Redecorating A Tank Stand

[ZoddyZod]

I'm currently on the lookout for a tank upgrade but I need to have one in a dark wood. Beech seems far and away more available second hand so I was wondering if anyone has some tips for 'decorating' a tank stand to another colour.

Most of the stands use the veneer stuff applied to chip board. Is there a good way of painting or staining that veneer to a darker colour? Or Would I need to remove all of it and apply a new veneer?

 

[Mikaila31]

pretty sure you could just apply a darker stain over top it.

 

[ZoddyZod]

Found this guide. More labourious than I was hoping for but seems like a good way to do it.

http/www.ukflooringdirect.co.uk/info/How_to_Paint_Laminate_Surfaces.html

How to Paint Laminate Surfaces

Laminate surfaces are not as simple to paint as other surfaces. They require special attention before you can start painting them!

Step 1: Get Your Materials: No matter what type of laminate surface you wish to paint over, youll need some 80 to 120 grit sandpaper, trisodium phosphate (TSP), a foam roller, and special melamine paint designed to be used on laminate surfaces.

Step 2: Sand the Surface: Before you begin painting, sand down the laminate surface to remove the laminate surface gloss. It can take a while so you have to be a little more patient. Without doing this, the paint cannot adhere to the surface, so it would be pointless to paint it. When sanding, remember to work on the laminates edge and substrates surface at the same time!

Step 3: Wash the Surface with TSP: After youve finished sanding off the laminate gloss, its time to apply the TSP. First, mix it with water. TSP is designed to remove both gloss and grease from surfaces. When handling it, remember to wear gloves. After youve finished washing the surface, you have to let the laminate dry completely before you do anything else.

Step 4: Apply the Primer: Start applying the primer 30 minutes after the surface is washed and it should be allowed to dry for a full 24 hours before applying the paint.

Step 5: Start Painting: Now, its time to actually start painting the surface. To do this, youll really want to go with a high-density foam roller because melamine paint creates a hard, durable surface and foam rollers do not roll bubbles like some other types of paint rollers. This ensures that the surface stays smooth and even when the paint is applied.

Step 6: Apply Two More Coats: When using melamine paint, its best to apply two or three regular coats instead of trying to paint on one thick coat. If you are painting cabinets or other vertical surfaces, you have to remove them and put them in a place where they can be painted horizontally.

Step 7: Apply the Finish: Melamine finish takes 6 days to fully cure so you have to make allowance for it. Otherwise, you may ruin the finish and have to start all over. Melamine finish is designed to last several years.

 

[raptorrex]

I'm currently on the lookout for a tank upgrade but I need to have one in a dark wood. Beech seems far and away more available second hand so I was wondering if anyone has some tips for 'decorating' a tank stand to another colour.

Most of the stands use the veneer stuff applied to chip board. Is there a good way of painting or staining that veneer to a darker colour? Or Would I need to remove all of it and apply a new veneer?

it may be worth looking at "Sticky Backed Plastic". i know it sounds a bit 'Blue Peter'. but it may be the way to go, for a really good finish.
you, carefully, remove the current laminate covering (or simply roughen it up). and relay with the new stuff.

there is plenty about. I cant find it now (on the net, anyway) but willcos did some at a reasonable price. Fablon is the only trade name i can think of.

I looked hard at this, some years ago. the only reason i didn't go forward, with it is, my daughter (special needs kid) would have taken great delight in peeling off any edges, she could get at. as she has done with the original laminate.

 

[ZoddyZod]

there is plenty about. I cant find it now (on the net, anyway) but willcos did some at a reasonable price. Fablon is the only trade name i can think of.

cheers. I've been looking at veneer on eBay but it only comes in thinnish strips (or so it seems) so it's not practical.

aha! Found it!...... http/www.ukwallpaper.co.uk/products/new-fablon-woodgrains.htm

think I'd need to see the stuff up close to know what it looks like first.

 

[Mikaila31]

y not just stain it.... paint on. It would take about 20 minuets...

 

[ZoddyZod]

Im not sure you can stain the lamented veneer directly. Don't think the stain can sink into it without prepping it first

 

[daleboy]

Stain wont take to laminated wood.
The Fablon stuff is good and does look the part if you are patient when doing it.
The range of colours that are available are good too.
I did my stand that came with my 120ltr as the previous owner had soaked it so bad the veneer had lifted.
Just make sure that when you do it the area you choose to work is really clean i.e no strands of hair etc as they will stand out on the finished wood.

 

[raptorrex]

Im not sure you can stain the lamented veneer directly. Don't think the stain can sink into it without prepping it first

even if you prep, it will not stain.
plastic which is what laminate, in this case, is made of. wont.

 

[ZoddyZod]

I thought veneer had a plastic coating hence making it a laminate of sorts? Mind you not sure how many stands use veneer

 

[raptorrex]

I thought veneer had a plastic coating hence making it a laminate of sorts? Mind you not sure how many stands use veneer

well veneer, used to be, a thin covering of another wood.
but the stuff we get on our tanks (mostly) is a plastic sheet, with a pattern moulded and coloured, into it. like a heaver version of the Fablon.

 

[ZoddyZod]

I thought veneer had a plastic coating hence making it a laminate of sorts? Mind you not sure how many stands use veneer

well veneer, used to be, a thin covering of another wood.
but the stuff we get on our tanks (mostly) is a plastic sheet, with a pattern moulded and coloured, into it. like a heaver version of the Fablon.

got it, so Fablon (or similar) is probably the neatest way to do it (straight on top). Otherwise it would be stripping it all off and finding a similar material to replace with.

 

[raptorrex]

I thought veneer had a plastic coating hence making it a laminate of sorts? Mind you not sure how many stands use veneer

well veneer, used to be, a thin covering of another wood.
but the stuff we get on our tanks (mostly) is a plastic sheet, with a pattern moulded and coloured, into it. like a heaver version of the Fablon.

got it, so Fablon (or similar) is probably the neatest way to do it (straight on top). Otherwise it would be stripping it all off and finding a similar material to replace with.

that's how i see it.
a good rub down with fine sand paper. then carefully place the fablon on. you will need to fill any areas that have damage, on the original laminate. first though.

you may like to look at ESP, laminate paint, though.

this is a link to laminated coverings, something like Formica.
linky

 

[ZoddyZod]

you may like to look at ESP, laminate paint, though.

I like the sound of paint better. I can envision any job I do of sticking the Fablon stuff will look amatuer at best!

 

[raptorrex]

you may like to look at ESP, laminate paint, though.

I like the sound of paint better. I can envision any job I do of sticking the Fablon stuff will look amatuer at best!

done with care, it look really good. and does not, wipe/rub off as paint will (in time).
check the link i have edited above. its more like the original thing.