4 Surefire Ideas for Painting Particle Board for a Professional Finish

Painting particle board is an affordable and easy way to spruce up a piece of furniture or structure and make a real statement. However, there are some important steps and considerations to pay attention to in order to ensure the best results. Here are four key tips to keep in mind as you paint your particle board.

First, since particleboard or medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is not really genuine wood, but instead an amalgamation of compressed leftover materials glued together, the outer layer of laminate needs to be removed in order for paint to adhere. This can be done by rubbing the surface vigorously with 120-grit sandpaper. This method works best because it will remove the laminate without damaging the underlying chipboard.

Second, after the laminate is removed, a coat of primer needs to be applied. This helps prepare the board to adhere to the paint. Make sure that the surface is clean and the dust produced from sanding is completely removed, otherwise, the primer won’t stick properly. Primers are available in both a traditional bucket form as well as a convenient spray form. Allow the primer to dry completely before painting.

Third, before painting, lightly sand the primed surface of the particle board with a 200-220-grit sandpaper to remove any imperfections that were left behind by the primer.

Finally, it’s time to paint the particle board. There is no specific kind of paint that you need to use. Particle board’s diverse composition means you should feel free to choose between oil-based or water-based paint. Beyond that, you can be creative and use whatever colors and techniques appeal to you.

Once the paint has dried, you’ll be able to enjoy your newly painted particle board in whatever room of your house you choose. With a nice coat of paint, you’ll be able to turn a plain, utilitarian piece that’s often overlooked, into a dramatically transformed piece of furniture that will be sure to impress.