There’s something about owning veneer furniture that feels like cheating. It looks and feels like wood (because it is), yet it is easier to take care of than solid wood and costs a lot less.

When the veneer eventually begins to lose its luster, you can simply replace it. However, if you learn how to paint veneer furniture, it will save you even more money. How’s that for a woodworking hack?

If you’ve tried to paint veneer furniture in the past and it didn’t look right, it could’ve been because you hadn’t read our blog 😄, or it wasn’t veneer.

How to Paint Veneer Furniture

  • Step 1: Put on protective clothing
  • Step 2: Prepare the work area
  • Step 3: Prepare the surface
  • Step 4: Repair any damage
  • Step 5: Sand the veneer surface
  • Step 6: Clean the surface
  • Step 7: Apply the primer
  • Step 8: Slightly sand & clean the primer
  • Step 9: Apply the paint
  • Step 10: Sand the paint
  • Step 11: Repeat Steps 9 and 10 as desired
  • Step 12: Apply the topcoat

What is Wood Veneer?

Wood veneer is one of those things everybody thinks they know even though they can’t describe it, which has led to a lot of disappointment. That is why, in some circles, veneer furniture has a bad reputation.

On the contrary, veneer furniture should be celebrated as the best thing to happen to woodworking since water-based polyurethane.

So, what exactly is veneer?

Contrary to what many people assume, veneer is actually wood. They are just very thin slices of wood that are usually about 1/40” thick or less when it’s from hardwood.

These veneers are often stuck to each other before they get slapped on another surface like particle board, plywood, or MDF.

Veneer is used for almost every type of furniture, including kitchen cabinets, dining tables, bed frames, door frames, window panels, floorboards, and so much more.

As veneer is, in fact, wood, it has all of its qualities, like the lovely wood grain, strength, and longevity. Just like solid wood, you can also apply different topcoats on veneer furniture to either refurbish it or make it last longer.

There are three different types of veneer:

  • Hardwood veneer
  • Softwood veneer
  • Engineered veneer (also known as reconstituted veneer or recomposed veneer)

Despite what it sounds like, engineered veneer is natural wood; it just has a more mechanical process.

Veneer has been used since the time of the Pharaohs, but they are still struggling for full acceptance. However, as people learn to differentiate veneer from laminate, this negative reputation will slink away.

Before we get to how to paint veneer furniture, we must first ensure that what you have is wood veneer.

How to Tell the Difference Between Solid Wood Furniture, Veneer, and Laminate

Nine out of ten times, when people think there is something wrong with their veneer, it is actually something else. That villain is laminate, but ironically, it also doesn’t deserve the poor reputation.

That is because laminate has an entirely different purpose from wood veneer, which we’ll cover when we get to the advantages of veneer.

Unlike veneer, laminate is not wood at all. It is actually plastic that has been printed to look like wood and is then glued on plywood or particle board. The problem arises when some distributors label it “wood laminate,” which makes buyers believe it’s wood.

If you are unable to differentiate between solid wood, wood veneer furniture, and laminate furniture, you could end up paying too much and be disappointed. Or, you could think you’re getting a bargain and still be disappointed when the solid wood dining table you’ve been bragging about starts peeling.

So, here is how to tell the difference between them by process of elimination.

1. Wood grain 

Wood grain 

Every tree has wood grain. But even then, there are two things to look out for:

The feel/texture of the grain

Natural wood grain is a bit coarse to the touch. When you stroke it in one direction, it feels smoother than the other. This is particularly so when the wood is wet, and the grain rises.

Even when you sand it and apply a finish, you will still notice some friction when you rub real wood or wood veneer.

If the texture feels perfectly smooth, then it is laminate. Wood veneer feels like wood, but the grain is not as prominent.

The pattern of the grain

Wood grains are like fingerprints – no two grains have the same pattern. When you see the same pattern on different furniture, that’s a dead giveaway that you’re looking at laminate. However, many manufacturers now differentiate the patterns, so you won’t always be able to tell.

Wood veneer will sometimes have the grain side by side or what we call book matched. In the image above, you can see they look identical. However, you will notice some similarities that let you know this is real wood. The curves and color have minor differences, as you’d expect in nature.

Solid wood has beautiful grain that is unpredictable. For example, if you have a table made from one slab of wood, you won’t see the same pattern twice.

2. Weight

This is always a good way to differentiate between veneer and solid wood from laminate. Laminate is the lightest of the bunch, as it is often stuck on cheaper particle boards. Wood veneer is often stuck on wood or better-quality boards, so it is heavier than both laminate and solid wood.

