how to paint a laminate tabletop to withstand spills

Hi friends,  do you have a laminate top dining table that you want to paint but are not sure how to paint so it will withstand spills and messes?  I can help by showing you step by step how I painted mine.  This DIY project was easy to do but takes some patience!

I was looking for a round table that would fit the small nook in my kitchen. I thought this laminate top dining table purchased at a yard sale would be the perfect candidate for a makeover with a beautiful new finish of bright white paint.

BEFORE

Laminate Tabletop Material List:

Palm Sander

Paint With Primer

Foam Roller With Paint Tray

Synthetic Paint Brush

Polycrylic Clear Satin

Step One: CLEAN

The first thing you need to do is wash the table off.  Use a soapy sponge with water to clean all the dirt, oil, or grime off the tabletop and base.  Use a clean dry towel to dry it completely.

Step Two:  SAND

The purpose of sanding is to give the paint/primer something to grab onto.  Use a palm sander with 220 grit sandpaper and sand the top in the direction of the grain.  You don't need to sand too much, just enough for the paint to stick to.  After sanding, clean the surface again with a soft clean cloth.  If the base of your table is in poor condition go ahead and sand it too.   (You might find it easier to hand-sand the base of the table.)

Step Three:  PAINT

A table that will be used daily needs paint that is durable and can withstand spills. I recommend BEHR Premium Plus Ultra in an Eggshell enamel finish.  (You don't need an entire gallon, one quart is plenty.)  This paint is stain-blocking and is paint & primer in one.  For a super bright white, use Ultra Pure White.

Apply four thin coats of paint with a foam roller.  Wait two hours between coats.  Don't let the first few coats discourage you.  They will show the laminate underneath. Be patient, the end result will be a beautiful smooth finish.

This is what the table looks like after one coat:

Here is the same table after four coats: (Smooth as Butter)

If you are painting your base, use a paintbrush to paint the legs and other parts of the table that are not easily accessible with the roller.

Step Four:  SEAL

The final step to keep your table beautiful and help it stand up to spills is to seal it!  Use at least three coats of Minwax Polycrylic Clear Satin to seal the top of the table.

Using a synthetic paintbrush apply one thin coat and let it dry overnight (patience).  Then lightly hand sand with 320 grit sandpaper.  Clean off the surface and add another coat, wait two hours and apply the final coat (or more coats if desired).

Allow the sealer to harden for at least 48 hours.  Then start eating at your beautiful new table. 

Would you believe this table was an ugly laminate tabletop if had not seen the before pictures?

That's it, I hope this tutorial was helpful!

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