto the particleboard core, using a roller or block of wood to bond the veneer.
• Repair Water Damage: Remove the damaged areas using a sharp razor, then fill the space with wood filler (see above) and sand smooth. If the damage is extensive, remove the damaged areas and replace them with a new piece of particleboard.

Sand the Surfaces

Sand the entire item with fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding block to remove any old finish, lacquer, or gloss. The goal is not to sand off the plastic veneer, but simply to scuff the surface that will help the paint coat adhere. Be careful not to sand too harshly on the edges or you risk chipping away the top layer of the laminate.

Prepare the Primer

Picking the right primer will save you time by eliminating the need for many coats of paint. Use a gray primer if you plan on painting dark-colored particleboard and opt for a white primer if you plan on painting light-colored particleboard. For oil-based paints, use an oil or latex bonding primer. For water-based paints, use a water-based primer.

Apply Primer

After sanding the item, apply the primer to the surfaces. Though you can use a roller, using a paintbrush to apply a thin coat will help ensure the primer gets into every crevice. Allow the primer to dry completely (usually 24 hours) before applying any paint.

Lightly Sand the Surfaces

Before applying paint, lightly sand the primer layer. This will ensure that the top coat goes on smoothly and sticks well. After sanding, remove any dust with a lint-free rag.

Apply Paint

Use a fine finish roller to paint particleboard furniture to ensure the final finish is smooth and doesn't show obvious brush strokes. (However, if you like the texture created by brush strokes, use a paintbrush.)

Depending on the paint, one coat may cover the surfaces adequately. But the best result is often achieved if you apply two or even three coats of paint in thin, uniform layers. If you need a subsequent coat, let the first coat dry completely before applying the next one. A very light sanding between coats will help with adhesion.