A simple way to add colour to any garden (From Cotswold Journal)

A simple way to add colour to any garden

11:47am Thursday 14th May 2009

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IF you have old melamine garden furniture that has seen better days, why not paint it and give it a whole new look?

People often think you can’t paint melamine, but you can and – providing you prepare and prime it properly – there’s no reason why your paintwork shouldn’t stay looking good for years to come.

It is also a job you can do outside if the weather is nice and the piece of furniture is easy to move.

n Start by giving the melamine a good clean with sugar-soap-solution. When it is absolutely dry, sand it thoroughly, wipe clean and wait for it to dry. Sanding helps the paint to stick – a roughened surface gives the paint something to grip on to.

n When you are ready to paint, start with a special melamine primer.

Melamine is often shiny, so it is vital to use the right primer and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

You can also get topcoats designed for melamine, but if there isn’t a colour you like, normal wood/metal paints (satinwood, gloss, eggshell, etc) will do. Go for a quick-drying one if you can.

n Apply your topcoat once the primer is completely dry. It is a good idea to apply both primer and topcoat with a gloss roller, rather than a paintbrush, as you’ll get a smoother, more professional finish.

n Between coats, check your paintwork. Dust and debris tends to stick to wet paint, especially outdoors, so lightly sand between coats (and wipe clean) to get rid of anything spoiling the finish.

n TIP: If you are painting outside, things like dirt, insects and bits of plant tend to get into your paint, so keep it clean by decanting a small amount into a paint kettle and putting the lid securely on the paint tin. A paint kettle is also a lot lighter to carry around.

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