If you're considering giving your kitchen a fresh look, spray-painting laminate kitchen cabinets is the perfect solution. And at a fraction of the cost of a remodel. Despite what some may say, painting laminate is possible, as long as the proper preparation and technique are used. Read on to find out everything you need to know about updating your outdated laminate cabinets with spray paint.
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Laminate surfaces have a reputation for being difficult to paint, which is not undeserved. Their shiny and slick surface means there is little for the paint to "grip onto" compared to a more rough and textured surface.
Because of this, paint often doesn't adhere or stick to the surface properly, which can cause it to lift and flake after a while.
This doesn't mean that painting laminate cabinets is a lost cause, however! It can be done, with the right prep work, techniques, and tools.
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Painting your laminate cabinet doors and kitchen doesn't have to be a DIY job, and we'll go into why a professional like Revamp Spray might be your best option later, but this is a project that many people do choose to do themselves. Let's take a look at how.
When working with paint and other chemicals, you should always make sure that you protect yourself by using the right safety equipment.
Spray painting laminate cabinets requires a fair amount of prep work and you will need some supplies for this.
Getting the right supplies for the painting will help to ensure a high-quality finish.
As they say, preparation is key, and nowhere is this more true than painting laminate cabinets. The surface of your old laminate cabinets needs to be prepared properly before you even think about getting the paint out.
First, you should remove the cupboard doors and drawers, and all hardware (including door knobs and handles) using a screwdriver. Once all the doors are removed, you should start cleaning the cabinet surfaces.
Use a degreaser such as sugar soap and a damp cloth, with a bucket of warm water. This step is vital because any grease left on the kitchen cabinets will create a slick surface that will prevent the paint from adhering properly.
Once you have finished cleaning, rinse with clean water, and then leave to dry.
Now you should cover any hardware that can't be removed with painter's tape to avoid it getting splashed with paint.
It is a good idea to spend some time inspecting the cabinets for damage. If you see any cracks or holes, you can repair them using wood filler or laminate seam filler. If you notice any laminate that is lifting, you can stick this back down using wood glue.
This step is important because any imperfections in the surface will be obvious after the paint has been applied.
You should always sand laminate cabinets before painting them. Since laminate's smooth surface makes it difficult for paint to adhere properly, the best way to get a good result is to spend some time roughing it up. This can be easily achieved using sandpaper.
A light sanding is all that is needed. Laminate is a very thin material, so if you go in too hard, you can remove too much. All you need to do is gently rough up the surface using fine-grit sandpaper. You can either do this manually or with an orbital sander.
Once you have removed the finish from the laminate, you should use a vacuum cleaner to remove all of the resulting dust. Then wipe down the surface with a clean damp cloth.
A primer is applied to a surface before paint to prepare the surface for painting. Like sanding, its purpose is to create a surface that is textured enough for paint to stick well.
Priming laminate can face the same issues as painting it so it is important to use a high-quality primer that is designed for laminate surfaces. This will make sure it sticks properly and doesn't lift.
You can apply the primer either using a roller or a spray gun. Use thin coats to ensure that the surface is covered evenly. You can use a paintbrush for hard-to-reach areas and edging.
Once the first coat is applied, leave it to dry completely before applying the second coat. You can then sand again (very lightly) if you want some added certainty that the paint will adhere.
Once the laminate kitchen cupboards have been cleaned, repaired, sanded, and primed, you can start the painting process.
You have several options for painting laminate cabinets, and they each have their own strengths and weaknesses.
You will also need to think about what sort of finish you want to achieve. Paint finishes can generally be put into three categories:
It is always a good idea to test out the paint on a small area before covering the cabinets completely. This will help to check that the paint will work on the laminate and that the finish is what you want.
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If you have been able to remove the cabinet doors, it is best to paint them outside. You set up a spray station by propping them up on some blocks or a painter's table.
Inside, you should cover everything you don't want painted with plastic sheeting and painter's tape. Go back over all the surfaces with a tack cloth to remove any remaining dust.
Apply the spray paint in thin, even coats to prevent drips and runs. Aim to keep the spray can or gun approximately 12-18 inches away from the cabinet surface.
Spray in smooth, back-and-forth motions. Try to overlap with each pass to help ensure even coverage. Start spraying just before the edge, and carry on spraying for a little while after you leave the next edge. This helps to avoid paint pooling at the edges.
Once the first coat is applied, leave it to dry before applying the second coat. The second layer can often be the top coat, but if you are changing the colour from dark to light, you may need a third.
You can also add a final finish layer, although this is optional. This serves to add durability by forming a protective layer that reduces wear and tear and damage to the paint. This can be a sensible option in an area like a kitchen, where there is lots of heat, mess, and moisture.
Leave the paint to dry completely, usually 24-48 hours. Then reassemble and re-attach the cabinets and your kitchen transformation is complete!
While laminate cabinets can be a DIY paint job, if you want the perfect finish, it is a good idea to use a professional. This is still much less expensive than completely remodelling your kitchen, and your cabinets will look factory new.
Laminate is not the ideal surface for painting, so preparing it is key. Proper cleaning, sanding, and priming are crucial for a long-lasting and high-quality paint finish.
Professionals are trained to complete each of these steps correctly and ensure that your new-look kitchen is perfect. They will also have a better knowledge of different materials and how to handle them and will be trained in proper paint spraying techniques.
Professionals use commercial-grade spray guns and painting equipment that deliver a smoother and more even finish than shop-bought varieties because they allow for finer control.
They will also often have access to higher-quality paints, primers, and finishes that will typically offer better adhesion on laminate surfaces.
A professional can complete the job much faster than a DIY project. It is, of course, also a lot less effort for you. Disassembling cabinets, taping off areas, setting up a spray station, and waiting for coats of paint to dry can be very time-consuming. Hiring a professional means that it will get done more efficiently, and with less stress for you.
Spray painting can release fumes that are harmful to your health, which means that taking proper safety precautions like ventilation and using the right protective gear is vital. A professional will have knowledge and training in how to safely handle paint and chemicals, and to ensure that the job is done correctly.
Achieving a smooth, even finish on laminate cabinets can often rely on perfect detailing. A professional will ensure that every last touch is finished, ensuring that small areas are painted properly and that the finish is clean, with no visible brush strokes or other inconsistencies.
Mistakes made during a DIY project can be costly to fix, so it is often better to bring in a professional from the start. This could be anything from uneven paint to drips, or peeling, and the entire job may need to be redone.
If you are thinking of selling your home, a professionally done repainted kitchen can help to make a good first impression to any potential buyers, and could even increase your home's value.
Learn about: How Much Does It Cost To Spray Paint Kitchen Cabinets
If you're looking to transform your old laminate cabinets with spray paint, Revamp Spray can help. Our expert team specialises in rejuvenating homes using professional quality paints, equipment, and techniques.
We ensure long-lasting, beautiful results, and we take care of everything from start to finish. Whatever your dream kitchen looks like, we can help you to achieve it, with your choice of colour and finish.
Contact us today to find out more about our laminate cabinet spray painting service.
It is possible to spray paint laminate cabinets, although the material does make the job more tricky compared to rougher solid wood. Ensuring that paint sticks to smooth laminate requires proper preparation, products, and techniques. This is a job that you can do yourself, but for the best results, it is best to bring in a professional service who knows how to handle laminate.
