Painting Over Peel & Stick Veneer

Peel-and-stick veneer is an ultra-thin layer of wood with an adhesive already applied to the backing. Contractors commonly use it to reface kitchen cabinets, a less expensive alternative to cabinet replacement. Like other veneers, the peel-and-stick product can be painted if it begins to look faded or you prefer a change of color. The key, as in any successful paint job, is proper surface preparation.

Dish soap or other mild soap
Clean cloths
Towel
220-grit sandpaper
Tack cloth
Paintbrushes
Primer
Paint

Instructions

- 1
  Clean dirt and dust from the veneer using a clean cloth and a solution of mild soap and water.
- 2
  Wipe dry with a towel and allow the veneer to air-dry completely, about 30 minutes.
- 3
  Lightly sand the veneer with 220-grit sandpaper, working with the grain. Do not apply much pressure; you don't want to remove any of the veneer surface. Use just enough pressure to rough up the surface slightly. Always sand with the wood grain.
- 4
  Wipe away any sawdust created during sanding with a tack cloth. Make sure you remove all dust from the surface.
- 5
  Apply a coat of primer to the veneer. Allow to dry thoroughly, according to the instructions on the can of primer. Once the primer has dried, sand again. Wipe away any dust or debris with a tack cloth and then apply another coat of primer. Allow to dry 24 hours.
- 6
  Apply at least two coats of paint over the primer. Let the paint dry 24 hours.

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