How to paint ugly white laminate cabinets?

Question

Can anyone tell me how to paint my old white laminate cabinets?  They're still in good shape and I've replaced the ugly hardware which was a major improvement but I'm not sure how to prep and what to use to paint them.  I like muted colors, perhaps a very light gray and I don't want them to be too glossy.

B. Enne · Answer

This might help: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/paint/q-ugly-white-laminate-cabinets-8340045

Dawn Thompson · Answer

I peeled & scraped the laminate off of mine. Then I painted with primer, paint & poly.

B. Enne · Answer

Dawn were they laminate or thermofoil? I removed my loose thermofoil and it was fine unerneath, but I left the laminate ends and frames intact. Beth I saw this too...I couldn't find your post earlier to add it. http://www.hometalk.com/diy/kitchen-dining/kitchen-dining-furniture/how-to-diy-a-professional-finish-when-repainting-your-kitchen-cabinets-7011073

Genie Krivanek · Answer

At Lowes and Home Depot they sell products that are for painting laminated surfaces. Check with them before you do anything.

Dawn Thompson · Answer

I'm going to lightly sand my mom's old cabinets this weekend & then repaint them. I'll let you know how they turn out

Katie · Answer

Clean with TSP or a similar product, use a good bonding primer and buy the best paint you can afford, I used Dutch Boy Cabinet and Trim and I love the color but it's already wearing off on the cabinets I use most (not even three years). The real key to all of it is don't rush. Let everything cure for the amount of time it says on the can and maybe a little longer for the last coat before using them. I used an angle brush and a 4 or 6' smooth foam roller. Good Luck!

Dean Sue Bauman Smith · Answer

Clean and then prime with Zinsser oil-base primer. (brown label and STINKY) You can find this at Menards. Then paint. You can use water-base paint over this primer, but for cupboards I would recommend a clear protective coat over the paint to help avoid chipping from fingernails next to knobs. I have used this on 2 chests of drawers from the 1960s that looked and felt like Formica...shiny and slick. I put a TV on top on one (an old heavy tube TV), and my daughter used the other. They both have held up very well.

Mary Messenger · Answer

Every where I'm following, folks are using chalky paint (ex: Annie Sloan or some can be purchased at Lowes) and it only takes a cleaning before the paint. I used it on my curb find headboard amd after 2 coats of the paint and 2 coats of the wax finish it was beautiful.

MaryStLouis · Answer

Shellac based primer will seal the surfaces so then you can use any kind of paint you like. I recommend two coats of primer before you use any water based paint.

Sheena · Answer

Latex paint doesn't wear good on cabinets it chip's off easy and scratches easily I would recommend an oil based paint. From Benjamin moore they have exalent  paint.

Pam Bjalme · Answer

Artist and professional painter/designer here. I've done so many of these kind of projects over the years for my clients. Sand with 220 grit sand paper. Clean of with tack cloth and then wash them with murphy's oil soap. Let dry. Prime or spray with an oil primer. It dries in around an 1 hour to 2. Depends on the humidity. Next use a good satin latex paint. One coat, let dry a good 24 hours and then a second coat. After the cabinets have dried, you will then coat with a marine type varnish or Minwax semi gloss fast drying Polyurethane non yellowing. Two coats. You can use a foam roller to paint the paint on. Smaller foam roller that you can purchase at Lowe's or Home Depot or your favorite paint store. Washes out and you can reuse. You can also use this to put on the varnish or polyurethane. Check also for the spray cans but perform the spraying outside if you can. If you need to, sand lightly with 220 sand paper and put on the second coat. You should be good to go.

Pam Bjalme · Answer

Pssst don't buy Annie Sloan's chalk paint...you can make your own, but the steps I gave you are tried and true.

How to paint ugly white laminate cabinets?

Ugly white laminate cabinets

How to DIY a Professional Finish When Repainting Your Kitchen Cabinets

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How to paint ugly white laminate cabinets?

Ugly white laminate cabinets

How to DIY a Professional Finish When Repainting Your Kitchen Cabinets

Suggested Project Book