Kitchen cabinets are too smooth and shiny?

Ambika
by Ambika

I have no idea what these cabinets are made. Replacing these can be expensive. Are there any inexpensive ways to re-paint this to a more modern look? I feel the paint may not stick to this surface.

  18 answers
  • They almost look like Formica and I'm thinking you may be able to use a countertop refinishing kit on them. Rustoleum makes one.

  • Janice Janice on Dec 13, 2020

    Zinsser B-I-N by Rustoleum will work great on any smooth shiny surface such as you pictured. It is a primer. Follow the directions on the can about prepping before you use it. Then follow up with the color and paint of your choice.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Dec 13, 2020

    It does look like Formica, here is a step by step on how to prepare the surface for paint:


    https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-paint-formica/

  • Cathy Cathy on Dec 13, 2020

    use peel and stick wallpaper


  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Dec 13, 2020

    Hello. That is a great question. I might suggest calling rustoleum support directly and asking their paint experts their opinion on this cabinet surfaces paint potential. Their bonding primers and tile and countertop paints are quite good and might be candidates for your project.

  • Dee Dee on Dec 13, 2020

    First try on the back of a cabinet. Use Zinser BIN oil based. It sticks to anything. Then you could paint the fronts if it works out.

    Make sure you work in a well ventilated area.

  • William William on Dec 13, 2020

    They are plastic laminate. Formica is one name brand. Lightly sand to remove the shine. Prime with Kilz primer then paint your color

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Dec 14, 2020

    You can use stick wallpaper

  • You just need paint that is designed for plastic

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Dec 16, 2020

    in addition to tips already given make sure you use a binding primer for th is specific material. I would go to a free standing paint store or a hardware store like Ace over a big box store fire help to make sure you get the right kind. You could even take a door in for specific help. Sincere You will need to take the doors off anyway.

  • Ken Erickson Ken Erickson on Dec 16, 2020

    It looks like a plastic laminate. So the plastic-suitable spray paint should work. Or try the paint kits that are used to redo laminate counters.

  • Morgan McBride Morgan McBride on Dec 16, 2020

    I'd cover with contact paper

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Dec 19, 2020

    Hello,

    You could do any of the ideas given before, or Leave a border and put Contact paper or Fabric applied with Mod Podge and sealed, or Add a Trim using double sided tape to fix it, or both. Change the Handles. OR change the in a Company like Kitchen Magic who will give you a price to just change the cabinet doors to give you a new kitchen look at a much cheaper cost. Best wishes..

  • Libbie B Libbie B on Dec 21, 2020

    You can paint so much more with all the innovations in paint these days. Go to your local paint store and they are happy to help.

  • Deb K Deb K on Dec 26, 2020

    Hi Ambika, I have a method for you to use, I used it to paint my counter tops and the paint lasted for 10 years until I could get new counters, I will work for you too, follow instructions exactly,

    Lightly sand to rough the countertop up

    Go to your paint store, tell them what you are painting, they will pick the proper paint and primer for you, you can even get the primer tinted for a better coverage


    Once you have sanded, clean with TSP, then rinse and dry thoroughly,

    Apply your primer coat, let it dry according to the instructions

    Once the primer coat is dry, apply your paint coat, I would apply 2 or 3 as it will be stronger and thicker

    Once your coats dry, you can apply a matte clear coat, either by spray or roll on, keep a small container of it under your sink for touch ups,( I never touched up) I had my counters like this for 12 years, until I could afford new ones.


    I used a few uncolored glass cutting boards for protection. It held up very well. And only costs you the prices of the materials.

    Good luck!

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Dec 29, 2020

    Clean, scuff with steel wool, clean with alcohol, prime and paint with a plastic formula paint.