Don't use just any old primer or paint.
If you opt for a primer, choose a bonding primer that's tenacious enough to stick to laminate, like Zinsser Interior Primer, and then top it with an oil- or latex-based paint after the primer has cured.
All of the primers that we tested ended up sticking to the laminate. But some needed sanding before priming! Both the Bulls Eye 123 primer and the Country Chic Paint Bonding Primer need the laminate to be sanded before priming to really stick.
Our cabinets have a laminate finish which means that they're really smooth and getting paint to adhere to them can be tricky. The secret to achieving a long-lasting finish is sanding and using the right primer.
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.
For other surfaces like untreated wood, laminate, melamine or MDF you will need to apply an undercoat and primer. For this we recommend using Fleetwood Bloxx-It Undercoat & Primer or Zinsser B-I-N Primer. These all in one products will undercoat, prime and seal the furniture, making it ready for the topcoat.
You don't absolutely have to, but they'll look much better if you do. Laminate is a synthetic product with a glossy surface, which makes it difficult for the paint and primer to adhere to it.
I recommend using Zinsser Oil Based Primer. This stuff sticks like glue! I love their water based primer too, but when painting laminate, just go for the oil based, I feel it adheres better. Apply 2 coats of your Zinsser Oil Based Primer with a smooth foam roller.
Shellac based primer is the key to painting shiny laminate (or cabinets, stairs, countertops, etc.)!
Depending on what kind of primer you're using and the state of the cabinets, you will need 1-2 coats of primer. For many cabinets, one coat is plenty, but if you're uncertain, a second coat won't hurt as long as it's not applied too thick. When it comes to the actual paint, you will need at least two coats.
Different types of primers can be used on the surface, such as KILZ, Zinsser, and shellac-based primers. It is essential to choose primers that are meant for shiny surfaces. The primer should adhere to the laminate to avoid bubbling. One or two coats can be used depending on one's preference.
Yes—and it's actually quite simple. Follow our step-by-step guide on how to paint laminate furniture, including project-specific tips for painting laminate cabinets, desks, coffee tables, bookshelves and dressers.
If oil-based primers are the best primers for kitchen cabinets, then the best oil-based primer is Zinnser BIN Shellac primer. I have tried a few oil-based primers (Like Zinsser Cover Stain, one I used to use often) and this shellac based primer is the best thing to use when you want a smooth finish.
Priming is really important with laminate furniture, so don't jump straight to applying the paint as this will be wasted effort. 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.
If you want to make a big impact in your kitchen without a big investment, consider priming and painting your laminate countertops. Your local paint store can supply you with the best type of paint to use in this project. Many recommend a water-based acrylic primer, paint and top coat.
INSL-X Stix Acrylic Waterborne Bonding Primer
Dry time is longer than water based at 3-4 hours but still quicker than oil based primers. Best cabinet surface to use on: This primer is excellent at covering very slick, plastic, melamine or laminate cabinet surfaces.
Although similar, both serve quite different functions. Primers act as a foundation for your paint to stick to while undercoats create a flat and level base for topcoats. One easy way to remember is if a surface is painted use an undercoat, if it's new, use a primer.
Unlike wood, laminate is a smooth, non-porous material, so it really needs something to 'grab' onto—primer will do the trick!
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. We recommend using 120 grit sandpaper for this.
For laminate or veneer paneling, INSL-X® Stix® primer, specifically engineered to bond with challenging glossy surfaces, will give you the best results. For hardwood paneling, INSL-X® Aqua Lock® or Fresh Start® High-Hiding Primer, 046 will both provide better stain blocking for real wood, with very good adhesion.
The best way to ensure paint on laminate lasts is to sand the surface and use a good bonding primer, followed by two layers of high-quality latex paint and a durable top coat – allowing each layer to dry thoroughly before adding the next.