Has anyone successfully painted laminate?

[finally]

I have a cheap laminate desk that I got from Staples years ago...thing is, it's perfect size and set-up for what I need so I don't want to buy something new. The top is very worn and I'd love to be able to paint it. Has anyone successfully painted laminate and had it last?  I use my desk a lot so it needs to be durable. 

I am hesitant to cover with contact paper since I don't think I'd do a good job with that.  

[mcc]

I agree with FormerlyRR. I did something similar after being an idiot and accidentally paining with latex paint without a primer. Scuff, use a oil based primer, paint, and cover with wax or a poly.

[pitterwoo]

I agree with pps. Good prep, primer and paint. I would either do a latex paint and then top with poly acrylic or use BM Advance which is their "water based oil paint" and is cures nice and hard and not sticky like latex tends to.

[Susie]

Dec 15, 2013 9:24:26 GMT -5 @domerjen said:

Could you paint it and then put a piece of glass over it?

That's what I was going to suggest.

My kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanity are oak with a laminate end panel, and I have painted them successfully, laminate panel included.  Both are holding up well, several years in.  But I am skeptical that they would hold up as well if they were subjected to the kind of abuse that a desk top would.