How can I paint over melamine cabinets?

melamine is MDF with plastic laminate hot pressure glued onto it- generally speaking paint does not adhere well to i melamine- u might try using a heavy duty sander with high grit-#80 or #60 sandpaper but no guarantees even with primer- it might be better to replace the units- you can probably buy unfinished cabinets for a reasonable price and finish or paint yourself- ii would advise you to stay away from both melamine and mdf if you are talking about the kitchen or bathroom- they don't like water or humidity-- you can try plywood with veneer or without- but you will need a wood sealer without-good luck

Use either oil based primer or shellac based primer (Zinsser BIN) to get paint to stick. If it works on IKEA furniture, it will work on melamine. Use a hard paint, like enamel for the best results.

Don't go crazy with a sander, if you go thru the melamine you'll be in real trouble. just scuff up and try a paint made to go over vinyl wallpaper called "Stick it" sold at Home Depot. Its a latex. Then paint. Hope this helps.

You can paint, these sites will help you.

https://www.thespruce.com/freshen-up-melamine-and-laminate-surfaces-1822210

https://www.hunker.com/13411337/how-to-paint-over-melamine

http://scottmcgillivray.com/design-renovations/how-to-paint-kitchen-cabinets/

Hi, you can just clean them up really good and paint them with chalk paint in any color you like. Be sure to use the wax or spray sealer recommended for chalk paint, pick your color and fly!!

Hi Richard! I can tell you how to paint your melamine kitchen cabinets with Dixie Belle :)

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/