How can I paint overtop of a 1950's formica-top kitchen table?
Question:I have a terrific retro kitchen table and chairs with curved chrome legs from the 50's, however I can't stand the formica color of the table top, which is rimmed in chrome. What is the best way to cover the formica in a way that won't chip easily and can withstand being regularly cleaned?
Answers:
Pur a new HPL, high pressure laminate aka Formica, on top of the old. Don't paint, it won't stand up.
To answer the direct question: You would need to lightly sand the surface and use a VERY good bonding primer such as XIM. It would really need an epoxy type top coat to be able to stand up. To answer the indirect question, I would agree with the first poster and re-laminate the top.
Well, you can paint it but you'll have to have a piece of glass cut to fit. The paint won't stick sufficiently to be used for eating. The good part is you can put things under the glass that express your family's personality. I did this with a table that I didn't like, I covered it with a fitted peach sheet and a piece of glass, under the glass was things my grandma crocheted.
you should be able to rough the old finish up with really fine grit sandpaper then clean it with and acetone type cleaner and prime it with a high quality primer. but be sure you paint with an epoxy type paint to hold up to constant use.
Recovering with a laminate top is very simple. remove chrome trim glue down your new top in one piece the trim as close to the edge as possible, the chrome trim gives you room to not need any power tools to trim excess off.
Its not worth the effort, rip it out and replace the counter tops with a new surface. There are many types of surfaces that you can use.
Sell the table on ebay. Many people will pay good money for a midcentury kitchen set.
More Related Questions & Answers...