How to Reface Laminate Cabinets

If you have plain, dated laminate cabinets, you may be turned off by the idea of priming and painting them for an update. But you don't need to run to a paint store to give your cabinets a facelift. With some contact paper from your local hardware supply store, you can give your cabinets a new life without the messiness, stains and fumes from paints or primers.

Things You'll Need

• 220-grit sandpaper
• Tack cloth
• Brayer
• Contact paper
• Measuring tape

Instructions

1. Sand the cabinets with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface of the cabinets and remove stray substances or finishes that might cause rippling or bubbling to occur underneath the contact paper.

2. Wipe down the sanded surface with a tack cloth to remove any loose particles or dirt.

3. Measure the various pieces of the cabinets--all sides, doors and drawer fronts--and set these measurements aside. They will be used to cut the appropriate sized pieces of contact paper for the cabinets.

4. Cut your pieces of contact paper (available in various colors and faux wood grain) according to the measurements you've taken.

5. Apply the contact paper slowly starting at a corner, so that it lines up evenly with the cabinets. A rubber brayer will help with the prevention of bubbles under the contact paper.

Tips & Warnings

• This best done with two or three people. It takes two people to assure proper application of the contact paper. A third to assist in the removal of air bubbles with the brayer would be optimal.

• If your cabinets aren't clean and particle free, you will have an uneven application of paper.

References

• Washington Post article
• Unplgged