How do I refinish furniture made of particle board?

Question

Is it even possible? I got a great deal on this 4 piece set of furniture, 1 long dresser w/mirror, a tall dresser, and a night stand. The pieces are white, and I'm not a huge fan of the color, but how can you pass all that up for $125. I'm just wondering if it can be painted over. I thought I'd put a primer down, then paint the rest black. The mirror is plastic, so I'd have to buy a plastic spray paint, but I don't know if I should use spray paint for the whole thing, or if I need to use paint like you would for a house. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

Before you do anything paint wise with these, you are going to need to really prepare the particle board as paint doesn't naturally want to stick to it and if you paint straight onto the white plastic based surface, it will peel off in no time.  You will need to flat all of the surface off with 400 grit paper.  Best stuff to use is probably auto wet and dry, although be really careful if you use it wet as particle board absorbs water like nothing else.  You should be OK spraying on top with something like auto paint, but try a concealed bit first.  Like you say, a primer and then top coat, although you will use a lot of paint over 4 bits of furniture which will probably cost you as much as the furniture if you want to get a good finish.  If well flatted back, this stuff should take a brush on primer designed for wood and then go with whatever color you want. If you are using brush on paint, you could afford to go with a slightly courser paper to flat it back - maybe a 200grit.  Try a bit of primer on the white to be certain that it doesn't melt the white finish on the particle board!  Good Luck!

Answer 2

yes you can paint it using spray or can. If its bare, use fine sand paper to smooth down the rough areas (dont do it to much or yo will go through the layers. biggest thing is use a paint primer (either can or spray) before you put your coat on it, then paint to your liking.  Hope that helps

Answer 3

is there formica over the particle board or some sort of laminate?  you could just use an oil base primer, a few coats , sanding in between, start with 220 grit then finish with 400, (if you want it smooth- if not then just prime and paint),  then use spray paint to the color you want