Sanding laminate furniture involves lightly scuffing the surface to create necessary adhesion for primer or paint, rather than removing the laminate layer itself. It's a crucial step before refinishing laminate pieces.
Preparing for Sanding
Before you begin sanding, ensure your workspace is well-ventilated and protect the surrounding area with drop cloths. Clean the furniture thoroughly to remove any dust, dirt, or grime, as sanding over debris can scratch the surface. A simple soap and water solution followed by drying is usually sufficient.
The Sanding Process
The goal when sanding laminate is to create a slightly roughened texture for paint or primer to grip onto. You don't need to sand through the laminate layer.
Here are the steps based on best practices:
Step #1: Clean the Surface
- Wipe down the entire piece of furniture with a cleaner to remove dirt and grease.
- Allow the surface to dry completely.
Step #2: Sand the Laminate
This is where you create the necessary texture. According to the provided reference:
Sand the piece using 220-grit sandpaper in sweeping motions up and down the entire surface area.
Using a 220-grit sandpaper is ideal because it's fine enough to avoid deep scratches but coarse enough to provide 'tooth' for paint adhesion. Use gentle, consistent sweeping motions across the entire laminate surface.
Step #3: Clean Up Dust
After sanding, you'll have a fine layer of dust covering the furniture. The reference advises:
Vacuum the debris and wipe with a microfiber towel.
Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to carefully remove the bulk of the dust. Follow up by wiping the entire sanded surface with a slightly damp (not wet) microfiber cloth to pick up any remaining fine dust particles. Ensuring the surface is dust-free is vital for successful priming and painting.
Why Sand Laminate?
Unlike solid wood, laminate is a thin decorative layer, often plastic or resin, applied over particleboard or MDF. Sanding isn't about stripping; it's about dulling the smooth, non-porous surface to make it receptive to new finishes. Skipping this step can lead to primer or paint peeling or scratching off easily.
By following these steps, particularly using the recommended 220-grit sandpaper and cleaning thoroughly afterward, you prepare your laminate furniture for a successful transformation.
