How to Paint Laminate Cabinets in 9 Easy Steps

If you have been wondering how to paint your laminate cabinets and have despaired of ever having a new, shiny kitchen, put those worries to rest!

Laminate cabinets can be painted, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

1. Remove your cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware

If you’re painting kitchen cabinets that are already installed in your kitchen, the first step is to remove all the doors, drawers, and hardware.

This will make it easier to paint them, and it will also prevent any paint from getting on the hardware or screws.

As you are taking the kitchen apart, sketch a map on a piece of paper.

We like to number the doors and drawers very lightly on the inside so that we know where to re-install all of the pieces when the painting is finished.

2. Clean the cabinets

The next step is to clean the cabinets thoroughly. We know it is tempting, but DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP!

Use a cleaner like TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) to clean all the dirt, grease, and grime off the cabinets.

Rinse them well and let them dry completely before moving on.

3. Do not paint damaged laminate cabinets

If the laminate is cracked, chipped, warped, or bubbling, it can interfere with the adhesion of the paint and you will very likely end up with peeling or chipping paint.

If your laminate cabinets are damaged, it’s best to have them repaired or replaced before painting.

You can often repair laminate cabinets yourself by filling any damaged areas or holes with a wood filler, then sanding the area before painting. There are also laminate repair kits available.

4. Sand before you paint laminate cabinets

The surface of laminate cabinets is not as smooth as wood, so sanding them before painting really is a must. Sanding laminate cabinets will help the paint adhere better and will give you a smoother finish.

Consider using an orbital power sander with 120-grit sandpaper if you have a lot of cabinets to sand.

Trying to sand an entire kitchen full of cabinets by hand will be time-consuming and exhausting. 

Rough up all cabinet surfaces enough to create some dust, but be very careful not to rip the thin surface of the laminate.

Then, vacuum up any residue and grab a damp cloth to wipe the cabinets down and remove any remaining dust. 

5. Prime the cabinets

It is very important to use a bonding primer before painting laminate cabinets. Laminate is slick which makes it very difficult for paint to properly adhere (and stay adhered) to it.

A bonding primer is a coating that improves the bonding between the surface you are painting and the new paint that is being applied. Bonding primers are used on materials that do not ordinarily accept paint well — like laminate.

This primer will help the paint to adhere better and will give you a more even finish.

Bonding primers can be oil- or water-based. Generally, you will want to choose the same type of primer as you do for your topcoat. So, if you select a latex-based cabinet paint, stick with a latex-based primer. Same for oil.

6. Or Skip Priming?

It is possible to get away with not priming your laminate cabinets before painting if you purchase paint specifically made for covering shiny surfaces like cabinets (like this one) you can skip the primer.

It is also very possible that you will be able to cover your cabinets in just one coat of paint and be able to skip the sealant.

What’s the catch? The color choices are a bit limited.

We think they still have a nice selection, though. (Look at the Olive green and the Serenity blue. Gorgeous!)

If you want a hue that is lighter or darker than what they offer, though, you can always custom mix your own shade by getting a quart of white or black and adding it to the paint color of your choice.

Just make sure to mix enough to cover all of your cabinets! Trying to color-match your own custom mix if you run out of paint midway would be nearly impossible.

7. How to paint laminate cabinets

The best way to paint laminate cabinets is to use a foam roller. This will give you a very smooth finish with very few brush strokes.

Paint the cabinets in even strokes, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.

Once the first coat is dry, apply a second coat.

If you are painting your cabinets white or a light color, you may be able to get away with one coat. However, for a darker color or if you are using semigloss paint, you will likely need two coats.

8. Finishing

When your cabinets are completely dry, you should apply a clear coat of finish for extra protection.

This is optional, but it will help to keep your paint from chipping or peeling over time.

Choose a finish that is made for cabinets and is meant to be used over paint. For instance, you could use a vinyl sealer, polyurethane, or lacquer.

Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.

9. Reassembling your kitchen

Once your cabinets are painted and finished, it’s time to reassemble your kitchen!

Be very careful not to damage the paint while you are putting everything back together.

It’s best to have a friend help you with this part. Reattach all the hardware, follow the map you made for where the cabinets doors and drawers should go, and admire your brand new, freshly painted cabinets!

If you want some visuals of the process, check out this great video tutorial:

Conclusion

Painting your laminate kitchen cabinets is a great way to give your kitchen a fresh look on a budget.

And, if you choose the right paint and primer, it can be a very easy and quick project, too!

Just be sure to take your time and follow the steps carefully to avoid any mishaps.

Happy painting!

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