DIY: Painting Particle Board Cabinets
A number of factors probably went into the selection of your particle board cabinets. Price and appearance were among them. You also may have liked the color and finish. As with all things homeowners choose for their kitchens and baths, you can tire of the cabinets over time. Particle board is a slightly more significant commitment than wooden cabinets. It cannot be sanded and refinished with new stain. The only way to refinish particle board is with paint. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Degreasing cleaner
- Scrub brush
- Screwdriver
- Low-tack painter's tape
- Sandpaper
- Primer
- Paintbrush
- Smooth foam roller
- Paint
Instructions
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1
Scrub the cabinets with a degreasing cleaner and a scrub brush. Remove all oil and grease from the cabinet's surface. Wipe the cabinets dry with a clean, dry towel.
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2
Remove all of the doors from the cabinet frames, using a screwdriver. Slide the drawers from their tracks and remove. Mark each cabinet part with a piece of low-tack painter's tape to identify its original location. This will help you return the parts to their correct location.
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3
Sand the cabinets lightly with fine-grit sandpaper. Avoid trying to remove the old finish. Sanding gently will create some texture on the surface of the cabinets. Texture will allow the primer to grip the cabinets.
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4
Roll on primer with a smooth foam roller. A smooth foam roller will create a smooth, even finish. Paint the corners and hard-to-reach areas with a paintbrush. Apply one to two coats of primer. Allow the primer to dry for four to six hours.
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Paint your cabinets with latex or enamel paint. Brush the portions of the cabinet that cannot be reached with a roller. Follow with a foam roller for the flat portions of the cabinet frame, doors and drawers. Apply multiple thin coats of paint to create the most durable finish. Allow each coat to dry to the touch before applying the next. Let the final coat dry overnight.
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Apply a coat of polyurethane to protect the painted finish. Polyurethane will help prevent scratches and will keep the paint from chipping over time. Use a foam roller to apply the topcoat. Small bubbles may appear in the surface of the topcoat when first applied. The bubbles will disappear after a few minutes.
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References
- Photo Credit paintbrush image by askthegeek from Fotolia.com