The weight and density also affect the sound. When you tap a laminate board, it sounds flat like plastic. Wood veneer is thicker, so it absorbs more of the sound, while solid wood sounds the most natural and quite pleasant (or maybe that’s just me).

3. The edges

This is another area that separates the real from the wannabes. Solid wood furniture can be curved and shaped however your heart desires. Not so with wood veneer or plastic.

The edges of veneer furniture and laminate furniture are always straight unless they’ve used solid wood for the edges.

4. Ask

If you’re shopping from a trusted source, the easiest thing to do is ask. Stores are obligated to reveal what a product is made from.

However, if you’re buying “antique furniture” from Facebook Marketplace, the seller might not even know the difference, so you would need to inspect it yourself.

5. Price

When a deal is too good to be true, it probably isn’t. Solid wood furniture is expensive, which is why it is being replaced by wood veneer. Laminate is the cheapest of the bunch, so be mindful of unbeatable deals.

Of course, it can work both ways – you could be sold laminate furniture at solid wood furniture prices. If you’re going to spend hundreds of dollars on furniture, buy from a trusted source.

6.Finish 

One other difference between these products is one you won’t be able to tell until you own it, and that’s the type of finish you can apply on it. Solid wood works with every type of wood finish, while laminate doesn’t.

You can apply most surface finishes on wood veneer, but our favorite is paint. But before we discuss that, we should first consider if it’s worth it to even use wood veneer furniture in the first place.

Is Wood Veneer Good Quality?

Yes, wood veneer is very good quality. As we discussed, people that have had a bad experience with wood veneer actually had laminate and not the real deal.

Wood veneer has become popular because it poses several advantages over solid wood.

  1. It is more reliable

Solid wood is great, but it does not maintain a stable look. It can warp, bend, curve, crack, expand, contract, buckle and rip. As the weather changes, so will solid wood.

Wood veneer doesn’t go through all of that because it is a thin slice of wood, so it can’t absorb that much moisture.

  1. It is good for the environment

Wood veneer has helped protect rare trees. Trees like ebony that are in high demand and short supply now have a new lease of life thanks to wood veneer furniture.

Buyers get the look and feel of rare trees without paying exorbitant costs.

  1. They are durable

Wood veneer can last two decades if looked after properly. Depending on how much traffic the veneer furniture gets, you can extend it by a few more decades. Plus, when you know how to paint veneer furniture, you will prolong its usefulness even furher.

  1. They are affordable

Now, your home can look great with solid wood-looking furniture without the thousand-dollar price tag. If that’s not a good deal, I don’t know what is.

  1. Easy to replace

If the veneer furniture gets really bad, you can simply replace the veneer. This is much cheaper, easier, and quicker than refurbishing old solid wood furniture.

Of course, it is cheaper to paint the veneer than replace it if the damage is minor, and it will come out looking great.

See: Will buckled floors go back down?

What Type of Paint is Best Suited for Veneer Furniture?

As we mentioned in the previous section, veneer furniture has some limitations compared with solid wood furniture. One area is the paint options.

The reason is paint doesn’t bond to wood easily. That is why you need to sand the surface and sometimes prime wood before you paint. But since the veneer is very thin, too much sanding will erode the top layer and cut into the particleboard.

That is why you need to choose the paint carefully. For best results, these are the four types of paint recommended for wood veneer furniture.

Chalk paint

Chalk paint is one of the easiest types of paint to apply because it does not require a lot of prep or finishing. The paint adheres well to wood, especially if you clean the brush for chalk paint every time after usage. So, you only need to lightly sand the veneer furniture before application.

Most chalk paints are also self-priming, so you don’t need to apply a separate coat of primer. Best of all, chalk paint is often used to achieve a distressed look, so it doesn’t need to look perfectly smooth.

Chalk paint can also give an antique vibe to your veneer furniture, which makes it look more like solid wood. Other qualities, such as low odor and low VOC emissions, make chalk paint a great option.

If you can’t find chalk paint, use chalk-based furniture paint. Chalk paint finish is susceptible to all sorts of damage but you can always learn how to keep chalk paint from scratching

Oil-based paint

Oil-based paints are multipurpose paints that look great on everything, including veneer furniture. They come in different matte finishes and are resistant to mold, rot, abrasion, heat, and water (within reason).

