Laminate kitchen cabinets, common in older homes, need to be updated. Painting laminate cabinets, replacing the doors, or replacing all of the cabinets will make your kitchen more modern. However, your budget influences the decisions you make.
Cabinet replacement is the most expensive choice, accounting for approximately three-quarters of the cost of a new kitchen. Painting laminate cabinets is the least costly option. Although painting over laminate is not ideal, it is still possible. To achieve the best finish, follow these procedures.
Painting Laminate Kitchen Cabinets
Prepare the Surface of the Cabinets
- Preparation is essential for achieving the most excellent paint results.
- All hardware, including the hinges, should be removed from laminate cabinet doors.
- Do not paint over any cracks or warps in the laminate; instead, check for damage and fix it.
- Finally, give the doors gentle sanding and cleaning. Dust the doors with a tack cloth.
Prime the Doors and Cabinets
- Use a premium primer to protect the surface.
- A high-quality paintbrush reduces stroke marks when cutting in on cabinet corners or tight spots.
- Use a roller to achieve a smooth, brush-stroke-free finish on the doors and other large surfaces.
Sand the Laminate Surfaces
- After the primer has completely dried, lightly sand everything one more.
- Avoid over-sanding when using fine-grit sandpaper to polish the surface.
- Not all of the primers you just applied should be removed.
- Use a tack cloth to remove the dust.
Lastly, Paint the Cabinets
- Pick a good paint that is intended to be used on laminate surfaces.
- It has a rugged, chip-resistant finish, dries to the touch in an hour, and is simple to clean with essential liquid soap.
- A satin finish is suggested since it will cover up any tiny flaws.
What are the Dos and Don’ts When Painting Laminate Kitchen Cabinets?
The Dos
Uninstall cabinet hardware
Before painting laminate cabinets, remove all visible cabinet hardware, such as pulls, knobs, and hinges, to ensure a smooth paint application. If the hinges are visible and detachable, you can remove the doors from the cabinets and paint each separately on a workbench or sawhorse while masking the metal on the hinges with painter’s tape.
Test your paint
- Make sure your supply is suitable for the task by checking it twice.
- Before starting a complete paint job, you should test the material’s bonding properties to prevent future paint flaking and avoid having to redo hours of labor.
- Apply the paint to a tiny, discrete cabinet part, allow it to dry, and then check the bonding.
- If the coat has some bubbles, it needs to stick correctly.
- Speak with a paint salesperson at your hardware shop to choose a paint that is more suited for the job.
Reduce your fume exposure.
- When painting laminate cabinets, ensure the area has more ventilation and keep children and dogs outside due to the strong fumes the primer and paint emit.
- Finally, wear work gloves that can withstand chemicals before painting the cabinets.
The Don’ts
Painting damaged laminate cabinets.
- It may be difficult for paint to adhere to a cabinet if the laminate is damaged, deformed, or flaking.
- Before painting, fix any minor laminate damages or reface any cabinets to ensure the laminate is in good shape.
Leaving dust, grit, brush strokes
Use trisodium phosphate to gently wash away any accumulated grime and grease before painting laminate cabinets. After that, rinse the cabinets with new water and properly dry them. Meanwhile, if you typically use a brush to apply paint to laminate cabinets’ smooth surfaces since it’s traditional, you should consider it. These popular painting tools habitually leave an unattractive trail of brush strokes. Instead, use a roller, sprayer, or paint pad to get a streak-free surface.
Using old primer and paint
Only paints and primers explicitly created to adhere to the laminate’s sensitive surface work effectively with laminate. If you decide to use a primer, pick one that is strong enough to attach to laminate, and then, once the primer has dried and set, paint over it with an oil- or latex-based paint. You can skip the primer if you choose a paint that can be placed directly over laminate, but be aware that this restriction may limit your choice of colors.
Do You Need Help Painting Your Laminate Kitchen Cabinets?
If you are looking for professional painters near me to help you paint your laminate kitchen cabinets, The Picky Painters from Cleveland, Ohio, can assist you. The company employs professional painters. There’s also no need to worry as we have already handled laminate kitchen cabinets.
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FAQ
q1: Why should I consider replacing laminate kitchen cabinets instead of just repainting or refinishing them?
a1: Unlike painted finishes, worn laminate can peel, bubble, or separate from its base material. When that happens, replacing the cabinets often gives you longer-lasting durability and a chance to refresh the entire kitchen layout rather than placing a short-term bandage on the problem.
q2: Are there hidden challenges in replacing laminate cabinets that homeowners often overlook?
a2: Yes. Many discover that cabinet replacement can require adjustments to plumbing, countertops, or even electrical outlets. Laminate is usually installed with budget-friendly construction, so once you remove it, you might find underlying issues that need correcting.
q3: How can replacing laminate cabinets transform not just the look but also the value of a kitchen?
a3: Quality replacements can shift the kitchen from a temporary, low-cost feel to a space that feels permanent and high-end. This change doesn’t just refresh the style—it improves daily usability and can significantly increase resale value.
