How to Paint Laminate Cabinets – And Love The Results

It’s common for older homes to have laminate cabinets in the kitchen. However, these cabinets can be unsightly and outdated — not to mention they can detract potential homebuyers.

If you want to modernize your kitchen cabinets, you have plenty of options. One of the best for those with laminate cabinets is to simply paint them. While you can always replace the cabinets entirely, this isn’t the most cost-effective option. Painting your laminate cabinets on the other hand can be inexpensive and provide a quick fix.

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Many people think laminate is a difficult surface to paint, and while this is true, it’s still possible. To get the best results, follow the steps I’ve listed below.

Painting Laminate Cabinets

Step 1: Prepare Surfaces

Preparation is the key to optimal results. Painting damaged or dusty laminate will only highlight imperfections. Now is the time to make necessary repairs.

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Remove all cabinet doors and hardware. Don’t forget the hinges! Carefully examine the laminate surfaces and repair any warping or cracking. Thoroughly clean and sand lightly. Wipe down with a tack cloth for a dust-free surface.

Step 2: Prime The Cabinets & Doors

Select a high-quality brush and roller to apply your primer. We recommend INSL-X Stix Acrylic Waterborne Bonding Primer because it’s formulated to bond to surfaces such as slick laminate cabinets. To achieve a stroke-free finish, use the brush to paint the edges and tight spots, and a roller on the large surfaces.

Step 3: Sand Your Laminate Surfaces Once More

Allow the primer to dry fully. Lightly sand surfaces using fine-grit sandpaper, and wipe down with a tack cloth.

Step 4: Apply The Paint

Time to paint! Select a paint that will dry quickly into a hard, chip-resistant finish that is easy to clean. We’ve had success on many cabinet jobs with INSL-X Cabinet Coat Enamel. Satin finishes help hide any imperfections, and tintable paint will allow you to color-match your cabinets.

Adding molding to your existing cabinetry can easily transform the look of your flat-front doors. Wood or composite moldings in various designs and widths are available at your local hardware store and can be miter-cut on-site to your specifications. Following the same steps above, prime and paint the moldings. Once fully dry, attach them to your cabinet fronts with wood glue.

4 Things to Avoid When Painting Laminate Cabinets

1. Painting Over Damaged Laminate

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Painting over damaged, warped, or peeling laminate does not allow the paint to adhere properly to the cabinet. Repairing minor laminate damage or refacing the cabinets must be done before paint application.

2. Leaving Dirt & Grime Behind

Dirt, grease, and grime are not your friends while painting. Thoroughly clean the surfaces to allow the paint to adhere evenly to your surfaces. Trisodium phosphate will gently clean away any lurking detritus. Rinse with clean water and allow to dry.

3. Using Paint or Primer That Isn’t For Laminate

Not all paints are created equal, and laminate surfaces are finicky. A coat of bonding primer will allow you to select tintable oil or latex-based paint. Want to skip the primer? Select paint that can be applied directly over laminate, but be aware your color selections will be limited.

4. Leaving Brush Strokes Behind

Before whipping out your paintbrush to tackle your cabinets, beware of the brush strokes that will be left behind. A roller, sprayer, or paint pad will give you a more reliable streak-free finish.

Best Paints For Laminate Cabinets

Conclusion

As you can see, painting your laminate cabinets can be a cost-effective and quick way to breathe new life into your kitchen. If you’re on a budget, explore this route before investing in new cabinets.

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Kitchens