Can this bookcase be repainted?

Question

http://www.target.com/3-Shelf-Bookcase-Espresso/dp/B000J4LC0E/sr=1-1/qid=1212506611/ref=sr_1_1/601-2974587-8494500?ie=UTF8&index=target&rh=k%3Aespresso%20bookcase&page=1

I love my bookcase, I just want to paint it a different color because I'm redecorating my bedroom. :)

The bookcase is made of wood composite and chipboard, with a melamine finish.

Answer 1

Find a manager or assistant manager at your Target store and ask, they can either answer your question or call someone else to get the answer.  Have done that twice and both times they were very helpful.  You could also go your local harware store and ask too, they may have a better understanding, since they deal with paint on a daily basis.

Answer 2

rough up the surface with light grit sandpaper, clean dust, prime it then paint it with a brush and back roll it with a DRY peanut roller... it's a 4" smooth sponge roller that will take out brush strokes

Answer 3

I would take the photo and your description to a paint store and ask what they think.

Answer 4

dont sand the melamine.  it is a veneer and will probably not rough up anyway.  find someone at a paint store that knows what they are talking about. make sure they know what melamine is, because as I'm sure you know, it is a material designed specifically so that nothing sticks to it (like germs).  you will probably need to prime it first with an oil based (alkyd) primer. and i would roll it on if possible, or use one of those little foam brush applicators to get a smooth even coverage. I dont think melamine will take a regular paint brush very well.

Answer 5

Melamine is a type of plastic laminate product designed and used primarily for kitchen cupboards and book case type applications.

There is a product, but I can not remember the name of it, you can get from specialist hardware or paint stores which you wipe onto the melamine and then you are able to paint over it.

A word of caution however I would not recommend you paint the high wear surfaces as this stuff is good but not that good.

If you are game, give it a go.