How to Paint Pressure-Treated Wood, Bob Vila, how to paint pressed wood kitchen cabinets like a pro
The shape and style of your pressed wood media cabinet is still appealing, but the faux wood finish has to go.If the piece can handle a coat of color without bubbling, peeling or falling apart, then paint is the answer.It is possible to transform that inexpensive bargain into a thing of beauty with the right tools and a light touch.
A pressed particleboard is made from leftover wood, sawdust, and small particles of wood coated in a resin and pressed together to form "boards."It's a lightweight, low-cost wood alternative that absorbs water more quickly than solid wood.Since it can peel or lose its shape, the pressed wood material is usually covered with a thin sheet of veneer or laminate to hold things together.The paint won't adhere to the slick finish on this surface.You have to rough things up before you can paint them.Your painted piece may fool your friends.
Take a cue from the design of the piece about the best paint treatment for it.A traditional or country wardrobe can be found in opaque chalk or milk paint.The spare table or bookcase is a bit Zen minimalist.The Art Deco wall system is made of lacquer and shiny black.The paint job is very easy to do.
To make the sanding job easier, clean the surface dirt and dust.If you will replace it with new hardware, fill in the holes from the hardware.Let the wood be dry before sanding.You will sand and paint the pieces separately if you disassemble them.
To create a rough texture for the new paint to stick to, go over the piece with an orbital sander or medium-grade sandpaper.You don't want the veneer to disappear and the pressboard to turn to sawdust.The goal is to remove the smooth finish that will cause a coat of paint to bubble or bead.
Clean the piece with a rag or cloth.Allow the piece to dry if you use a damp sponge.If the surface is clean,prime it to seal it and create a new surface that the paint can grip.If you follow the manufacturer's instructions, the primer can be dried in very humid conditions.
Work in aventilated area to keep potentially toxic materials away from kids and pets, let the piece cure undisturbed, reduce the fumes in your work area, and let better air circulation help to dry it faster.
Roll, brush or spray on the base coat to allow sufficient drying time between coats.Multiple coats of paint may be required for a professional finish.If you see bubbles in the paint as you apply the first coat, or as it starts to set up, that means you didn't sand the underlying veneer adequately and the primer and paint are not adhering in those areas.You could give those places a do-over.