Melamine Paint - Diamond Over the Rough

Melamine is an amazing substance that many associate with cabinet finishes. In essence it is a white powder (triamino-triazine - C3N6H6), a carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen compound.

Melamine is used with formaldehyde to make a melamine resin, which is actually a very durable plastic. It's also a component for heavy-duty cleaning products. The main products include countertops, housewares, erasable boards, glues and flame retarding foams.

I like melamine surfaces because they are safe, hygienic, non-allergic and resistant to stain, heat, chemicals and water. It is also used in the glues for composite wood-based panels.

Melamine is also included in paint but it should be done carefully. Some manufacturers will advise foam paint rollers but these may cause bubbles in the surface. Painters advise thin coats and to paint in an area of medium humidity so that the paint dries slowly and has a chance to settle out. If it dries to fast there will be ridges.

But when it does dry it is an amazing surface. You can even paint over tile, laminate countertops and old kitchen cabinets. the self-leveling agents makes a glossy, professional finish.

The best advise is to read the label on the can because each manufacturer has different mixes for their paint.