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Sick of Your Kitchen? How to Easily Paint those Laminate Cabinets Yourself

If your outdated laminate cabinets have left you feeling down about your kitchen, a fresh coat of paint can offer an affordable update. Painting laminate cabinets yourself allows you to transform the heart of your home without the hefty price tag of a full remodel.

With some time and effort, you can easily paint those laminate cabinets and fall in love with your kitchen once again. This comprehensive DIY guide will walk you through every step, from proper prep to your final coat of beautiful new paint.

Prepare the Laminate Cabinets for Painting

Before you can begin painting, you need to do some prep work to get your laminate cabinets ready for their makeover. Here are the key steps:

Remove Doors, Drawers and Hardware

Start by removing all doors, drawers, and hardware from your cabinets. Number each door and drawer with a sticker so you can easily reinstall them in the correct spots later. Keep all screws and small parts together in a mug or container so they don't get lost.

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Thoroughly Clean the Cabinets

Use a degreaser or other heavy-duty cleaner to remove any built-up grease, dirt or residue from your cabinets and drawer bases. Be sure to read the cleaner instructions and work in a well-ventilated area. Once cleaned, wipe down all surfaces with clean water and allow them to fully dry before moving on to sanding.

Sand the Cabinets and Components

Lightly sanding your cabinets, doors, and drawer fronts will help the primer and paint better adhere to the laminate surface. Use 120-grit sandpaper and focus on sanding any damaged areas or rough edges. Wipe away any dust with a damp cloth. Allow to dry completely before priming.

Tape Off Areas Needing Protection

Use painter's tape to cover any nearby walls, floors, countertops and appliances that could get accidentally painted. Take your time to carefully tape off edges and trim. Proper taping will make your painting experience much easier and cleaner!

Prime the Laminate Cabinets

Priming is a crucial first step when painting laminate cabinets. Priming will help the paint stick to the slick laminate surface and provide a uniform base for the color. Be sure to choose the right primer and apply it correctly.

Choose the Right High-Adhesion Primer

Look for a high-quality primer specifically formulated for use on laminates and other slick surfaces. The primer will fill in any small imperfections and create a smooth surface for your paint. Adhesion-promoting primers are available at most hardware stores.

Cut In with Paintbrush, Roll Larger Areas

Use an angled trim brush to carefully "cut in" around edges, corners and trim with primer. Then use a roller to quickly prime larger flat areas. Work in thin coats and maintain a wet edge to prevent brush marks. Allow primer to fully dry for 16 hours before applying a second primer coat.

Paint the Laminate Cabinets

After proper priming and drying time, you're ready for the fun part - painting your laminate cabinets! Follow these tips for best results:

Use High-Quality Cabinet Paint

Invest in a top-quality acrylic latex paint formulated specifically for painting cabinets and laminate surfaces. The right paint will be durable, crack-resistant and provide excellent coverage. Consider a satin or semi-gloss sheen for ease of cleaning.

Cut In and Roll At Least Two Coats

Just like priming, carefully cut in around edges with paintbrush then use roller for flat areas. Apply a minimum of two coats, allowing 24 hours of drying time between coats. Adding a third coat can ensure full, even coverage - especially for white or light paint colors.

Reinstall Doors, Drawers and Hardware

Once your cabinets, doors and components are fully painted and dry, it's time for reassembly! Refer back to the numbers on your doors/drawers for proper placement. Attach hinges and install handles and hardware using your saved screws. Finally, remove any painter's tape and protective coverings.

With some elbow grease and dedication, you can easily paint dated laminate cabinets on your own. Properly preparing the surfaces, applying primer and using high-quality paint will allow you to achieve a smooth, durable and uniform finish. Your kitchen will look fresh and updated after your DIY laminate cabinet makeover!

Follow this comprehensive guide to enjoy your dream kitchen without spending thousands. With a stunning new painted finish on your cabinets, you can bring new life into your home's heart. Happy painting!