Step-by-Step Guide on How to Paint Laminate Cabinets for Newbies

At Just Wood Furniture, we know that painting your laminate cabinets is a great way to customize the look of your furniture and spruce up your space.

In this guide, we feature handy tips to help you paint your cabinets and a step-by-step tutorial that you can easily follow.

Renovating your home soon? Keep reading if you’re looking for a budget-friendly and easy way to enhance the look of your home!

Before you begin, here are some essential tips and tricks to make the painting process easier for you.

Choose a Suitable Paint Color

Selecting the right paint color is one of the most important steps in any paint project.

When painting your laminate cabinets, we recommend going for colors like brown or green. These options are a superb choice because they are popular feng-shui colors known to promote better health and family ties.

Avoid Painting on Damaged Laminate

Avoid painting on your cabinets if the laminate is cracking or peeling. This is because the damage can interfere with the bonding of the paint to your cabinets. According to home renovation experts HomeRenoGuru, this may lead to an unsatisfactory paint job.

If your cabinets are in a poor condition, ensure that you repair the damage or reface them before painting.

Avoid Using a Paint Brush

Paintbrushes are the most commonly used tool for painting. However, these popular tools can leave unsightly paint strokes on your laminate cabinets.

According to handyman painter Dmitri Kara, you better go for other painting tools such as paint rollers or even a spray gun.

Remove Cabinet Hardware and Doors

Before you embark on your painting project, ensure that you remove hardware like knobs and pulls of the cabinet. This can help you apply paint onto your cabinets smoothly with no obstructions.

If you cannot remove the hardware, cover them with painter’s tape to prevent getting paint on them.

If the hinges on your cabinet doors are visible and removable, remove the doors from your cabinet to paint them separately. This can help make the painting process much easier for you.

Sand the Cabinets Before Painting

Sanding your cabinets before painting helps to create a strong bond between its surfaces and the paint.

Use medium-grit sandpaper when sanding your cabinets. This prevents you from tearing through the laminate and scratching your cabinet door.

Clean the Cabinets

The dirt and grime can cause the paint to adhere poorly to your cabinets.

• Ensure that you wipe away any grime and grease with a cleaning agent or degreaser.
• Once you’re done, rinse your cabinets with water and wait for it to dry completely before you paint.

Wear Protective Gear

Work in a well-ventilated area and put on protective gear like safety glasses or chemical-resistant gloves to protect yourself from the paint fumes.

Use High-Quality Paint and Primer

Not all types of paint and primer will adhere well to your laminate. Thus, it’s important for you to choose a strong paint primer and oil-based paint for your project. Alternatively, you may also use wood paint to apply to your cabinets but bear in mind that the right type of product differs whether you use solid wood or MDF.

Test Your Paint Before Painting the Cabinets

It’s essential that you test the bonding capability of your paint before you paint. This helps you avoid the need for repainting your cabinets and save hours of your time.

To test the paint, apply a small amount to an inconspicuous area of your cabinet and wait for it to dry fully.

If you see bubbles in the paint coat, it’s likely that the paint is not adhering well. If this happens, change the paint that you’re using or consult a professional to help you.

How to Paint Laminate Cabinets

Tools needed to paint laminate cabinets:

• Sandpaper;
• Primer;
• Paint;
• Roller brush.

Directions:

1. Prepare the surfaces of your cabinets. Before you begin, ensure that you give the surface of your cabinets a good clean to remove any dirt and grease. Once the cabinets have been thoroughly cleaned, remove the hardware and cupboard doors. Proceed to lightly sand the cabinets and remove any dust from the sanding.
2. Prime the surfaces of the cabinets. Use the roller brush to give the cabinets an even coat of primer. Using a primer helps the paint to better adhere to the surface of your cabinets.
3. Sand the laminate surfaces again. Once the primer has fully cured, give the surfaces a light sanding for a smooth finish. Ensure that you sand lightly to avoid removing the primer you have applied.
4. Apply the paint
5. Once the paint has fully dried, reattach the hardware and cabinet doors.

Painting Your Laminate Cabinets

With proper preparation and this handy guide in hand, painting your laminate cabinets will be a breeze! Adding a fresh with new paint is among the best way to refresh any property.