How do I paint over really cheap veneer cabinets???

Question

I have very cheap cabinets in my kitchen & bathroom. Can I paint over them??? Will the paint stick? Should or could I use chalk paint (I love the look on furniture and cabinets) Please help :-/

Stephanie Schultz · Answer

I would highly suggest a good wash down with tsp and then a oil based primer. I wouldn't use chalk paint, it would be incredibly difficult to clean. If you decide on a latex paint I would use at least semi-gloss. I would suggest doing a little research. I believe there are products available to do cabinets.

Sandra Crosbie · Answer

You sure can. A really good wash down with sugar soap, elbow grease and a clean soft cloth 'old t.shirt' then when it's completely dry use standard matt emulsion as an undercoat. Or you can get a rustoleum paint with a primer already in it. Just be sure to seal it after the paint has had a day or so to dry, depending on weather conditions. Damp weather affects the paint. Use a good varnish to seal it. I hope that helps.

Jonnie Hammon · Answer

Wash them down with TSP, lightly sand, add a bonding primer, followed by a kitchen/ bathroom paint.

Jonnie Hammon · Answer

Wash it down with TSP, lightly sand, use a tact cloth to get all of the loose stuff off, use a bonding primer, then follow up with a kitchen/bathroom paint.

Cindy · Answer

After washing your cabinets....use chalk paint to paint them with. We used this on a very old and worn out book case that also could hold a small tv on it. We mixed anoint a cup of plaster paris to half gallon of paint ( you can add paint more if desired as it will dry fairly quick. You can find the recipe only. Type in chalk paint. This is just how we decided to mix it.) Then just paint. When it dries it will be smooth and beautiful. We sold that worn out cabinet for $65.00. We paid zero for it. Your cabinets will look great. This paint covers any cracks and really makes old wood and especially laminate ( some of this book case was laminate, and the folks who bought it turned it into a wine rack.) Take before and after pictures. You're gonna like it! Best wishes on your project!

Janet Pizaro · Answer

Make sure you clean your cabinets let dry then use a paint and primer in one, You may have to give them two coats of paint.

Robin H · Answer

Wipe them down with some TSP - it'll clean up anything on them AND 'rough' up the veneer so you can paint over it - I've done it, then painted over the cabinets with regular old latex paint and it worked just fine!

Judi · Answer

After cleaning your cabinets as above, Home Depot carries a special primer for that purpose. It is called B.I.N. Primer by Zinsser.

Linda Vellucci · Answer

What about that wall paper that looks like wood??  Just an idea.

Karen Sheilds · Answer

The cabinets in my bathrooms are 30 yr old builder's grade. Absolutely horrible, but replacing them was just not in the budget. Instead I washed them, sanded them just a little then used a paint & primer in glossy black. They came out great - much better then I had expected. My bathrooms look refreshed, my budget is happy and so am I. As long as you prep the cabinets correctly and according to your chosen paints' requirements, the paint should stick and your hard work should last a long time. Best of luck!

Gail Cooley · Answer

Thanks Linda. Did not think about wall paper.

Gail Cooley · Answer

Hmmmm sounds good. What did you clean them with???

Gail Cooley · Answer

Thanks Judi. Going to home depot today.

Cheryl Norman · Answer

chalk paint will stick to anything. You Tube will teach you to make your own for cheap

Cindy · Answer

@J9501b Out of respect, please re-read the original post. Mixing chalk paint takes literally no DIY no how other than knowing how to measure the plaster of Paris to pour into the paint. Thank you for your comment and looking out for others. That was very kind of you.

Sue Sanders · Answer

Read recently that there is a substance that you paint on Laminate or gloss paint to dull it. No need to sand. This will help it hold paint. I have a narrow rectangle table that is Laminate that I want to paint so will try to find out what I'm supposed to use to dull the finish before painting. Just found my note that says it is 'Liquid Deglosser' that you want to apply over enamel. I'll have to find out if works on Laminate too. It will look its best if you use a High Density foam roller to apply the paint and a foam brush to paint in small areas and around hinges and knobs.

M. J. · Answer

Go to your local paint store. My daughter did this with success. You need a primer and good advise from someone qualified with no how. I don't have a photo but she did hers black and they came out amazing. Good Luck, M.j.

How do I paint over really cheap veneer cabinets???

Suggested Project Book

These Gorgeous Transformations Will Make You Rethink Your Lamp Shades

Other

More

How do I paint over really cheap veneer cabinets???

Suggested Project Book