Yes, You Can Paint Those Laminate Chairs

Let’s be honest, we’ve all been there. You’re looking at your kitchen chairs, and that once-shiny laminate is looking a little tired. Maybe it’s scratched, maybe the color is straight out of a bygone decade, or maybe you just crave a change. The big question pops into your head: “Can I just paint these things?“ I’m here to give you a resounding, cheerful yes! Painting laminate furniture is not only possible, it’s a fantastic and budget-friendly way to breathe new life into your kitchen. The secret isn’t in the paint itself, but in the preparation. Think of laminate like a glass tabletop—it’s smooth and non-porous, so paint has nothing to grip onto. If you just slap on a coat of regular paint, it will almost certainly peel off faster than a cheap sticker. But don’t let that scare you! With the right steps, you can create a durable, beautiful finish that will last for years.

First things first, you need to get those chairs ready for their makeover. This is the most important part, so don’t rush it. Start by giving them a really good clean with a degreaser or a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap. Kitchens are full of cooking oils and fingerprints, and paint will refuse to stick to any grease. Once they’re squeaky clean and completely dry, you need to rough up that slick surface. Grab some 120- to 150-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge. You don’t need to sand off the laminate, just scuff it up thoroughly until the entire surface has lost its shine and feels uniformly dull to the touch. This creates “tooth” for the primer to hold onto. After sanding, wipe away all the dust with a tack cloth or a damp rag. A clean surface is a happy surface for paint.

Now for the magic potion: primer. This is your best friend in this project. You must use a primer specifically designed to bond to slick surfaces. Look for labels that say “bonding primer,“ “adhesion primer,“ or ones that mention working on laminate, plastic, or tile. These primers are formulated to stick where others fail. Apply a thin, even coat over every surface you plan to paint, and let it dry completely according to the can’s instructions. This primer coat is the foundation of your entire project, so patience here pays off big time.

Once your primer is dry, the fun really begins—it’s paint time! For chairs, which get a lot of wear and tear, I recommend a durable paint. Acrylic latex paints or furniture paints are great choices. You can use a brush, but for the smoothest finish on that laminate surface, using a small foam roller is a game-changer. It helps avoid brush strokes. Apply your first coat of paint in thin, even layers. Don’t worry if it looks a little streaky; thin coats dry better and are less likely to drip. Let that first coat dry completely, then lightly sand with a very fine grit sandpaper (like 220-grit) just to knock down any little dust nibs or bumps. Wipe away the dust, and apply your second coat. Two coats are usually the sweet spot for full, rich coverage.

Finally, while not always mandatory, a topcoat is like an insurance policy for your hard work. A clear water-based polyurethane in a satin or matte finish will add a protective shield against spills, scratches, and the general chaos of kitchen life. Once everything is thoroughly dry—and I mean really dry, give it a good 48 to 72 hours before using them—you’re done! You’ll have a custom set of kitchen chairs that look brand new, all for the cost of some sandpaper, primer, and paint. So go ahead, pick a color that makes you smile, and transform those old chairs into something you love. Your kitchen—and your wallet—will thank you.