Can You Paint Laminated Cabinets?

Yes, laminated cabinets can be painted. Although laminate can be painted, it is not the best surface for it. In the long run, painting cabinets is probably preferable to purchasing new ones. As the expense of custom cabinetry has risen, so has the popularity of laminates. They’re economical and a great buy and they’re also difficult to alter the color if you want different decor. To fulfill the demands, it’s necessary to hire an experienced painter. You’ll save time and money, and your cabinets will look fantastic. If you don’t take great care when painting laminate, you’ll have issues with paint flaking, peeling, streaking, and not sticking to the surface. We have rounded up the frequently asked questions about painting laminated cabinets that can help you along the way. 

What is the Best Paint to Use on Laminated Cabinets?

To summarize, if you use a good bonding primer, the type of paint doesn’t matter as much as long as it’s a good latex, oil-based, or performance paint. Another option is using chalk paint that is well-known for adhering to almost anything, and it serves as an excellent primer between the laminate surface and the Satin Enamels paint in this case. It’s simple to use and dries quickly. Over the chalk paint, the Satin Enamels provide the perfect durable finish. 

Will the Paint Adhere on the Laminated Surface?

Because laminate has a delicate surface, it cannot be matched with all primers and paints. Choose a bonding primer that is strong enough to adhere to laminate and then covers it with an oil- or latex-based paint once it has cured. Sanding the entire piece lightly would work too. Because laminate is slick and non-porous, it is best to lightly brush it. The best way to ensure that the primer and paint adhere properly to the surface is to sand the laminate with 150-220 grit sandpaper.

Can Acrylic Paint Adhere on the Laminated Cabinets?

After priming the cabinets, you can paint them with oil-based paints, acrylic paints, or melamine paints. Melamine paints are ideal for painting laminate surfaces due to moisture-resistant materials in the paint, which are ideal for the moisture and steam that are common in kitchens. Painting your laminate cabinets is an inexpensive way to make a big difference in your kitchen. Water-based acrylic paint is cleaner and odorless than acrylic paint, which dries to provide the hard surface required for heavy-use areas such as countertops.

Can I Paint the Laminated Cabinet Without Sanding?

You can’t, unfortunately. Sanding the laminate surfaces to roughen the finish and produce a surface for the primer to adhere to is an important step. But first, take out all of the doors, drawers, and hardware. Then, go over the cabinets and repair any areas where the laminate is coming loose. Failing to adhere will quickly ruin your new paint job. While the glue is setting, use a clamp or weight to hold the laminate against the core. 

Remove the shine off the laminate with 180-grit sandpaper after thoroughly cleaning away any oil, dirt, or cleaner buildup from the surface of the cabinets with a good laminate cleaner or degreaser. This phase is the most delicate of the entire process: laminates are extremely thin, with many being as thin as paper. It’s necessary to roughen the surface, but be careful not to sand through the laminate. Light pressure with an orbital sander gets the job done nicely—just keep an eye on the pressure and don’t make too many passes over the same area.