Can I paint Formica cabinets?

Linda Silverman
by Linda Silverman
cabinet in bathroom is grey Formica and I would like to change the color
  7 answers
  • The Robin's Nest The Robin's Nest on Jan 06, 2014
    I have a product in my store that I sell (and use regularly) it's old fashioned milk paint, it comes in a powder form, that you mix with water. There is a second product called extra bond that if you add to it, you can literally paint on any surface..and the beauty..you do not have to sand or prime. IF your cabinets are super super shiny, I'd probably, just to be on the 100% safe side, lightly sand off some of the sheen. Then paint. and since it's a bathroom, I'd definitely finish the surface with some type of waterproofing medium (poly). I think it can be done pretty easily. Good luck
  • Shari Shari on Jan 06, 2014
    Yes, you absolutely can paint it with great results! I have done it--twice! I also painted the medicine chest/mirror over one of the cabinets. I painted the white vanity and medicine chest/mirror black 4 years ago and even though this is a very high traffic bathroom, the paint has held up extremely well. I've had no problems with peeling or chipping paint. Painting it not only made the bathroom feel cozier but, in my opinion, the vanity doesn't look as cheap now either. The fake wood-toned cabinet in the other bathroom was painted navy blue about six months ago. I've attached before/after photos for you to see. Instead of sanding (I hate sanding), I used a product called "liquid sandpaper" or "deglosser." You can find it in any hardware store. I personally like Klean Strip Sander-Deglosser. When you wipe the cabinet down with it, it cleans off any dirt and old grunge but more importantly, it leaves some "tooth" for your primer to grip to. After using the liquid sandpaper, I applied a thin coat of latex primer. You can use latex Kilz or Zinsser Bullseye 123, or any good quality primer. After the primer dried for a couple hours, I applied 2 thin coats of interior latex paint on the black cabinet with a small foam roller and brush. The bigger cabinet took about 4 coats of the navy blue paint because I was using a different paint--Sherwin Williams' Duration primer/paint combo--and I am NOT impressed with it, at all! I would recommend using the best quality paint you can afford. Spend the extra money and take the time to prime with a bonding primer first, NOT a primer/paint combo. You won't regret it. A quart of primer and a quart of paint should be more than enough.
  • Linda Silverman Linda Silverman on Jan 06, 2014
    thank you so very much Shari! I can't wait to get started and your results are beautiful!
  • Linda Silverman Linda Silverman on Jan 06, 2014
    I also have used the Behr primer/paint and did not care for it at all!
  • The Robin's Nest The Robin's Nest on Jan 06, 2014
    I'd check around and see if any antique stores in your area sell a line of either milk or chalk paint. Of course, Annie Sloan is a popular chalk paint brand. And the same concept applies for it, no sanding or priming required. It's upward of $38 a quart, milk paint is about $20 a quart. you could probably also experiment using your on DIY version of chalk paint adding plaster of paris to your paint. (research the exact formula) it's also easy to use, dries very fast and no sanding priming.
  • Linda Silverman Linda Silverman on Jan 10, 2014
    problem resolved! Thank you HOMETALK!
  • Baroness RH Baroness RH on Nov 20, 2016
    Rustoleum makes a ''Transformation'' kit for your cabinets. The results are stunning! https://www.rustoleum.com/homeowner/faqs/cabi...