In short, you can't. Sanding the laminate surfaces to “scuff” the finish and provide a surface for the primer to adhere to is a critical step in the process. But first, remove the doors, drawers and hardware. Then, take time to look over the cabinets and repair any spots where the laminate is coming loose.
If you don't clean before sanding, contaminates (like cooking grease) will be pressed down into the wood. Contaminates will keep the soon be applied paint for sticking. You can remove the doors here in the process or wait until after you wash them down. It is totally up to you and situational dependent.
The least expensive option is painting laminate cabinets. Laminate is not an ideal surface to paint, but it can be done. If you consider the paint job a temporary solution until you can invest in new cabinetry, you'll probably be more satisfied with the results.
A sure way to recognize wood laminate is when the grain does NOT follow through your piece. Wood Veneer is a sheet or thin layer of 'quality-natural-hardwood' that is adhered to a lesser quality wood surface. Wood Veneers give the impression of a more desired quality wood without being as costly.
Chalk paint is famous for sticking to just about anything, and in this case it makes the perfect primer between the laminate surface and the Satin Enamels paint. It's easy to apply and dries quickly. And the Satin Enamels provide the perfect durable finish over the chalk paint.
If you don't want to sand before you prime, use some mineral spirits and a rough sponge to clean and lightly rough up the cabinet area you're painting. This doesn't open up the wood cabinet material as much as sanding but does get you some additional grippy area for the primer to adhere to.
Note: While you don't have to sand before you prime, you do need to sand lightly after you prime and between each coat of paint. Yeah, it will take a while (probably about an hour and a half for a standard-sized kitchen), but it's necessary to make sure the next coat goes on well.
You can sand, prime and paint laminate as if it were a solid wood piece of furniture! It's easy to skip the sanding step, because sanding is a drag… but it's especially important with laminate. Because it's often somewhat glossy-looking, and important to sand it down until the finish is very dull before priming.
You can use a wood filler to fill any holes or dings that are present. Inadequate adhesion will ruin your new paint job. Good-quality wood glue and a clamp to hold the laminate against the core is a good way to repair laminate coating that is peeling.
Laminate Cabinets
This process leaves a completely smooth surface that does not show any seams. The lack of seams around the door's joints can be a clear indication that your cabinet doors are a laminate material.
Latex paint is recommended for laminate surface painting projects because of its durability and smooth finish. Try ProClassic Interior Acrylic Latex Enamel for lighter colors, and All Surface Latex Enamel Base for deeper hues.
Priming Your Laminate Cabinets
Apply one or two coats of primer to your cabinets and follow the drying time for each coat. It is tempting to recoat soon after but always allow for the paint to fully dry. Once the primer is dry you can apply your topcoat. You can use either an eggshell paint or satinwood paint.
However, like latex paint, 1-2-3 Primer is water-based, so it won't adhere as well to laminate furniture without first sanding, and a longer cure time is also recommended when painting laminate. Zinsser Cover-Stain Primer – This is an oil-based primer. Oil-based primers provide great adhesion.
When the existing finish is a clear coat, the best course of action is to strip the finish down to the bare wood before painting. This eliminates a potential adhesion problem between the old finish and the new paint. But while stripping may be the ideal for purists, it's not always practical or absolutely necessary.
Can you paint veneer cabinets? You sure can! The key, like for any painted project, is in the prep and choice of primer and paint. Proper cleaning to remove all the grime and dust, sanding the right amount, and using the right adhesion-promoting primer can make a huge difference in the durability of the finish.
Can you paint over varnished wood without sanding? Yes. You certainly can. But you do need to prep it properly first.
Liquid deglosser is perfect for furniture, especially an intricately detailed dresser or desk. The trick to painting furniture without sanding is to work the deglosser into the nooks and crannies using a brush with firm synthetic bristles.
Wood cabinets are ideal for painting, but any surface that can be scuffed with sandpaper can be painted. Laminate cabinets require a special bonding primer. The laminate must be in good condition for best results. Choose a high-quality paint.
The two primary differences between oil-based paint and latex-based paint on kitchen cabinets are final texture and dry time. Oil-based is more traditional and popular with purists who like the “painterly” look of brush marks, while latex gives a more consistent finish.
In short, you can't. Sanding the laminate surfaces to “scuff” the finish and provide a surface for the primer to adhere to is a critical step in the process. But first, remove the doors, drawers and hardware. Then, take time to look over the cabinets and repair any spots where the laminate is coming loose.
Paint your formica countertops with epoxy-based paint. Due to its dry nature, it is harder to use and more durable than other regular paints, and it will last longer. Epoxy paints are also available in a variety of colors and styles, making them an excellent choice for painting.
If your chalk paint isn't sticking - and your furniture looks like it is repelling the paint - take these steps! Step 1: Wipe off any wet paint in the areas where it isn't sticking. Don't let it dry and then try to add more. If you can intervene and wipe off as much of the wet paint as possible, that's the best!