If you live in an older house, you may be battling with the idea of updating your laminate cabinets without breaking the bank. Because replacing your cabinets can be relatively expensive, you may want to consider painting them.
Transforming your laminate cabinets may be easier and much less expensive than you may think if you choose to paint them. All you need to transform your laminate cabinets is primer, paint, sandpaper, and some protective equipment for the surrounding area.
Are you wondering how you can transform your cabinets by painting them? If so, let’s look at the various steps you will need to take to update your cabinets.
What Type of Paint is Best on Laminate Cabinets?
Some people think that when you have a project, you are painting and can use any paint you have lying around. This could not be farther from the truth since laminate surfaces require a different painting process.
Because of this, it is essential to use paint specifically designed for laminate surfaces with a premium adhesion quality. This is because if you use paint that does not adhere to the laminate, it will result in the paint bubbling and not drying properly.
Since laminate is tough, you cannot use just any paint on it. Therefore, it is necessary to do some work on the cabinets to ensure the paint will adhere. In addition, it is suggested to use a primer before adding your paint.
However, some paints specifically designed for laminate surfaces can be used without adding a primer first. This is typically because the primer is added to the paint itself. You should be aware, however, that it may limit your color choices if you choose this type of paint.
Overall, if you are unsure which type of paint to use for your laminate cabinets, it may be best to ask a professional. You can also go to a hardware store and ask the experts since they will likely lead you in the right direction.
Which Primer Should You Use?
When adding a primer to your laminate cabinets, it is vital to ensure you choose one highly recommended and made for the job. So you should look for a primer with an adhesive quality to make sure it sticks to the laminate surface.
The primer is intended smooth out any surface defects, so the paint goes on smoothly. However, if the primer is not high quality and does not adhere to the laminate surface, your paint will likely slide right off.
There are many choices on the market for good-quality primers intended to be used on laminate cabinets. However, you will need to ensure you have chosen the correct kind of primer before you get started with your project.
The bottom line is that when choosing the right primer, you will need to pay attention to whether or not it is created for the type of project you are working on. Again, asking an expert can go a long way to ensure you choose the perfect type for your project.
How to Get Started
Before you start painting your laminate cabinets, there are several preparation steps you need to take first. If you want your cabinets to look updated and professional, you will need to ensure you follow the recommended steps.
It may be necessary to point out that painting laminate cabinets are not as easy as painting other surfaces. Because of this, these cabinets require a little preparation before beginning the project.
Some questions you may want to consider before you begin are:
- Do you have all of your materials ready?
- Did you purchase the right primer and paint for laminate cabinets?
- Should you remove the doors before beginning?
- Do you need to remove the hardware?
While this is not an exhaustive list of questions you should ask yourself before beginning the project, they are a great starting point. You should also ensure you have done sufficient research before starting a project you have never done before.
Wondering what preparation steps you need to take to transform your laminate cabinets? Keep reading to find out.
Make Sure Your Area is Well-Ventilated
As with any painting project, you must ensure you work in a well-ventilated area. This is because the paint fumes you will be exposed to can cause respiratory problems if you are not careful.
If you do not have ample space to work, you may consider working outside if the weather permits. However, you should only do this if the weather is mild and is protected from insects.
One of the best places to do a painting job is in a shop if you have access to one with plenty of windows to provide sufficient light and ventilation. Open windows will also allow the surfaces to dry much faster.
Sand Your Cabinets
Once your project is set up in a well-ventilated area, the next step will be to sand your cabinets. This step will provide a rougher surface that will allow the primer and paint a better chance to adhere to the cabinets.
Sanding should only be done once you have removed the hardware from the cabinets, so you have a smooth surface. Most experts recommend you remove the cabinet doors completely before sanding and painting them.
To sand the cabinets properly, use at least 120 grit sandpaper (on Amazon). Doing so will give you just the right amount of grit mixed with a gentle pressure that will rough the surface sufficiently. You will need to ensure you are not applying too much pressure since laminate surfaces are not as sturdy as real wood.
Ultimately, if you do not sand down your laminate cabinets before adding primer and paint, the result will be less of the transformation you are looking for. Since this material is not as easy as other surfaces, you will need to know what you are doing before you begin.
Use the Right Primer
The next factor to consider is using the correct primer to add to the laminate surface. The right primer will provide the perfect amount of adhesive to ensure it stays on the surface.
After you have sanded the surface area of the laminate cabinets, you will need to have wiped them down to remove any residue. Once done, you should be ready to add your primer.
The right primer will be specifically recommended for laminate surfaces. This type of primer will be of high quality and have a premium amount of adhesion to ensure you get a smooth finish before you paint.
How to Avoid Brush Strokes While Painting
Another factor that you should consider as you are getting ready to paint your laminate cabinets is that you may not have thought of. Once you have done all the prep work for painting your cabinets, you should also research to ensure that you are using the right tools.
Like learning what types of primer and paint you should use for your laminate cabinets, you should also consider painting tools. Since cabinets are not large surfaces, you may be tempted to use a paintbrush for the job.
Many experts in painting laminate cabinets caution that using a standard paint brush can leave you with obvious brush strokes. This is because of the type of surface a laminate cabinet has, even if you have taken the time to sand it down.
You should use either a roller, a spray gun (on Amazon), or even a paint pad to add your paint to your laminate cabinets. Doing this will allow the paint to go on smoothly so you can avoid brush strokes.
Overall, the best way to avoid brush strokes while painting your laminate cabinets is to ensure that you have prepped your surface correctly and avoid using a paintbrush. Following these simple steps will transform your laminate cabinets from looking drab to fabulous in no time.
If you want your cabinets to look like real wood, read our painting tips here.
Should You Hire a Professional?
As with any DIY project you are considering, you should decide whether or not you have the skills to complete it successfully. If you have spent some time painting various surfaces in the past, you may be able to handle this type of project.
However, if you have read through the various steps required to transform your laminate cabinets by painting them and have deemed the project to be out of your wheelhouse, you may want to consider hiring a professional.
While you may want to be handy around the house and create projects like this, you need to consider whether or not you can do it successfully. If you start the work and make some big mistakes down the road, you may not have any other choice but to bring a professional in to clean up the mess.
At the end of the day, if the project seems too much for your abilities, you should bring in a professional to do the work. While most professionals will recommend replacing the cabinets to update them, you will likely find others that will transform them by painting them.
Final Thoughts on How to Transform Your Laminate Cabinets
Overall, when it comes to transforming your laminate cabinets, adding a new paint job can be just the project they need. As you begin this project, you must consider every step before starting. Painting your laminate cabinets can be just the thing that takes your room from drab to fabulous without spending a lot of money.