The downside of oil-based paint is that it poses some serious health hazards like cancer and lead poisoning. As such, you need to be careful where and who you buy it from. Check for lead-free oil paints with low emissions.

When it comes to application, you will need to sand the veneer furniture and use a primer before you can apply oil-based paint.

Acrylic paint

Acrylic paint is absolutely phenomenal for different applications. It adheres well to different surfaces, has low emissions, and is safe to be applied near pets and small children (but read the manufacturer’s warning). While it is also rampant for painting on walls, using wall paint on furniture is recommended as long as you prime first.

Acrylic paint also looks great on veneer furniture. However, just like oil-based paints, you will need to sand and prime before application. The good news is application is fast, and it dries quickly.

It is also easy to clean up the brush afterward with a bit of soap and water.

Enamel paint

Enamel paint is a gorgeous oil-based paint that has a glossy look. It is perfect for furniture that will see a lot of wear and tear. The surface is hard, durable, and playful. It adheres to different surfaces exceptionally well, making it suitable for various projects and applications.

However, when considering painting enamel over latex paint, be mindful of potential challenges, such as proper surface preparation and compatibility, to achieve optimal results.

You can find enamel in different pastel colors, and it is readily available. A less popular option is water-based enamel paint. These are particularly good for exterior furniture as they handle UV rays very well.

Is Painting Veneer Furniture a Good Idea?

Yes, this is a cost-effective way to revive old or worn veneer furniture. It also looks great, provided you paint it properly.

Painting veneer furniture will look just as great as you painting solid wood. Even though the paint options are limited, you can still get the desired effect with what’s available.

Painting veneer furniture is also cheaper than replacing the veneer every time it loses its shine, or you want a makeover.

How to Paint Veneer Furniture?

Now, it’s time to get down to business. Painting veneer furniture is similar to painting wood, but there are a few minor yet critical differences, particularly when it comes to preparation.

Tools you need to paint veneer furniture

  • Goggles
  • Rubber gloves
  • Facemask 
  • Coveralls 
  • Screwdriver* 
  • Newspaper, rags, or plastic sheets
  • Masking tape
  • 220-grit sandpaper -or sanding block
  • Tack cloth
  • TSP (trisodium phosphate)*
  • Putty knife
  • Putty or wood filler (optional)
  • Primer
  • Paint
  • Paintbrush or roller
  • Paint tray
  • Contact adhesive

Steps to take when painting veneer furniture

Step 1: Put on protective clothing

Protective Clothing

Painting furniture involves a lot of dust, paint, and other particles that can cause respiratory problems. Put on glasses, gloves, and a face mask as needed. You may also need to wear a boilersuit if you have sensitive skin.

You won’t need to wear these at all times, but ensure you wear the glasses and face mask while sanding. If you’re using oil-based paint, leave the mask on.

Step 2: Prepare the work area

Painting is really messy, so it is best to move the furniture to a garage or woodshop. If this isn’t an option, you’ll need to carefully cover the work area to prevent paint and primer from messing up your valuables.

Use masking tape to hold down tarp, rags, or newspapers, and be vigilant just in case anything rips. Also, open up the windows to ensure proper ventilation because even low-odor paints can feel stuffy.

Then remove any hardware, label it, and store them safely away.

Step 3: Prepare the surface

Before you proceed, you need to give the veneer furniture a nice clean. If this is a kitchen cabinet, a dresser, or furniture that was used anywhere that had oil, you’re going to need to clean it with TSP.

TSP is a powerful degreaser, so wear rubber gloves when applying. Mix ¼ cup of TSP with a gallon of warm water and wipe down the surfaces with a rag, then leave it to dry.

If there is no need for TSP, simply wipe it down with clean water or even a dry rag before moving on to the next step.

Step 4: Repair any damage

Given how thin veneer strips are, it isn’t uncommon to find a few holes. If these dents and chips are small, you can use putty filler to plug the holes.

However, if the damage is so severe that it has cracked the veneer, you probably need to replace it.

Once you apply the putty, sand it smooth and leave it to dry overnight.

Step 5: Sand the veneer surface

This is where the real fun begins. The best way to sand veneer furniture is by hand with the help of a sanding block. If the piece is quite large, you can use an orbital sander. However, you have to be extremely careful to not sand too deep into the veneer and into the particle board.

If you sand the veneer too badly, you may need to replace it. Be particularly careful near the edges, so you don’t chip it. The purpose of sanding is to get the surface ready to receive the paint or primer.

