How to paint over cheap wood veneer?

I have our bedroom set that I would like to paint all a solid black color. Not shiny, just like a dull color. It is wood but on top of the wood is a cheap veneer finish. Right now the color is black and nasty orange fake wood color (two toned). I want an over all black elegant look. Should I sand it first and if so by hand or with a sander and what grit? should I use, also should I prime it and with what? ThanksHow to paint over cheap wood veneer?
moonpie said kilz but better than that would be a latex primer like bullseye123. the latex primer has better adhesion, be careful with sanding not to go throw the veneer, better to wash clean and just prime.(this is the best if it is not real wood)How to paint over cheap wood veneer?
Sand it first to provide a smooth, sure surface for your finish. Start with 100 grit, then graduate to finer (150, then 220). An electric orbital sander makes it quicker, but you can do it by hand (use a sanding block or just wrap sandpaper around a block of wood to sand flat surfaces) and there will likely be spots that can only be done by hand, anyway. Paint on primer (oil- based primer won't cause more swelling of the wood surface like water-based latex will), then after it is fully died, paint on your finish. From the range of flat, matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high gloss, sounds like a satin finish paint (subtle, yet elegant) may be what you want in an enamel for durability.
Just give it an allover light sanding first, then wipe it down thoroughly to remove the sanding dust. I'd sand it by hand to avoid possibly lifting the veneer if you used too much pressure.





Definitely prime before you paint. At the paint store, explain to the salesclerk what you're doing. He/she will probably recommend a tinted, high-adhesion primer.





You should probably use a satin-finish (rather than flat) paint because flat-finish is impossible to clean or even wipe. The little bit of ';sheen'; in satin-finish makes dusting and damp-wiping much easier.





Good Luck!
i agree with voodoo and moon pie. i have repainted a lot of salvaged furniture, using the sand, then primed process and voodoo is right about using a semi gloss paint. if you've already bought the paint, you could apply a satin coat of water based sealer to make it easy to keep clean and provide a lasting finish.
I'd start by sanding away and moulding the sanded portions to an agreeable form. The stock laminate structure and integrity must be researched to the highest degree! Repairs must be performed at this base level first. Many instructions exist for the many devices of constructions. My main focus would be upon not intermixing poly finishes with varnishes of the cock-roache kind-Like mixing water and oil.
Kilz primer would probably be your best bet. Ask to have it tinted, it will make painting with your top coat a lot easier. But to be on the safe side, ask the employee at the store. The guys at Home Depot %26amp; Menards have always been helpful for us.