Applying Laminate

[Richardgregory]

Hi all:  I'm wondering if I were to apply laminate to the sides of a cab, would I need to sand off all the existing paint and down to the bare wood to ensure proper adhesion?  I guess its easy enough to use a power sander but if I don't have to it would be better to minimize dust, effort and time.

[yotsuya]

If I were you, at this point, I'd tell my friend to do his own finish or go to Hell.   

[jennifer]

     Get the laminate first, the cost of everything may be a deterrent to this project, But yes you will most likely need to remove the old paint because the glue is a nasty mix of chems that will most likely start to melt the finish and compromise adhesion.... The best way is paint stripper, put a sheet of cardboard under the cab, and apply stripper starting from top, the paint will just fall off (little help from putty knife) Don't forget to neutralize with water when finished. let dry, and lightly sand.