The question is: “can you paint Formica Kitchen Cabinets?” The simple answer is “Yes.” Instead of replacing your Formica Kitchen Cabinets, you can paint them to give them a fresher look.
You can top bonding primer with either oil-based or water-based paint. Extra durable oil-based paints may make a better pick for countertops that see lots of wear and tear, but, generally speaking, water-based paints are more popular because they dry faster and give off less noxious VOCs in that time.
Many recommend a water-based acrylic primer, paint and top coat. Acrylic paint dries to provide the hard surface needed for heavy-use areas like countertops, while water-based acrylic paint cleans up with water and is low on odors.
The truth is, laminate, Formica®, and Wilsonart® are basically the same; laminate is the material while Formica® and Wilsonart® are the brand names. Both brands come in a wide range of colors and patterns and are widely marketed for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, and bar counters.
Latex paint is recommended for laminate surface painting projects because of its durability and smooth finish.
Formica® countertops can be painted and over time people have used latex paints, epoxies, and even cans of enamel spray paint.
Laminate doesn't play well with all primers and paints, only those specially formulated to adhere to its picky surface. If you opt for a primer, choose a bonding primer tenacious enough to stick to laminate (view example on Amazon), and then top it with an oil- or latex-based paint after the primer has cured.
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.
Can Formica Be Painted With Chalk Paint? nothing! The Annie Sloan Chalk Paint adheres well to laminate surfaces. As long as I clean my piece, I can apply the paint.
INSL-X STIX Waterborne Bonding Primer is one of the best primers for laminate furniture. This primer is made specifically to bond to surfaces that are hard to coat, and will give you a smooth, level finish.
The Gel-Gloss Story:
Cleans, protects and restores luster. Highly recommended for use on acrylics, Corian, porcelain, ceramic, Formica and stainless steel surfaces. Works great on tubs, vanities, sinks, showers, spas and countertops.
If you're planning to paint the laminate a dark color, you can skip the primer altogether and paint on one of these enamel paints. Beware that painting over damaged laminate will not result in a perfectly smooth surface.
Depending on the damage, you can either fix the existing laminate or reface the door to fix the problem without installing entirely new units. As a general rule, if there are any cracks in the laminate, the entire piece needs to be replaced; however, if there's only peeling, you can reattach the laminate with adhesive.
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.
How Can I Paint Laminate Cabinets Without Sanding? 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.
When painting particle board or MDF, we recommend an oil-based cabinet paint with a semi-gloss or gloss sheen. Avoid water-based paints since water tends to make particle board swell.
“You can paint over thermofoil, provided it isn't peeling. First, ask your local paint store for the correct primer, then apply the finish paint you wish to use. Most of the time, semi-gloss sheen is used on [thermofoil] cabinets.”
Laminate is cheap, even if you're going for the brand name Formica countertops. If you're looking to get a new kitchen on a budget, then a laminate countertop is probably best for you.
Formica, a laminate brand that's become so ubiquitous people use it as a catch-all term, is slightly more expensive than other laminates. Formica costs a minimum of $15 per square foot, but around $25 per square foot on average.