Sometimes homeowners don’t need to buy new furniture to get old furniture a new look. If the carcass is in good shape, one can apply new laminate sheets on top and renovate old furniture with laminate, saving 50-70% over replacement. Relamination is a quick and economical way to give your wardrobes, kitchen cabinets, TV units and study tables a new lease of life. With the right surface prep, a good adhesive bond and matching edge bands, old furniture can look almost as good as new.

When Should You Relaminate vs Replace Furniture?

Before starting a renovation, have a look at the condition of the furniture.

Factor	Relaminate (Overlay)	Replace Entirely
Carcass condition	Solid, no termite/rot	Damaged, weak
Time needed	2–4 days	2–4 weeks
Layout change needed?	No (same structure)	Yes (new design)
Result quality	85–90% of new look	100% new
Cost savings	50–70% saved	—

Can You Paste New Laminate Over Old Laminate?

Yes, but only if the existing laminate is well adhered, flat and free of bubbles or de-lamination.Sand the old surface lightly with 120-grit sandpaper to remove the glossy finish. Spread contact cement or other suitable adhesive on both sides and let it become sticky. Handle new laminate with care. Before installing a new overlay, it is necessary to remove any old, flaking, or damaged laminate. A clean and durable finish can be achieved by applying laminate on old furniture in this manner, without the need to replace the entire unit.

Step-by-Step Furniture Relamination Process

Here are the basic steps one needs to follow to successfully renovate old furniture with laminate:

• Remove shutters, shelving, hardware from furniture. 

• Lightly sand and wipe off the existing surface. 

• Fill dents and holes with wood filler. 

• Cut laminate sheets to a slightly larger size than the required size. 

• Brush the adhesive onto both the laminate and the furniture surface. 

• Let the glue become tacky for 15-20 minutes. 

• For a strong adhesive bond, position and press the laminate from the center out. 

• Roll surface and trim excess laminate by applying pressure 

• Fit matching edge bands and re-fit hinges and handles, For curved furniture edges or rounded corners, consider post-forming laminates that wrap seamlessly without visible joints.  

Works really well on wardrobes, cabinets, tv units and laminate on old furniture projects around the home.

Before & After – What Relamination Can  Help You Achieve

Relamination may transform the most worn furniture with modern finishes, scratch marks, or wood designs. The result is a cleaner, more modern design while retaining the original framework, from an old wardrobe makeover India project to a living room TV unit. Many homeowners also relaminates old almirah units with wood grain or solid colour laminates to match updated bedroom interiors without the expense of replacement.

Common Mistakes During DIY Relamination

Here are some common mistakes to avoid for a professional finish:

• Glueing laminate to loose or damaged surfaces. 
• No sanding before installation. 
• Applying too little or too much adhesive. 
• Trying to bond before the adhesive is tacky. 
• Edge finishing is not taken into account, which may affect durability. 

Professional installation is recommended for bigger furniture to ensure a lasting finish.

Conclusion

There is no need to purchase new furniture if the frame remains sturdy. In addition to saving time and money, one can renovate old furniture with laminate to give it a fresh, contemporary appearance. Trendy, new finishes for furniture, including tables, cabinets, and wardrobes, that are durable for an extended period. Premium laminate collections are available at Royale Touche. Explore the collection to choose one that best matches your preferences and the interior decor theme.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can new laminate be pasted on top of old laminate?

Yes, if the old laminate is well bonded and in good shape. Otherwise it must be removed before relamination.

Is relaminated furniture as durable as new furniture?

Relaminated furniture is very durable for daily use if it is properly installed and made of quality laminates.

How long does relamination last?

When laminate sheet furniture renovation is done by a professional, it can last for many years if proper care is taken.

Can I relaminate my old almirah to look modern?

Yes.  Many homeowners relaminates old almirah units with contemporary laminate finishes for a stylish upgrade.

Should I hire a carpenter or can I relaminate furniture myself?

DIY is fine for small furniture, but get the pros in for bigger wardrobes and kitchens.