Is it possible to paint laminate-type cladding?

[twinky]

We have a wee porch at the back of our house that has the ceiling and walls all covered with a hideous brown plasticy fake wood cladding. It feels really smooth to the touch. Taking it down would mean having to plaster everything and I don't have the budget for that. Has anyone ever painted over something similar and did it work?

if it is really plastic (probably uPVC) then you can paint it with oil-based, non-drip gloss. Apply a single flowing coat, with no primer or undercoat. Clean it first with a green nylon pan-scourer, wash, and finally wipe off all dirt and dust remaining, with white spirit.

A dark colour to tone with the brickwork will look better than white or pale, which soon looks dirty.

If there is moss or mould on iut, kill that first with bleach, then it will clean off easier.

Thanks PigletJohn. Unfortunately I wanted to paint it a pale colour so will maybe abandon the whole idea and just settle for repainting the woodwork and doors to smarten them up. It can wait until we've got the funds to replaster it all properly. Thanks again.

a pale colour can be washed with car shampoo from time to time, but will always tend to show the dirt.