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.
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.
Choose the proper items for the job; the best paint for laminate cabinets will be highly adhesive. Sanding will help create a rougher surface that will bond better. You'll still want to choose a strong-enough bonding primer to stick to laminate, plus oil- or latex-based paint (after curing).
Latex or water-based paint works well on laminate cabinets if you use a good primer. But before it fully cures, the paint remains sticky and may peel off easily if two painted surfaces bump against each other. With a water-based primer underneath.
It is cheaper to paint kitchen cabinets than it is to replace them. On average, you'll spend $775 to paint your kitchen cabinets, but replacing them can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $25,000.
If you take good care of your newly painted kitchen cabinets and have them professionally painted, you can expect them to last between 8 and 10 years. Although new cabinets will last much longer, they will also cost you several thousand dollars more, which may not be necessary for certain circumstances.
A couple things to note for the laminate cabinet makeover; You could get away with 1 coat of primer, 2 coats of paint, and 1 top coat and it will look great.
'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.
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.
Painting laminate wasn't difficult, but I did find it more time-consuming than painting wood. To sum it up, the most important steps are to sand and prime all the surfaces before painting. If you were to skip those two steps, your paint would have nothing to adhere to and would most likely peel right off.
Damage: Despite their durability, laminate kitchen cabinets are prone to damage. Because the laminate is pressed together, it may start to lift. Additionally, thermofoil cabinets can be sensitive to excess heat and moisture, so it is best to keep this in mind when thinking about placement.
Although they're overall more durable than wood cabinets, laminate cabinets' coating can peel away and weaken over time, and it can be challenging to repair them. This means you may need to replace them after some time.
Don't leave brush strokes behind.
Paint brushes tend to leave brush strokes in their wake. For a streak-free finish on flat laminate cabinet surfaces, opt instead for a roller, sprayer, or a paint pad.
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. If you have any questions, you can always consult one of our design professionals to help you determine if your cabinets are made from laminate.
Tip: Latex paint is recommended for laminate surface painting projects because of its durability and smooth finish.
Sealing Paint on Laminate Cabinets or Furniture
After it's dry, you can use a paint pad or clean cloth to wipe on some finishing/sealing wax or wipe on poly in your choice of finish. Lately, 99% of the time, I use a satin finish on both the paint and the sealer.
And, with that final layer of topcoat dry, you've given a fresh new look to an old laminate countertop. The painted surface is durable, but not quite as resistant to water and scratches as the laminate, so be sure to wipe up spills quickly and avoid scratching the paint as much as possible.
According to Zillow.com and HGTV.com, repainting your kitchen cabinets as part of enhancing your kitchen can increase your home's value. Given how much time most of us spend in our kitchens, it's no surprise. Kitchens help sell a home. Take a good look at your kitchen.
If you are wondering why your cabinet paint is showing imperfections like bubbling, cracks, and peels, it may be caused by water damage, wear and tear, or an improper original paint job. The good news is that this problem can be fixed.