How do I paint melamine cabinets doors?

Mary Friel
by Mary Friel



  3 answers
  • Signlady Signlady on Jan 03, 2019

    First, make sure the doors are clean. You didn't specify where the doors are - but often in kitchens there is a greasy residue that builds up on cabinet doors over time.

    If that's the case, clean with comet and scrub-scrub-scrub. You can use fine steel wool or a plastic textured scrubber. You can also try a spray on degreaser like Mean Green etc.


    You might want to remove the doors from their hinges and remove any knobs. Then you can work with them on a table top. If you do not have a work bench or table to use, protect your dining table with a plastic drop cloth or tarp.



    Once the doors are clean, you'll want to scuff-sand them with something like 180 grit to fill the surface. The paint will stick better to this 'tootth' than a slick surface.


    If the doors were mine, I would prime them with a good bonding primer. Also, cleaning might have taken the factory finish completely off in spots and those spots definitely must be primed.


    Run your hand over the surface of the cabinet. It seems no matter how clean I've prepared the environment a few dust specs will find my primed surface!


    I lightly sand after any priming, tuning my hand over and over the surface until it feels perfectly smooth.



    If you have some saw horses and long boards you can create a long 'counter' to lay the doors on, or you can lay them on a tarp on the floor.. If spray painting them, set this up outside. Follow spray can directions.


    If brushing, use a good quality soft brush, about 2.5. or 3 inches wide - just assuming these are average size cabinet doors.


    Avoid thick heavy coats or too-thin coats.

    Just a good brush load - spread out, avoiding lap marks if areas dry to quickly.

    Also avoid puddling of paint particularly in corners of mould or recessed panels. Just a nice even coat leaning towards 'thin'.

    Try to work steady and rather quickly to avoid spots drying to quickly which is what causes lap marks. You should be able to paint say an 18x30 inch door in 5 to 8 minutes. If your still standing there slowly spreading paint back and forth for 15 or 20 minutes or more that's too long.

    But you also don't wanna slop it on there done in 2 minutes either!



    If you're doing a two-colour finish, work from the inside out, do the inside panel colour first, and let it completely dry, then paint the outer frame or mould. You may need to tape-off the previously painted area to get a clean line.



    I suggest 2 coats on everything, and it is usually needed anyway. Be sure to let the first coat dry completely.



    Oil or latex is your choice, but latex definitely dries quicker and cleans up easier. I strongly suggest at least a satin finish, unless high gloss is desired.

    It's possible these days to get washable paint which is advantageous for cabinet doors that are handled a lot. However, any good interior paint holds up by simply wiping with a clean damp cloth after use and will keep your freshly painted doors looking good for a long time.



    Good luck! I hope they turn out great!



  • William William on Jan 03, 2019

    How to Paint Cabinets


    Make sure they are clean and dry. Remove the doors and hardware. Mark the doors and cabinets with tape where they go. Lightly sand the doors and cabinets to remove any gloss and roughen the surface for paint with 100 grit sandpaper or a green Scotch Brite pad.. Use a tack cloth or damp rag to remove dust after sanding. Prime with a stain blocking primer like KILZ. Acrylic or water base paints are low-fume and clean up easily with water. Alkyd or oil-based paints require good ventilation because the paint contains solvents that can irritate your lungs and make you feel sick. Alkyd options require mineral spirits for cleanup, but they provide a hard, durable paint finish. Whichever you use, buy the best-quality paint you can afford for a lasting kitchen cabinet finish. Seal with at least three coats with a water based polyurethane. Use a small foam roller and foam brush for a smooth finish.

  • Hi Mary! I can tell you how to paint your melamine kitchen cabinets with Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint :)


    It is super easy to paint with Dixie Belle.


    Step one: Clean with White Lightning


    Step two: Apply two coats of Slick Stick


    Step three: Paint one to two coats of Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint


    Step four: Use Gator Hide for a water-repellent finish


    No sanding required!


    I am attaching some kitchens that have been painted with Dixie Belle Paint so you can see the outcome.



    Also, we did have a series of LIVE videos on a step by step tutorial of how to paint your kitchen cabinets. If you would like to watch them....


    Day one: https://www.facebook.com/DixieBellePaint/videos/1609328872527961/


    Day two: https://www.facebook.com/DixieBellePaint/videos/1610860225708159/


    Day three: https://www.facebook.com/DixieBellePaint/videos/1612437375550444/


    Day four: https://www.facebook.com/DixieBellePaint/videos/1615506548576860/


    If you ever need help or have any questions you can feel free to call us at 813-909-1962 during business hours. We have a full staff here eager to help you!


    We have an awesome group on FB that gives you all kinds of help if you are interested. click here to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FriendsWhoLikeDixieBellePaint/