220-grit sandpaper is usually fine for sanding veneer furniture.

Step 6: Clean the surface

After sanding, you’re going to need to carefully clean the surface. You don’t want any dust particles left as it would affect the paint.

First, use a vacuum cleaner to suck up the larger, more obvious particles. Next, get a damp tack cloth and run over the entire surface. As you clean, dip the cloth in water, rinse off the dust and keep going.

As you clean, you’ll also notice if some areas haven’t been sanded down as well as they should. If so, repeat steps 5 and 6.

Find Out: What is a Tack Cloth Alternative?

Step 7: Apply the primer

When the veneer furniture is dry, it is time to apply a coat of primer. Oil-based primer is best suited for woodwork. You can apply oil-based and water-based paints on oil-based primers. (Find out more in our article about oil based primer under latex paint).

However, you may choose to use water-based primer and use water-based paint on it. As for the primer color, white goes with most colors. However, if you’re using black paint, you should use a gray primer.

Stir the primer thoroughly before pouring it into the paint tray. The method for applying primer is the same as paint. Start by cutting in the edges using a synthetic brush. Then apply generously across the surface.

One coat of primer is usually enough for woodwork.

Step 8: Slightly sand & clean the primer

If you use a latex primer, this will be dry and ready for sanding in an hour. Oil-based primers can take up to eight hours to dry. Sanding can remove the primer, so ensure you wait for it to dry properly.

Once you’re sure it’s dry, lightly sand the surface just enough to get it level. Again, the primer will help the paint adhere, and you only need one coat, so don’t go overboard. It is best to sand primer with a block or your hand than to use a power tool.

The next move would be to remove the primer particles using a vacuum or a cloth. You don’t need to clean the primer with a wet rag, as this will prolong the drying time and could ruin the primer.

After about 24 hours, the primer will be ready for paint.

Step 9: Apply the paint

Finally, we get to what we’ve been waiting for. Yes, it takes several steps, but it is necessary to not rush the process.

Just like you did with the primer, stir the paint properly before application. Start by cutting in the edges and then applying broad strokes on the surface. You can use a brush, roller, or aerosol to apply the paint.

Once you are done with the first coat, leave it to dry. This will take a couple of hours with water-based paint and 24 hours with oil-based paint. In either case, it is a good practice to leave the paint to dry overnight unless you’re in a hurry.

Step 10: Sand the paint

Now, we return to everyone’s favorite part of woodworking. Sanding the first coat of paint serves many purposes. The first is that it will help get rid of any streaks, bubbles, and fibers in the paint.

The second reason you should sand paint is to prepare it for the second coat. Even if the paint looks great with one coat, it is best to apply at least a second one. This will ensure the paint sticks better and lasts a lot longer.

Step 11: Repeat Steps 9 and 10 as desired

After sanding, clean the surface and apply the second coat. If this will be your final coat, you don’t need to sand it. Some paints require three coats, so repeat as desired.

Step 12: Apply the topcoat

Finally, your paint looks great, and your veneer furniture looks like the envy of your friends, but there is still one more thing we recommend. You should ideally apply a topcoat to protect it from scratches, water damage, heat damage, dents, and curious pets.

You can use polyurethane, varnish, wax, or shellac. Ensure you check with the manufacturer of both the paint and the topcoat to see that they go together and that the finish won’t change color.

For example, oil-based polyurethane will yellow over time. This could make the color stand out, or this could be a total nightmare, and it is very difficult to undo, so choose carefully.

With the right topcoat, your veneer furniture will last a very long time and still look freshly painted. Apply a sealing coat on veneer furniture that will see a lot of traffic and on latex and chalk paints.

Common Mistakes When Painting Veneer Furniture

Not sanding the surface before painting

Nobody enjoys sanding, which is why we look for every opportunity not to. So, when people see a video or article on how to apply paint without sanding, they rush to it. The problem is paint won’t stick to veneer furniture without sanding.

What happens is the paint just sits on the surface, and it will eventually begin to peel off even after it dries. If you really dislike sanding, we’ve got some tips for you later.

Using the wrong type of paint

Just because you can use almost any type of paint on wood doesn’t mean you should. Your paint choices should always match the purpose of the furniture. For example, you should use oil-based paints on veneer furniture that will see a lot of wear and tear.

You also shouldn’t use latex paint on furniture that stays around a lot of moisture. However, latex paint is perfect for pieces that are more decorative in nature.

