Painting laminate cabinets is a fantastic, budget-friendly way to update a kitchen or bathroom. However, it is only a good idea if you commit to meticulous prep work and use high-quality materials. Because laminate has a slick, non-porous surface, skipping steps will result in peeling or chipping paint.
For painting laminate cabinets, the best options are hybrid alkyd enamels or high-quality waterborne acrylics. These provide a hard, durable, and wipeable finish that resists scratches in high-traffic areas. The secret to success is using a strong, dedicated bonding primer to prevent peeling over the slick laminate.
Yes, you can absolutely paint laminate cabinets. Because laminate is slick and non-porous, the secret is proper prep. You must scuff the surface and use a strong bonding primer. If you do not prep, the paint will peel or scratch off easily over time.
Kitchen cabinet colors that feel dated include stark, clinical all-white, cool minimalist grays, and red-toned woods like cherry or honey-oak. Flat, one-dimensional brown-on-brown color schemes and overly bright primary colors have also fallen out of style.
Common Mistakes When Painting Laminate Cabinets
One of the most common errors Simone sees is homeowners skipping the primer altogether or using the wrong type. She also warns against rushing drying time between coats or not fully cleaning grease and residue from the cabinet's surface.
Sand the Cabinets
Unlike wood, laminate is a slick, non-porous material, which makes it difficult for paint to adhere correctly. You must roughen the surface with sandpaper to create a strong bond between the paint and the laminate surface. Use 120-grit sandpaper to lightly scuff the surface of the cabinets.
White kitchens are not out of style, but the stark, "all-white" monochromatic look is. Designers are shifting toward softer, warmer whites, paired with organic wood tones, natural stone, and contrasting elements to add depth and personality.
In 2026, kitchen color trends are moving away from stark white and cold gray, shifting toward warm, nature-inspired, and earthy tones. The aesthetic of "warm minimalism" dominates, favoring softer hues like creamy white, taupe, mushroom, terracotta, muted olive green, and deep teal-blues.
Joanna Gaines' go-to paint colors for kitchen cabinets emphasize natural, earthy tones. She frequently uses warm, creamy whites on upper cabinets for an airy feel, and balances them with bold, deep greens, blues, or grays on lower cabinets for depth.
Top 10 Timeless Paint Colors for Your Home
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.
To update laminate kitchen cabinets without replacing them, start by cleaning and thoroughly sanding the slick surfaces with 220-grit sandpaper. Apply a high-adhesion bonding primer, follow up with multiple light coats of durable cabinet paint, and finish by installing modern hardware.
If you need an affordable primer that works well on cabinets, KILZ 2 All-Purpose Latex Primer is a solid choice. It's water-based, low-odor, and works on wood, laminate, and MDF.
Painting old laminate cabinets is an affordable way to update your space, but success relies entirely on preparation and the right products. Because laminate has a slick, non-porous surface, you cannot simply paint it like regular wood.
If the laminate has never been painted before, you will need to apply two coats of primer. When the first coat of primer has dried, lightly sand it before applying the second coat. This will help cut down on brush strokes and help the primer stick.
If you find particleboard/MDF beneath the surface, it's likely melamine. If you see layered paper/resin, it's laminate. 💡 Final Answer: If your cabinets have thick, textured edges and resist scratches, they're laminate. If they're smooth, chip easily, and have raw edges, they're melamine!
Kitchen cabinet colors that feel dated include stark, clinical all-white, cool minimalist grays, and red-toned woods like cherry or honey-oak. Flat, one-dimensional brown-on-brown color schemes and overly bright primary colors have also fallen out of style.
Cool gray is being replaced by "mushroom" neutrals (warm taupes and greys with subtle green or violet undertones), warm earthy khakis, and soft, natural sages.
What are the most popular kitchen paint colors? Off-whites, neutrals, blues, grays and greens are all timeless kitchen paint colors. The color palette below brings together 12 of the best kitchen paint colors—all tried-and-tested hues that homeowners love.
A kitchen is typically considered outdated when it suffers from a combination of failing appliances, poor lighting, worn-out surfaces, and an isolating, disjointed layout. Trends evolve, and what was once fashionable can make the entire heart of the home feel less functional and visually unappealing.
Beige, taupe, and "mushroom" neutrals are officially replacing the cool, sterile grays of the last decade. Designers are leaning into warm khakis, sandy beiges, creamy whites, and earthy tones that add a cozy, comforting energy to spaces.
Shades like olive green, inky blue, or even a warm charcoal instantly feel a bit more luxurious and layered. These shades add depth and look incredibly refined (especially when paired with brushed brass or burnished bronze hardware) in a way that whites or pale stone and grey often lack."
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Countertops in 2026 are shifting away from sterile, cool grays toward warm, organic, and dramatic looks. The biggest trends prioritize inviting neutrals (creams, beiges, and taupes), sweeping natural veins, and bold, earth-toned statement stones.