Melamine Kitchen Cabinets Makeover Guide

Melamine kitchen cabinets were hugely popular in the 1980s and 1990s. These affordable cabinets consist of paper saturated with melamine resin, a plastic-like coating, and applied to plywood or medium density fiberboard (MDF). The plasticized finish resists scratches, stains, and moisture. While durable, the melamine coating eventually breaks down from heat and cleaning chemicals causing bubbling, cracking, and peeling. If your outdated cabinets show this type of damage, a makeover may be in order to restore their function and aesthetic.

Refacing with new cabinet doors and drawer fronts offers an affordable makeover solution. Replacing cabinets can cost tens of thousands, while refacing averages around 30-50% of full replacement. And unlike painting melamine, refacing is long-lasting and preserves cabinet boxes in good condition.

Assessing Melamine Cabinet Condition

First, assess if cabinets should be refaced or fully replaced. Look inside and out for signs of structural damage beyond surface wear. Test doors, shelves, and drawers for smooth operation and adequate storage. If boxes and fronts are intact overall, refacing could refresh your kitchen at a fraction of replacement cost.

Examining Exterior Surfaces

• Scan sides, tops, fronts, and door/drawer edges for bubbling, cracks, gouges, or delamination exposing the substrate underneath
• Note corners or edges showing signs of water damage or swelling
• Check areas around sinks and appliances prone to moisture and heat exposure

Evaluating Interiors

• Confirm shelf pins and hinges function properly allowing smooth door and drawer operation
• Test cabinet stability by grasping corners and shaking gently side-to-side and front-to-back
• Ensure surfaces feel smooth without substantial scratches, dents, or other flaws

If melamine damage exceeds 30% of the surface area, replacement may prove the better value. For less degradation confined to fronts, refacing provides an affordable upgrade.

Choosing Materials for a Makeover

The right materials transform the look of melamine cabinets within budget. From door styles to finishes, today's options offer custom yet cost-effective solutions.

Door and Drawer Front Options

• Unassembled shaker, slab, or recessed panel doors suit DIY installation
• Pre-assembled doors require less work but limit sizing flexibility
• Drawer fronts match door widths offering a cohesive look
• Materials like engineered wood, thermofoil, and vinyl ensure durability

Hardware and Accessories

• Knobs, pulls, and handles infuse personality into a space
• Soft-close hinges prevent jarring door slams
• Under cabinet lighting brightens tasks performed below eye level
• Glass inserts, racks, or slide out shelves enhance organization and storage

Countertops and Backsplashes

• Quartz, granite, or laminate countertops resist scratches, heat, and stains
• Tile, glass, or metal backsplashes protect walls while adding visual interest
• Coordinating materials create a unified, built-in look

With some creative mixing and matching, melamine kitchens can get a complete transformation without the hefty price tag.

Preparing Melamine Cabinets for Refacing

Proper prep work leads to smooth installation and long-lasting results. Plan to devote a full weekend to this critical step.

Removing Doors, Drawers and Hardware

• Label components to ensure accurate reinstallation later
• Take photos of hinge placements and shelf pin locations
• Set doors, drawers, and hardware aside wrapped in protective padding

Cleaning Surfaces

• Wash fronts, sides, tops, and interiors with an all-purpose cleaner using a soft sponge
• Rinse thoroughly and let dry completely before sanding or priming
• Degrease areas around sinks and appliances using a degreasing agent

Lightly Sanding

• Use 150-220 grit sandpaper for melamine, taking care not to expose the substrate
• Manual sanding sponges conform to curved edges like door frames
• Focus on damaged melamine or glossy areas to improve adhesion
• Sand just until dull for proper primer bonding

Prepping melamine cabinets takes some elbow grease but prevents roadblocks during installation. Set aside enough time for careful cleaning, labeling, and sanding to ready surfaces for a flawless refacing job.

DIY Tips for Refacing Melamine Cabinets

Replacing doors and drawer fronts provides an impactful facelift. Carefully removing the old and installing updated components transforms the space. Follow essential steps for a successful DIY refacing project.

Applying Stain Blocking Primer

• Use an oil or shellac-based primer designed specifically for laminates after preparation work
• Tint towards your topcoat color to reduce overall paint layers
• Allow primer to fully cure for maximum adhesion before installing new doors

Hanging New Doors and Drawers

• Refer to labels, photos, and measurements for accurate hardware placement
• Shim hinges to adjust door gaps and alignments
• Use scrap wood to establish consistent spacing between doors and drawers

Applying Cabinet Paint

• Opt for satin or semi-gloss cabinet enamel which resists moisture and cleans easily
• Use a foam roller and angled brush to coat corners, edges and hard to reach spots
• Allow proper drying time between coats to achieve maximum durability

While refacing requires some investment of time upfront, it pays off for years through upgraded style and organization. Take things slow, tape off countertops and floors for overspray protection, and work methodically through each step.

Design Ideas for Refaced Melamine Kitchens

Beyond new fronts, additional elements reinvent the kitchen's form and function.

Mixing Cabinet Colors

• Paint perimeter cabinets a light neutral while staining the island a contrasting hue
• Reserve bold colors like navy blue for island or lowers while keeping uppers quiet
• Choose a tri-color palette combining three tones for dimension

Adding Architectural Interest

• Frame lower cabinets with wide corner posts and vertical columns for dimension
• Install furniture-inspired feet or decorative corbels supporting uppers
• Display collections in glass cabinet inserts near seating areas

Enhancing Storage Solutions

• Fit blind corner cabinets with specialized pull-out organizers
• Divide deep cabinets into segmented drawers for pots and pans
• Keep spices, oils, and condiments nearby in slide-out trays

Clever details modernize melamine kitchens through form, function, and a few personalized touches. Consult your local home improvement retailer to explore options within your budget.