How to Repaint Laminate Kitchen Cabinets

Laminate cabinets are a fixture in suburban homes because they are easy to clean, inexpensive to build and are still pretty sturdy after a lot of wear and tear. If you want to add some color to the cabinets, you can hit a snag. Mere painting will not do the trick. To add a new color to your laminate cabinets, you'll need to do some sanding and priming. But with a trip to a hardware store and an open weekend, your cabinets can have a second lease on life in your home.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Sandpaper block or palm sander with 220-grit sandpaper
• Clean rags
• Tack cloth
• Shellac (primer/sealer)
• Acrylic latex paint
• Foam paintbrush or rollers
• Wipe-on polyurethane varnish

Instructions

1. Take apart your kitchen cabinets with a screwdriver as much as you can, removing any knobs, handles, drawers and doors that could make painting corners difficult.

2. Sand the cabinets with a 220-grit sanding block sandpaper to get rid of any finishes, varnishes or grime that could interfere with the paint and/or primer.

3. Wipe down the cabinets with a clean tack cloth to remove dust created by sanding them.

4. Apply one coat of Shellac, a primer/sealer, to the cabinets with a foam brush or roller in even strokes, making sure your pressure is consistent. Allow the Shellac to dry overnight.

5. Apply one coat of latex paint to the cabinets with a foam brush or roller in even strokes, making sure your pressure is consistent. Allow the paint to dry for 3 to 5 hours, and apply additional coats as necessary.

6. Protect your new paint job by applying a clear, wipe-on polyurethane varnish to the cabinets with a clean cotton rag. Carefully follow the direction on the brand of varnish you choose.

7. Put your cabinets back together with the screwdriver, and place all knobs, doors and drawer fronts back to their original positions once all pieces have dried thoroughly.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a electric paint sprayer or spray paint for the most professional finish on the cabinets.

• All paints, primers and varnishes need to be applied in well-ventilated areas and away from children at all times.

References

• Washington Post
• Living with Lindsay
• This Old House