How to Resurface a Formica Bathroom Cabinet

Paint your Formica cabinets.

Bathroom cabinets made from Formica or other types of laminate can begin to look old and dingy over time. Paint is a great way to spruce up your cabinets without the expense and hassle of complete replacement. Formica is a coating put over the top of particle board to create a solid surface, which makes Formica cabinets slightly more difficult to resurface than other types of cabinets. However, paint adheres to Formica and gives your bathroom a completely new look.

Things You'll Need

• Trisodium phosphate (TSP)
• Rags
• Screwdriver
• Tape
• Sandpaper, fine grit
• Primer
• Paintbrush
• Foam roller
• Paint

Instructions

1. Scrub the cabinets clean with trisodium phosphate or TSP. TSP removes surface dirt and dulls the shine of Formica. You can purchase TSP at a hardware store. Apply TSP to the cabinets with a clean rag. Let the cabinets dry completely.

2. Remove the doors and drawers from the bathroom cabinet frames. Place a small piece of tape on each cabinet to indicate its original position in the bathroom. Place the cabinet doors and drawers on a tarp. Remove the piece of tape, and set it next to the cabinet. This will help you return the pieces to the correct spot when you are finished.

3. Sand the doors, drawers and cabinet frames with fine grit sandpaper. Do not sand so thoroughly that you sand through the Formica surface. Aggressive sanding will cause the particle board beneath the Formica to crumble. Create texture on the surface of the cabinets. Wipe away sanding dust with a damp rag.

4. Apply a good quality primer to the cabinets. Choose a primer that is formulated for slick surfaces. KILZ and Glidden Gripper are good options. Use a small brush to prime the hard to reach areas. Apply the primer to the large areas with a foam roller. Foam rollers create a smooth, even surface.

5. Paint the Formica cabinets. Enamel is a good choice for bathroom cabinets because it is highly durable and will better withstand moisture. Use a brush to apply the paint in the corners and edges. Follow along with a foam roller for the flat portions of the cabinet frame, doors and drawers. Apply multiple thin coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.

6. Allow the cabinets to cure for 5 to 7 days before returning the cabinet doors and drawers to their original location. Touch up any scratches and nicks with a small artist's brush.

References

• Hometips.com: Painting Cabinets