How to Paint Laminate Kitchen Cabinets

Too many homeowners deal with ugly laminate kitchen cabinets day after day because they do not know there is a cost effective way to improve their appearance. Paint, contrary to the belief of many, can be use on laminate cabinets to give them a new look. Though it takes a bit more preparation than painting wood, painting laminate is still a relatively easy do-it-yourself job. So take the time to read over these steps, so you can enjoy a new look with very little cost.

Remove Doors and Hardware

Before you pick up a paint brush, you want to get out the screwdriver. Removing doors and hardware from your kitchen cabinets will make your paint job easier in the long run. Place all of the hardware in a plastic container so it does not get lost andeach cabinet door so you know where it goes when you need to put them back on.

Clean and Dry

Once the doors have been removed, clean the cabinets and doors with a mild detergent and water. Even the most well maintained cabinets will have some grease and residue buildup that will prevent the paint from sticking properly. So make sure they have been thoroughly cleaned and dried before you do anything else.

Sand

Once your laminate cabinets have dried, it is time to pull out some 120 grit sandpaper and lightly rough up the surface of your cabinets. You can do this by hand or with an electric sander, just make sure you are not changing the shape of the wood. The goal is to simply rough up the laminate enough so the primer and paint have something to stick to. Once all of the doors and cabinets have been sanded, make sure to wipe off all of the particles from sanding so they do not get in your paint and ruin your finish.

Prime

Now that you laminate has been sanded, apply a quality primer with a paint brush or roller. If possible, choose a primer that is specifically designed to stick to laminate. The better the primer, the less likely your paint job will chip and peel. Make sure to apply the primer in a thin coat, as thick coats tend to promote peeling down the road. Let the coat dry completely before continuing.

Paint

After the primer dries, it is time to apply two to three light coats of acrylic based latex paint. This type of paint will provide the durability kitchen cabinets need, while still adhering well to the primed laminate. Apply each light coat with either a paint brush or a roller, making sure to let each coat dry completely before applying the next. Let the final coat of paint sit overnight to allow it to cure. This drying time will ensure that the paint has had time to bond itself to the primer, which is essential when painting laminate.

Replace and Enjoy

Once the paint has had time to set overnight, it is time to put the hardware back on the cabinet doors and hang them back in their respective place. Make sure to check and make sure you are hanging the correct door in the right place to avoid headaches. Once your painted laminate cabinets have been rehung, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy.