How to Paint Wood Veneer

Can you paint veneer furniture? Yes you can! If you’re looking to update doors, kitchens or furniture that has been covered in a wood veneer, you will need to ensure to prep and prime the areas carefully before painting for the best results. Since wood veneer are thin slices of wood panelling, it is important this isn’t damaged during the painting process.

Preparation:

You will still need to sand down the substrate as this will provide a key for the paint to adhere to. Before sanding, ensure the surface is clean and free of any grit or grime. Once it’s clean, abrade with 180p or higher sandpaper. Finer sandpaper will mean that you are less likely to cause any damage to the veneer whilst preparing a good surface to paint on. Clean off any dust caused by the sanding, and you are ready to prime.

Priming:

Priming is really important when painting veneers. Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 is a universal water-based primer, sealer and stain killer all in one. It is quick drying, taking only 30 minutes to dry. Once you have primed, it’s ready to paint!

Painting:

When choosing a finish, it is recommended to check with the manufacturers of the wood veneer to see if any ingredients in paint finishes will have an adverse reaction, causing it to lift. We would tend to recommend a water-based, woodcare finish as this is less likely to cause any issues. Some options include Albany Super Satin, Albany Super Gloss, Little Greene Intelligent Gloss, F&B Full Gloss or Benjamin Moore Advance. 

For more advice, head into your local store or get in touch at help@brewers.co.uk