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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Formica on dresser top

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Expert: - 2/11/2010


Question
I was given a dresser that I want to refinish for my daughter.  It has an ugly Formica top on it.  How do I deal with that?  Do I try to remove it?  Do I paint over it?  I really wanted to strip the paint off and just stain it, but I can't stain Formica!  Can you help me?

Answer
Hi Kay
Nice to hear from you.
There will be nothing very nice under the formica so don't remove it.
Paint it. You are correct, you cannot stain formica.
And actually with the balance of the wood stripped and refinished, a painted top will look quite nice.
Simply give the formica a light sanding. Prime and add your paint.
One coat primer, two coats paint.
Great project
Regards
Eileen

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Eileen Cronk

Expertise

Hi..I can answer most questions about the repairing,stripping and refinishing of all your old furniture and wood items(the things we call antiques)I can give advice about what to buy/avoid at auctions/flea markets. I do not give appraisals on antiques.

Experience

I have been refinishing antiques for the past 30yrs. While I have taken several courses over the years,I have found that "hands on" learning is the best teacher. Perhaps I can help you avoid some of the mistakes I made while learning.

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