If you want a distressed look, you can only achieve that with chalk paint or milk paint.

Not leaving the paint to dry

This is the kind of faux pas that can send a person into a rage. Unfortunately, it happens more often than you’d think because of a simple misunderstanding about drying and curing.

When we say paint is dry, it means it is not tacky. However, just because it is dry doesn’t mean it is ready for use. Before you can place objects on painted furniture, you must first allow it to cure. Curing is when the paint fully sets not just on the surface of the furniture (what we refer to as dry) but deep within.

If you use furniture with paint that hasn’t cured, it will peel or smudge. If you’ve spent several days painting veneer furniture, you shouldn’t risk ruining it by being impatient at the end. Water-based paint takes three weeks to fully cure, while oil-based paint needs a month.

Applying too much paint

Whenever you are applying any type of coat, you should only ever use thin layers. Some people want to slab on as much paint as possible in one go because they think it will reduce the number of coats they need.

The problem is that the paint is just sitting on top of each other, and it will never dry properly and will peel. What you should do is apply a thin layer of the paint, sand it then apply another coat.

This will take more time, but you will get better results. The other benefit of applying thin layers is that you can quickly identify if you’ve made any mistakes – visible brush strokes, bubbles, dust, and debris – and make amends by sanding.

Not using a topcoat

Paint is many things, but it is not a protective coat. That means you can chip, cut or damage paint quite easily. Even stronger oil-based paints are no match compared to topcoats like polyurethane, varnish, and shellac.

Always apply polyurethane over paint to make your furniture last longer. Without a topcoat, the paint color will gradually fade. Even though it will cost a bit more money and more time, the benefits of using a topcoat far outweigh the costs.

Sanding too aggressively

Remember that veneer is only about 3mm thick, so if you sand too much, you will reach the substrate. Sanding too much can also cause the veneer to chip or crack, especially along the edges.

How to Repair Sanded-through Veneer

Sanding veneer furniture is a delicate art form that requires a lot of care and attention. It also requires fine-grit sandpaper. Not many people have the patience for it, which is why they prefer to use an orbital sander or a palm sander.

The problem is you can easily sand through the veneer with a power tool. If you fall into this predicament, here is how to rescue it without having to replace the entire veneer.

  1. Stop as soon as you spot the problem

The moment you can no longer see the wood grain that is an indicator that you have sanded too much. Another more worrisome sign is if you can see the substrate. Stop as soon as you notice it before it gets worse.

  1. Apply primer and paint as usual

Okay, maybe not as usual. The indentation will need a bit more paint than other sections, but beyond that, it shouldn’t be a problem. The good thing about paint is it hides the grain anyway, so nobody is going to notice this.

Remember also, mixing primer with paint is not a great idea; it makes the mixture too thick and can cause clumping. Instead, apply the two separately.

  1. Apply the stain, then draw over it (alternative to step 2)

Apply the stain and let it dry. Once it does, get an artist pencil and draw the missing grain based on the surrounding pattern. This doesn’t need to be perfect, but get as close to it as possible.

Next, smudge the pencil a bit, so it looks more natural.

  1. Apply sealer coat

Bring out the sealer coat, apply and wait for it to dry. You then need to sand this down to the previous level and draw that wood grain again with the artist color pencil.

Once you do, brush on the second coat of the sealant, and you should be good to go.

How to Paint Veneer Furniture Without Sanding

There are different reasons why you may not want to sand veneer furniture before painting. Perhaps you’re allergic to dust, don’t have the time, or just don’t feel like it. While it is possible to paint veneer without sanding, it does limit your options.

Here is how to paint veneer furniture without sanding.

Before you begin, prepare the work area as discussed above.

1. Use chalk paint

Chalk paint is the rock star of the distressed furniture scene. It is a great DIY paint but it is also popular for retro, antique furniture sold in stores. You are going to use most of the tools listed previously, so let’s dive into the steps.

Step 1: clean the veneer surface

Bring out your TSP mixture if you are working on a greasy surface. You can also use a ready-mixed degreaser. If the furniture hasn’t been exposed to oil, use warm soapy water and a dish rag to wipe it down.

Wait for the surface to dry before moving on to the second step.

Step 2: Apply the first coat

Stir the chalk paint, then pour it unto a tray. You can use any type of brush for chalk paint, but natural bristle brushes work best.

Dive into the paint and use broad strokes to slap it on. You don’t have to be precise or careful; just ensure that you cover every inch of the veneer furniture.

