You can paint laminate. Basically you need to scuff up the existing surface for good adhesion, use a high quality primer, and top coat. Visit your local paint stores (not the big box stores) for recommendations as to which primer you should use.

Mike

There's no way to strip off the finish and stain it a darker color, is there? The pieces are made of wood but the tops are formica.

I bought an old maple table once that had a formica top on it. I bought a large piece of flexible wood veneer (with the paper backing) and used contact cement to glue it down. Varnished it and never had a problem.

I was searching online and found this same advice for using veneer on the top. Is it difficult? Did you have a hard time matching the top to the rest of the table? Do you cut the veneer first and then apply or trim after you have glued it down? Where do you purchase veneer like this? Thanks!

Thanks for the help. We'll check out the website. It's good to know we have some options. We're going to buy the set and decide whether to paint or try to darken the color.

Hockymon....For a dresser for a teenage boy, paint over formica will soon be a mess. I would just go with what's there, ot apply a new layer of formica.
Paint, veneer, or whatever over Formica just never does a good job of sticking, unless you are very careful of the surface. That's the beauty of Formica....nothing mars or sticks to it.
Live with what you have or apply a new layer.
Linda C