After years of use, your old laminate cabinets might look dull and outdated. But you don’t have to replace them entirely. You can refinish and paint cabinets that can bring new life to them and make your Pleasant Hill, CA home’s kitchen look fresh and stylish.

If the color scheme feels a bit drab or the cabinet surfaces look worn, repainting can help you avoid the high cost of replacements while still making your space look modern and updated. This guide covers everything you need, from supplies and prep work to paint application steps, to give your laminate cabinets a fresh look without breaking the bank.

Can You Paint Laminate Cabinets?

Yes, you can paint laminate cabinets! While laminate isn’t the easiest surface to paint, it can be done with the right supplies and process. It’s a cost-effective alternative to replacing kitchen cabinets – which can be a significant investment. But if you’re tired of the outdated look of your kitchen, you can paint your laminate cabinets instead.

How to Paint Laminate Cabinets

Tools and Materials:

• Clean cloth
• Sugar soap
• Paintbrush 
• Roller brush 
• Drill or screwdriver 
• Tack cloth 
• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Primer
• Laminate paint

Instructions:

1. Prepare the cabinet surface.

Before you start painting, remove the cupboard doors and all the handles and hinges. Use sugar soap, a damp cloth, and warm water to clean the surfaces. Sugar soap is great for getting rid of kitchen grime and grease.

Label all the doors before removing them so you can easily put them back in their place after painting.

Once everything is clean, check for any marks, scratches, or dents. These imperfections can affect the final look, so repair them with wood filler or laminate seam filler. Use good-quality wood glue to fix any spots where the laminate is coming loose.

2. Sand the laminate surface.

Laminate surfaces are smooth and can’t hold paint well, so you must roughen them up. Sanding laminate can be tricky because it’s so thin, sometimes as thin as paper. So, proceed with caution.

Use fine-grit sandpaper to gently sand the surface, being careful not to sand down to the bare wood. For larger surfaces, you might need a motorized orbital sander. After sanding, clean up any dust.

3. Prime the cabinets.

Priming is crucial because it helps the paint adhere to the smooth laminate surface. You’ll need a high-quality primer specifically designed for laminate. If you’re unsure which one to choose, ask a professional at your Walnut Creek, CA area paint store for recommendations. A good primer will help prevent the paint from peeling or lifting in the future.

First, make sure the cabinets are clean and dry. Tape the edges of the cabinets to ensure a clean finish. Put on your safety gloves, and use a high-quality roller to apply the first coat of primer. Use a paintbrush only for those hard-to-reach spots where the roller can’t go.

After a few hours, apply a second coat of primer. Once it’s completely dry, lightly sand the surface again to create a slightly rough texture, which will help the paint adhere smoothly. Be careful not to sand away all the primer.

4. Apply the paint.

After priming and lightly sanding the cabinets, it’s time to paint. Choose a paint that works well with your primer and can withstand the wear and tear of kitchen use.

Start by testing the paint on a small area of the laminate. Let it cure and see how it holds up. If it bonds well, paint the rest of the cabinet doors with a foam roller. Allow at least four hours of drying time before applying a second coat. Consider adding a quality sealer once the paint is dry for extra protection.

5. Reattach your cabinet doors.

Once the final coat of paint is completely dry, remove the tape, reattach the handles or knobs, and reinstall the doors in their original positions. If the handles don’t match the new look, you can spray-paint them to coordinate. Finally, step back and admire your work – you’ve successfully transformed your kitchen cabinets!

Tips for a Professional Finish

To make sure you get quality results, remember these tips: 

Use quality brushes and rollers.

Investing in high-quality brushes and rollers can significantly impact your painting project. Cheap brushes can leave streaks and bristles behind, while quality ones ensure a smooth, even application. Similarly, good rollers provide consistent coverage without leaving behind unwanted texture. Your tools play a crucial role in achieving that professional look.

Apply multiple thin coats for better coverage.

When painting your laminate cabinets, remember that patience pays off. Instead of covering everything in one thick coat, apply multiple thin layers. This technique helps the paint adhere better and prevents drips and uneven coverage. Each thin coat builds the color and finishes gradually, resulting in a smooth, flawless look.

Add finishing touches to enhance the look.

Don’t underestimate the impact of new hardware for your Moraga, CA home. Replacing old knobs, handles, and hinges can instantly update the look of your cabinets and tie the whole room together. Choose hardware that complements your new paint color and the overall style of your kitchen. It’s a small change that makes a big difference.

Tips for Maintenance and Care

Keeping your newly painted cabinets looking fresh and vibrant is easier than you might think. Here are some simple tips:

• Regular cleaning: Wipe down your cabinets regularly with a soft cloth and mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the paint.
• Avoid excess moisture: While kitchen cabinets are exposed to moisture, try to minimize prolonged exposure. Wipe up spills promptly and use a fan to reduce humidity.
• Gentle handling: Be gentle with your cabinets to avoid chipping the paint. Close doors and drawers softly and avoid banging them shut.

Conclusion

Painting your laminate cabinets is a fantastic way to breathe new life into your Orinda, CA home’s kitchen without the hefty price tag of a full renovation. You can tackle this project on your own or with some help, and the results can be truly stunning. 

But if you think it’s too much work to handle on your own, you can call a pro. Custom Painting Inc. can help you ensure your cabinet painting project is a success. Call us today at 925-686-0903, or complete our online form, and let’s discuss repainting your kitchen cabinets—and perhaps other parts of your home, too!