If you notice any drips, paint over them before they dry. You can sand it out if you miss it, but that’ll defeat the aim of this simple process.

Step 3: wait for the paint to dry

The good news is this won’t be a long wait. In normal weather conditions, chalk paint will be dry to the touch in half an hour.

Step 4: Apply the second coat

Two coats are usually enough to get a great look with chalk paint. The paint is kind of heavy, so it covers the wood color very well. The purpose of the second coat is to capture any areas you might have missed the first time around and to ensure a more uniform color.

(Read: How much does a 5 gallon paint cover and use this estimation in your project planning).

Step 5: Apply chalk paint wax

There are several different top coats you can use to seal in the paint, but the best option is wax. Use a wax brush to apply the wax, being careful not to apply too much at a time.

Once you have covered a stretch of the furniture with the wax, set the brush aside and get a lint-free cloth. Use the cloth to remove any excess wax, then continue. When the cloth gets clogged, replace it with a new one.

Step 6: wait for it to dry and apply a second coat

Chances are you’re going to miss a few spots with the wax the first time around, and that’s okay. Wait for it to dry and hit it again. Your veneer furniture will now look spotless, beautiful, and newer than ever.

2. Use milk paint

The second popular way to paint veneer furniture without sanding is with milk paint. Milk paint shares a lot of similarities with chalk paint. It does not require a lot of prep work, but there are slight variations in application.

Step 1: Clean the surface with a degreaser or warm water

Just like always, we need a clean surface to work with. Try to be thorough when doing this because paint will not adhere to oil, even if it’s not visible to the human eye.

Step 2: Spray shellac or a bonding agent

Once you’ve wiped down the table, you can spray some shellac on it and wait for it to dry before applying the milk paint. You can also mix a bonding agent with the milk paint and apply them together.

The bonding agent you use will depend on what the manufacturer stipulates for their product.

Step 3: Apply the milk paint

Use long, even strokes to apply the milk paint. Milk paint is really versatile, so you can use almost any brush unless one is specified on the can.

Step 4: Wait for it to dry and sand it if necessary

There goes that dirty four-letter word again. Yes, but it’s for a good reason. Unlike other paints, milk paint doesn’t need sanding to bond. However, if you notice any rough spots when you apply the first coat, lightly buff it out before applying the second coat.

Step 5: Apply the second coat and repeat if necessary

Depending on the color of paint you used, and the color of the veneer furniture, two coats of milk paint is usually sufficient.

Step 6: Apply a seal coat

Milk paint is pretty durable and can handle mild use without a topcoat. However, if the furniture is going to be used a lot, it is best to apply a top coat to ensure longevity.

There are different topcoats you can use depending on the product. Companies like General Finishes recommend their own top coats for milk paint. Otherwise, you can use hemp oil, top coat, or furniture wax.

If you’re using wax, wipe off excesses as required.

You will need to apply two to three coats of wax or any other topcoat to ensure maximum durability.

Read also: How to paint cardboard

FAQ

Can you stain veneer?

Yes, you can stain veneer furniture because it has all the properties of solid wood. You will first need to remove any sealer by striping or sanding. Choose any stain you like and apply it. You can also paint veneer furniture after applying the stain.

What kind of paint do you use on veneer furniture?

Any paint you use for wood can be used on veneer furniture. However, you should choose the paint depending on the purpose of the furniture. Oil-based paints handle high traffic better than water-based paints, for example. If you want a distressed look, only use chalk paint or milk paint.

Can you paint furniture that has veneer?

Yes, you can paint veneer furniture. Ensure that it is not laminate veneer. While you can paint over laminate veneer, it is a different process from wood veneer because laminate is plastic.

Read also: Can you use shellac over paint?

What kind of paint do you use on veneer cabinets?

The best paint for kitchen or bathroom cabinets is alkyd-based oil paint. These cabinets are exposed to a lot of moisture, heat, and oil. Paint inside of cabinet doors with durable paint to handle all of these things. However, you can use other types of paint provided you apply a topcoat like polyurethane.

Long Live Veneer Furniture

We cannot emphasize enough how veneer furniture is one of the most versatile and cost-effective purchases you can make. Just a little paint job can make it look brand new and add years to your purchase.

Remember that if you’re having problems painting your veneer surface, chances are you have laminate furniture.

Now that you know how to paint veneer furniture, it’s time to shop for the perfect paint. If you want an elegant, timeless look, we suggest using the best black enamel paint for wood furniture.