How to Paint Laminate Kitchen Cupboards Like a Pro

Tired of staring at the same old laminate cupboards in your kitchen day after day? Painting laminate cabinets can transform the look of your kitchen without the expense of a full remodel. With some simple prep work, the right paint and tools, and a little elbow grease, you can change the color, finish, and style of your laminate cabinets. This DIY painting guide will walk you through the process step-by-step so you can paint your laminate cupboards like a pro.

Painting laminate cabinets allows you to refresh your kitchen's aesthetic at a fraction of the cost of new cabinetry. Laminate finishes dull, fade, and show wear over time. A fresh coat of paint provides an instant facelift. You can match your new cabinet color to the latest trends and your style. Matte paints hide flaws in damaged laminate, while glossy paint adds a polished, high-end look.

Benefits of Painting vs. Replacing Laminate Cupboards

Before deciding to paint your laminate cupboards, consider these benefits compared to replacing them entirely:

• Cost savings - Painting existing cabinets is significantly less expensive than ripping them out and installing new ones.
• Convenience - Painting allows you to revamp cabinets without major demolition or renovations.
• Customization - Choose any paint color and finish to match your personal taste.
• Sustainability - Repainting reuses existing materials rather than sending them to the landfill.
• Faster timeline - Painting can be done over a weekend instead of living through weeks of construction.

Unless your cabinets are structurally damaged, a fresh coat of paint is all you need to give your kitchen a whole new look for a fraction of the price.

Prep Work for Painting Laminate Cupboards

While painting laminate isn't difficult, proper preparation is crucial for getting an attractive, lasting finish. Follow these key steps:

1. Clean surfaces thoroughly to remove any grease, dirt or residue.
2. Lightly sand cupboards to rough up the glossy laminate finish.
3. Remove all doors, drawers, and hardware for easier painting access.
4. Clean and degrease again after sanding to remove any dust.
5. Apply a high-adhesion primer to ready the non-porous laminate for painting.
6. Allow primer coat to fully dry before painting.

Proper prep removes any barriers to paint adhesion. Lightly sanding with 220-400 grit sandpaper creates microscopic scratches for the paint to grip. It also dulls shiny laminate surfaces. Remove all doors, knobs, and hinges so you can easily paint the cabinet box and doors. Apply a bonding primer like Zinsser Bulls Eye 123 to help the paint stick to slick surfaces. Let the primer fully cure before adding your color coat.

Choosing the Best Paint for Laminate Cupboards

For a smooth, durable finish on laminate cabinets, choose:

• Latex acrylic paint - Flexible and sticks well to slick surfaces.
• Satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss sheen - Provides a fresh painted cabinet look.
• Darker colors - Helps hide existing flaws and damage in the laminate.
• Advanced cabinet paint - Self-leveling and fast-drying.
• Paint and primer in one - Saves a step.

The wrong paint won't adhere properly or will look blotchy on laminate. Latex acrylics like Behr Alkyd Semi-Gloss Enamel stick well and provide a durable finish. Darker paint colors disguise imperfections better than light paints. All-in-one cabinet paints with primer built in simplify the process.

How to Paint Laminate Cupboards

Once your prep work is complete, you're ready to apply paint. Follow these steps:

1. Apply 2-3 thin, even coats of paint using a brush for corners and mini foam roller for flat surfaces.
2. Lightly sand painted doors and boxes between coats to ensure proper adhesion.
3. Roll on your final coat, feathering paint from wet edges to avoid brush marks.
4. Let paint cure fully, at least 24 hours, before reattaching doors and hardware.
5. Caulk around doors, edges, and any gaps for a seamless look after reassembly.

Multiple thin coats create a smooth finish without brush marks or drips. Light sanding between coats, called scuff sanding, removes any debris and creates a bit of texture for the next layer of paint. Feather out your final coat while the paint is still wet to blend away brush strokes. Letting paint cure prevents tacky paint and stuck doors. Finish by caulking for a flush appearance.

Finishing Touches for Painted Laminate Cabinets

Adding finishing touches will complete your kitchen cabinet makeover. Consider these optional steps:

• Install new knobs, pulls, or handles for a fresh look.
• Touch up any paint drips or errors to keep your finish looking perfect.
• Add a layer of polyurethane for extra protection and shine.
• Clean cupboard interiors before restocking dishes and food.

New hardware completes the transformation and adds to the custom, built-in look. Fix any mistakes in your painted finish for a flawless look. Polyurethane provides a protective shield against scratches and water damage. Make sure to dust and sanitize the inside of cabinets before use. Then step back and admire your amazing DIY laminate cupboard makeover!

Key Painting Tips

Follow these key tips when tackling a laminate cabinet paint job:

• Lightly sand laminate using 220-400 grit sandpaper before priming.
• Clean cupboards twice - before and after light sanding.
• Use painter's tape to label doors for accurate reinstallation.
• Apply thin coats and sand lightly between each layer.
• Let paint cure fully before reattaching doors and drawer fronts.
• Caulk edges after reassembly for a seamless custom cabinet look.

Proper preparation and using the right painting techniques will ensure your painted laminate cupboards look professionally finished. With a little time and effort, you can paint your outdated laminate cabinets to look like high-end custom built-ins.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of paint adheres best to laminate cabinets?

Latex acrylic paints, especially those formulated for cabinets, adhere best to laminate. The elasticity of latex allows it to flex rather than chip or crack. Use paint with built-in primer for the most reliable adhesion and finish.

Should I completely remove doors and drawers before painting?

Yes, removing all hardware before painting makes the process much easier. Lay doors on sawhorses face up so you can easily roll paint on the fronts. Removing doors also lets you paint cabinet box interiors and provides better access.

How do I get a smooth finish on laminate cupboards?

Applying multiple thin coats creates a smoother look than one thick coat. Sanding between coats fills any texture. Roll on paint using a foam mini roller then feather out edges with a brush to prevent visible brush strokes.

Chalk paint adheres poorly to laminate's slick surface without proper priming first. For best results, use a bonding primer like Zinsser Bulls Eye 123 before applying chalk paint to laminate.