painting melamine

[jjb1333]

Can anyone tell me whats best for painting a melamine covered chipboard coffee table
I have tried eggshell and although it goes on nice the slightest touch of anything on it just scratches the paint off, it doesn,t seem to adher to well.?
Thanks

 

[Diyisfun]

I don't think you will be able to paint it, unless you abrade it all over.
Maybe stick ply on it & paint that

 

[footprints]

Formica!

I doubt anything will make the finish solid enough to serve as a work surface like a coffee table, but your best bet certainly is strip the paint off and treat the surface with owatrol ESP to provide a bond to the melamine, then paint with your chosen finish.

http://www.tradepaintdirect.co.uk/paint-brands/owatrol/owatrol-e-s-p-easy-surface-preparation.html

 

[dcdec]

The melamine needs a specialist primer, melamine primers are available i think international do one. As melamine does not absorb any paint there is a poor bond so you need the primer to give the finish coat something to stick to.
A coat of polyvine decorators varnish in the finish of your choice would help protect the top from scratches

 

[emilybronte]

I agree with dcdec about the need to prime thoroughly. I have however used a specialist melamime paint made by International (I think it was called cupboard door paint) on top of the primer with good results.

Although it was oil based it dried much more quickly than traditional oil eggshell or gloss and I was pleased with the finish. No brush strokes visible at all.