How to Paint Over Laminate Kitchen Cabinets

Painting over laminate kitchen cabinets is a great way to give your kitchen a new look without spending a lot of money. Prepare to spend at least three days on this project. Here is what you will need.

1. Pick a Paint

Choose a color scheme for your laminate kitchen cabinets that will compliment the rest of the kitchen. Then, read the labels on the cans carefully and select a paint appropriate for your project. You can find paints made for use specifically in the kitchen, however an indoor latex paint should do.

2. Disassemble and Clean Cabinets

Pull out the drawers and, using either a screwdriver or a drill, take off the cabinet drawers. Label where each piece came from on the back. Next remove all of the drawer pulls and hardware. Clean them and then put them into labeled bags so you know which part of the cabinet the belong to. Finally, wipe down the drawers, doors, and cabinet bases of the laminate kitchen cabinets.

3. Sanding

Sand every surface that is going to be painted, including the cabinet bases. Use your cloth to wipe away any dust. If you wish, you can use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to clean up the dust too.

4. Primer

Put down plastic to protect your floor and lay the doors and drawers on it. Use painter's tape to cover spots of the laminate kitchen cabinets you don't want to get primer or paint on. Then paint a coat of primer on all of the cabinet bases, doors and drawer fronts. Give it time to dry per the manufactures instructions on the can.

5. Painting

Paint the first coat of latex paint over the primer. Make sure you cover all of the drawer fronts, doors and bases of the laminate kitchen cabinets with an even layer of paint. Let it dry for 24 hours. Once it is dry, apply a second coat of paint over the first. Allow the paint to dry for another 24 hours before moving to the next step.

6. Sealer

There are a few different kinds of sealer. They can be painted or sprayed on and come in both semi-gloss and high gloss. Choose the kind that you prefer and use it to seal the drawer fronts, bases, and doors. It is important to protect the paint on your laminate kitchen cabinets to ensure that it will last longer.

Safety Tips

Read the labels on all of the products you plan to use to paint your laminate kitchen cabinets and follow the safety recommendations.

Always paint in a well-ventilated area. If you get dizzy, leave the area and get some fresh air before continuing.

If any of the products you are using are flammable, do not smoke or use an open flame near them.

Try not to get paint, primer, or sealer on your skin. Always wash your hands and arms thoroughly to get all of the paint off before eating.