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Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Painting my Laminate Furniture

So while I was stalking some of my favorite bogs--I came across a couple posts about painting cheapy laminate furniture (THIS one is my favorite and is the one that I followed).  I was OVER JOYED with the idea and prospect of painting cheapy laminate furniture--because my house is FULL OF THE STUFF!

So for my first attempt I chose this lovely little book shelf from ikea.
(It normally is FULL of all of our DVD's and Videos (I forgot to take a picture of it while it was all full)--and yes, we still own a million videos and probably will for a while cause who wants to replace all of them?  And why do we have so many movies?  Because we haven't had and TV for the last 8 years.)

Blah, Blah, Boring
Especially since we got our new couches off craigslist (which you can read about HERE)--everything on that wall is just TAN.

Something had to be done!  And since my hubby didn't want me painting the wall--the furniture is getting the makeover!

So we start by spreading out my sheets (they make excellent drop cloths).  And yes--I am painting it right in my living room--cause it was a million degrees below zero in my garage.


Then I primed it with this TRULY AWESOME PRIMER (designed specifically to go over shiny surfaces WITHOUT SANDING!!!!):

I only did 1 coat of primer (Notice the little green vase thing in the background.  It will get a little makeover too): 

Then I started in with the paint (I used Behr Latex Semi Gloss Paint called Bison Brown)--and I started to have a heart attack because the paint out of the can looked SO HORRIBLE.  Look at the color:


And yes--now that I look back, I must have been crazy to paint with that DARK BROWN PAINT so close to my new to us couches!!!!

But thankfully not a drop of paint got anywhere it wasn't supposed to.  And DOUBLE THANKFULLY the paint dried to the nice rich deep brown that I had wanted.


After 3 coats (2 coats probably would have been fine--but I am anal that way) it was ready to put the shelves back in.  And of course while putting them in--THIS HAPPENED (on EVERY SINGLE SHELF I might add):


But really--you want the shelves to fit tightly--so there is no way to get those guys in there without a little scraping.  Nothing a little touch up paint couldn't fix.

And now they are all filled and looking AMAZING!!!


I know they would be much prettier decorated beautifully with pictures and greenery and cute baskets and such.  But in our 1200 square feet--we only have space for FUNCTIONALITY! 

But at least it is now functional AND beautiful!


I love it from EVERY ANGLE!!


Now--see the WHITE END TABLE between the couches?


Now that I know how easy it is to give my furniture a make over--I have selected this piece to be my next victim!  So hopefully I will have another great makeover very soon!

39 comments:

  1. Ok I love it, it looks so great!! I have a few pieces I would love to do that to, who knew you could?! I noticed that little green vase (and the cute red one on top of your shelf!) before you even mentioned it, I can't wait to see what you are going to do with it!

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  2. We have a ton of laminate furniture but I didn't think you could paint it. Your's looks great! If you really hate the look of the videos, you could always hang a panel of coordinating fabric over the front. I think it looks pretty good the way it is though. :) I'd love it if you would link this project up to my link party!

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  3. Great job on your bookscase!
    I ♥ your couches. Do you mind sharing where you found them? Very impressed with the little green/cranberry vase. Wonderful color match with your pillows.

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  4. This looks great! It's inspiring me to tackle the 3 boring bookshelves we own. They are laminate and also were beaten up when we moved across the country. I think it's time for a makeover.

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  5. I just featured your project on my blog! Check it out here: http://www.polishthestars.com/2011/01/link-party-monday_31.html

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  6. I saw your project on Polish the Stars and had to come and check it out! I have a laminate bookshelf that I have been dying to paint for a long time, so it's great to see how you did it. Also? Love your blog. I am your newest follower! =)

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  7. OH JUST WHAT I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR!!! I HAVE SO MANY LAMINATED GOOD PIECES BUT AM TIRED OF THE SAME COLOR AFTER SO MANY YEARS.I WAS WORRIED ABOUT THE PAINT PEELING OFF CAUSE THAT'S WHAT HAPPENED TO A FRIEND OF MINE WHEN SHE PAINTED HER BATHROOM CABINET. IT WAS HORRIBLE TO DO ALL THAT WORK JUST TO HAVE IT PEEL OFF. SHE USED A PRIMER BUT I DONT KNOW WHAT KIND.

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  8. Interior painting is something that can be easily and inexpensively done by any homeowner. Even for the person who has never done any painting, it is a chore that can be accomplished. It just takes the proper procedure and the use of some simple tips. In no time, a room can be transformed just by changing the color.




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  9. I have a dresser that is laminet. do u think if i put things on top of it would scratch? or is there a paint that seals it in?

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    Replies
    1. I need to know the same thing. I have a chest of drawers, I want to paint, but don't want paint to peel off.

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  10. Off the subject of painting you could put all of your DVDs into albums and save a ton of space, paint looks great

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    Replies
    1. That's what I did :-) It does save tons of space !! I cut the part out that told about movies and put into slot with the movie.

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  16. Dark brown does make a perfect color for your shelf. They don’t get easily get stained, hence they’re easier to clean. And they complement well with any colors around your house. :)

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  17. I have been visiting various blogs for House Paint. I have found your blog to be quite useful. Keep updating your blog with valuable information... Regards

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  18. That was an well painted bookshelf, what kind of paint did you used? you did a good job.
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  19. I wish you sanded your stuff first before you primed it, Sharon. It would give your furniture a finer look and texture. Anyway, your shelf looks beautiful though. You chose the color that best matched your color scheme.

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  20. I did just read on another blog that a polyacrylic would have been a great idea to apply to this before putting it back up.. Apparently by adding something like this nice sealer you will prevent that chipping that happens with everything prefab you paint

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