Yes, laminate cabinets can be refaced as long as the cabinet boxes are in good shape. But if the cabinet boxes are weak or damaged, you may need to replace your cabinets altogether. In this article, we'll go over: What's included in a refacing.
Yes! It's easier than you think to transform your laminate kitchen with paint. If you use the right products and follow this step-by-step guide you'll end up with a durable and long-lasting finish that will look great for a long time. Even after years of daily use, our cabinets still look perfect.
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. Follow these steps to get the best finish possible.
Most homeowners are not trained in painting properly. This is especially true for cabinets, since they require special attention. Professional painters should be hired because they have the skills to apply primer on laminate surfaces with precision. The tools used are professional grade and they will minimize mistakes.
'If you prefer not to sand to rough up the surface before you paint, you still have options that will work great. One option is to use a product called liquid sandpaper. It will chemically interact with the surface of the furniture to dull it and make it ready to paint.
There is a shortcut, if you are feeling so inclined. But for the most part, you'll want to sand and clean your laminate surfaces well before painting. You'll need: 180-grit and high-grit (300+) sandpaper.
Laminate is a picky surface, so you'll need a high-quality laminate-specific primer. If you aren't sure which one is best, consult your paint store professional. A good primer will prevent future peeling or lifting in the paint.
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.
It can be done on any laminate surface, and in just about any colour. The process involves the removal of the old surface, cleaning and de-greasing the substrate, applying adhesives and then laminating on a new surface.
In conclusion, if you are unsure if you have laminate cabinets, there are a few ways to check. One is to look for a paper or plastic film on the front of the cabinet. Another is to check if the cabinet is lightweight and has a smooth, shiny surface.
Your best bet is probably an orbital sander. You could hand sand your cabinet, but it will take a lot of elbow grease. You may even want to use both. An orbital sander can make quick work of the bulk of the cabinet door, but a sanding block or sanding sponge can help you cover any grooves or tight spots by hand.
On average, painting kitchen cabinets costs between $3 and $10 per square foot, or between $30 and $60 per linear foot. This price typically includes all the supplies, materials, and labor you'll need to get the job done.
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.
Tip: Latex paint is recommended for laminate surface painting projects because of its durability and smooth finish.
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.
Thoroughly scuff the surfaces of the cabinet with 120-grit sandpaper—enough to get a dusting, but not so much that you tear through the paper-thin laminate surface. Clean up any dusty remains with a handheld vacuum and a damp cloth.
I like to do at least two coats of primer, and I strongly recommend you do two coats of primer for laminate kitchen cabinets (or bathroom cabinets) where you're going to subject them to everyday use.
Although professionally painted cabinets should last 8-10 years there are a few factors that can drastically impact your cabinet's lifetime, requiring repainting only 3-4 years later. How long your kitchen cabinets will last depends largely on the way the paint was applied, and with what tools.
The BIN shellac-based primer, Cover Stain primer, and clear shellac primer mentioned above all come in aerosol spray paint cans and are SO good at getting paint to stick to laminate cabinets or furniture.