Sounds like a melamine/conti board surface that's been coated with paint and any heat will lift the paint. I think there is a type of paint that will take on melamine surface try B&Q customer service ask them if they have such a paint. There definately is one as it was discussed a few yrs ago on the make over house projects on TV. If no luck with the Diy shops try a proper decorating supply shop they may come up with another solution. Or the paint.
bob, September 2008