After years of use, your old laminate cabinets have surely lost the glow, and are now looking boring and outdated. But that doesn’t mean your only option is to tear down and replace the cabinetry. Painting the laminate cabinets can brighten them up and make your kitchen look fresh and stylish.
Whether the color scheme is a bit drab or the cabinet surfaces look worn, repainting laminate finishes will help you avoid costly replacements, while still ensuring the space looks modern.
From supplies needed, prep work required to paint application steps, this guide has everything you need to give your laminate cabinetry a richer look without breaking your budget.
First, Can You Paint Laminate Cabinets?
Indeed, it’s possible to paint laminate cabinets. Although laminate material is not an ideal surface to paint, it’s can still be painted. What you need is the right supplies and follow the correct process. Keep reading to learn more.
Supplies Needed to Paint Laminate Cabinets
Assemble the following tools and materials:
- Dust mask
- Eye protection
- Chemical-resistant work gloves
- Sugar Soap
- Drill or screwdriver
- Fine-grit sandpaper
- Tack cloth
- Painters tape
- Primer
- Paintbrush
- Roller brush
- Laminate paint
Step 1 Prepare the Cabinet Surface
Before you break out the brushes, remove the cupboard doors from the frames and unscrew the handles and hinges. Next, use sugar soap, a damp cloth, and warm water to clean the surface you’re going to paint. Sugar soap excels at removing grime and grease in kitchen areas.
Remember to label all the doors before removal, so you can easily place them back where they belong after painting.
With a clean surface, you can now clearly see marks, scratches, dents, and other damaged portions that might ruin the end result. Repair those dents with wood filler or laminate seam filler. Likewise, use good-quality wood glue to fix any spots where the laminate is coming loose.
Step 2: Sand the Laminate Surface
Laminate surfaces are smooth and can’t hold paint, so they need to be roughened up. However, sanding the laminate tends to be a tricky process. That’s because laminates are thin, some as thin as paper. So you need to proceed with caution.
Put on your dust mask and eyewear, then use your fine-grit sandpaper to gently sand the surface. Take care not to sand to the bare wood. For larger surfaces, you may need to use a motorized orbital sander. When you’ve removed as much of the finish as possible, clean up any dusty remains with a tack cloth.
Step 3: Prime the Cabinets
The primer is what allows the smooth surface of the laminate to grip the paint. Laminate is a picky surface, so you’ll need a high-quality laminate-specific primer. If you aren’t sure which one is best, consult your paint store professional. A good primer will prevent future peeling or lifting in the paint.
After making sure the surface is clean and dry, tape the back of the cabinets to get a clean final look. Next, wear your safety gloves and use a high-quality roller to apply the first coat of primer. Only use a paintbrush if there are any awkward spots your roller can’t reach.
After a few hours, apply the second layer of primer. Let it dry completely, then sand the surface again to roughen it a bit in order to get a smooth paint finish. Sand lightly as you don’t want to remove all the primer.
Step 4: Apply the Paint
Once you’ve wiped the sanded and primed cabinets, it’s time to apply paint. For the topcoat, use a paint that’s compatible with the primer. You can choose any paint color available, but make sure it’s a product that can stand up to the abuse kitchen cabinets take.
Test the paint on a small area of the laminate, let it cure, then inspect how it holds up. If it bonds well, use your foam roller to paint the rest of the cabinet doors. Allow at least four hours of dry time before applying a second topcoat. For maximum protection, you can follow up with a quality sealer.
Step 5: Re-attach Your Cabinet Doors
After the final coat has completely dried, remove the tape, re-attach your handles or knobs and re-install the doors in their original openings. If the handles don’t match the new style, spray them with suitable spray paint before attaching them. Finally, give yourself a pat on the back. Sit back and marvel at your work.
Update Your Laminate Cabinets With a Fresh Paint Coat
Your outdated laminate cabinets don’t have to ruin the looks of your kitchen. A fresh paint job, done correctly, can transform the look of your kitchen storage without costing you an arm and a leg. It’s as sim[le as unscrewing your cabinets, cleaning them, sanding and priming the surface, and brightening it up with a new paint coat.
While you’re on it, take measures to protect yourself with dust masks, gloves, and goggles. Plus, keep your windows open for ventilation. Want professional help improving the looks of cabinets or storage compartments? Get free estimates for home repairs online with PunchListUSA!
