Replies

1. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Sep 02, 2004 09:29pm | #1

   Rustoleum sells a primer for plastic, and it works well.  It is a spray can.   I'd bet it'll work on melamine.  (But I'd sure test it on scrap.)

1. 
   PhillGiles | Sep 03, 2004 08:54am | #6

   Yes, the new Rustolem primer works on plastic, as does Krylon and some others (I like the Krylon)..

   Phill Giles

   The Unionville Woodwright

   Unionville, Ontario

2. 
   Shep | Sep 02, 2004 10:52pm | #2

     Unless you're sure of the results, you should tell her there's no guarantee on how the paint will hold up.

     I have no idea how well melamine will hold paint.

3. 
   DANL | Sep 03, 2004 01:25am | #3

   I painted some melemine cupboards after sanding lightly (like you suggested--220 grit) and then used Kilz as a primer. Don't know how well it held up though--the lady moved away shortly after I did the job. The other suggestion to use spray primer made especially for plastic sounds good too.

4. 
   painter | Sep 03, 2004 04:09am | #4

   aAfew paint companys Bruining is one make paints for this. Sherrwin Williams makes primers that will work then you can top coat . Have used both methods . Always remember Clean Dull Dry

5. 
   JeffBuck | Sep 03, 2004 07:12am | #5

   call the painter ...

   add 20% ...

   Jeff

   Buck Construction, llc   Pittsburgh,PA

        Artistry in Carpentry                

1. 
   FastEddie1 | Sep 03, 2004 03:36pm | #7

   Thanks a bunch, Bucko.  It's my house ... I am the painter ...I'm working for the customer from hell.Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!"  Then get busy and find out how to do it.  T. Roosevelt

1. 
   PAOLO | Sep 04, 2004 01:45am | #9

   Well if it's your house then tell the little lady, and I assume it's the little lady, that your part of the job was the installation, and that it is up to her to paint it. Especially if she was the one that picked it, that is if you're O.K. with it.  I used this one before and it worked for me. The prepainted trim is the same color as the day I installed it.

2. 
   Shep | Sep 04, 2004 01:54am | #10

     Don't you know the rule ?

     Never work for family!

3. 
   JeffBuck | Sep 04, 2004 03:54am | #11

   oh .. why didn't ya say it's your own house ...

   here's my real answer then ...

   if yer like me ... by the time ya actually get to doing it ...

   there'll be a whole 'nother shelf fulla brand names to pick from ...

   Jeff

   Buck Construction, llc   Pittsburgh,PA

        Artistry in Carpentry                

1. 
   SonnyLykos | Sep 04, 2004 07:27am | #12

   XIM white bonding primer will stick to it. I've used it several times to paint ceramic tile. No problem. One coat of XIM and "any" paint she wants, latex or alkyd.

   BTW, I also found another application for XIM. I used it on some concrete stairs and applied H & C concrete stain on it, and H & C contains Xylene.

   Here's what you want:

   http://www.ximbonder.com/400w-_hs.html

6. 
   CapnMac | Sep 03, 2004 07:14pm | #8

   My vote, too, is for either the Rustoleum or Kryon Primer, they have that right compromise of enough without having too much "bite."  Also, Auto body primer sticks to just about anything.

   Only downside is that they can be expensive for large areas. 

   Might be worht "kicking the tires" down to the local paint shop. 

   Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
7. 
   Dez | Sep 04, 2004 09:37pm | #13

   Ed,

   I would approach this challange as if it were a automotive finish. They make paints specifically for plastics, even ones that will bend, like those flexible bumpers on all the cars nowdays. Good luck!

   Dez