How to Paint Laminate Cabinets Correctly—Tips From Design Experts for Durable Results

Laminate is lauded as a great choice for kitchen cabinets, mainly because it’s affordable and easy to clean. If yours feel dated or you simply want a new look, painting them is a budget-friendly option that doesn't require a full renovation. But before you bust out your paintbrush, it’s important to take the right steps (and do the right prep work) to make a new finish last.

Since laminate is slick and non-porous, paint can’t soak into the material (like it can with wood). This means you'll need to be especially diligent when completing each step. To walk us through the process, we turned to the pros for their expert guidance on painting laminate cabinets the right way. 

What is Laminate?

Understanding what laminate is will help you execute this project effectively and efficiently. "Laminate isn’t wood; it’s a printed or colored plastic coating over a composite base, so paint can’t absorb into it," says Teri Simone, head of design and marketing at Nieu Cabinet Doors. "Because of that, the surface needs to be thoroughly cleaned, lightly sanded, and properly primed with a melamine-specific primer to give the paint something to stick to. The good news is, if you take your time with the prep, the results can look fantastic."

Paul Daskevsky, co-CEO of GreatBuildz, agrees. He notes that paint doesn’t stick easily to laminate since there aren’t any 'pores' in the material.

How to Paint Laminate Cabinets 

Before embarking on your laminate painting journey, our experts emphasized the most important thing to remember: patience. Each step in the process (from prep to priming to painting) requires careful attention to detail and time. 

Materials Needed

• Bonding primer (INSL-X STIX or Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3)
• High-quality enamel-based paint (Sherwin-Williams’ Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel)
• Clear freezer bags
• Sharpie
• Degreaser or TSP substitute 
• 220-grit sandpaper
• Tack cloth or denatured alcohol 
• Paint sprayer 
• Clear, protective topcoat  
• Screwdriver
• Microfiber towels

Prep Work

The key to a flawless finish is proper prep work. Start by removing the cabinet doors and drawers and sanding them down until you achieve a smooth, imperfection-free surface.

1. Using a screwdriver, remove the cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware.
2. For each component, Simone recommends storing all the hinges, screws, and hardware in separate clear bags. Properly label each bag with its contents with a marker.
3. Apply TSP substitute or a degreaser to a microfiber cloth. Clean every part of the laminate to remove oils and residue, Simone says. This is particularly important for getting the paint to stick.
4. Once the laminate is clean, use 220-grit sandpaper and lightly sand the surface. You’ll want to dull the gloss for the primer to better adhere to, Simone explains.
5. After sanding, wipe away all dust with denatured alcohol or a tack cloth.

Priming

Applying primer to your cabinets is essential. This is what helps the paint adhere to your cabinets so it doesn't peel off later. Simone recommends using INSL-X STIX or Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3.

1. Once all the dust is removed, use your paint sprayer and a high-quality bonding primer to evenly prime the laminate.
2. Wait for the first layer of primer to dry completely (this will take around six hours).
3. Using 220-grit sandpaper, lightly sand any imperfections. Wipe away all dust with a tack cloth.
4. Repeat steps 1 to 4 a second time, allowing another six hours of drying time.  

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Painting and Reassembly 

Now for the fun part—painting your cabinets. Our experts recommend using a paint sprayer over a paintbrush to help you achieve a smooth, even outcome. Wait 24 hours between each coat to ensure the paint thoroughly dries. 

1.  Use an enamel-based paint (Simone recommends Sherwin-Williams’ Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel) and a paint sprayer to apply a thin, even coat.
   
2. Wait 24 hours between coats, ensuring your last coat isn’t tacky to the touch.
   
3. Use your sandpaper to gently sand away imperfections. Grab your tack cloth and remove all dust on the surface.
   
4. Use your paint sprayer to apply a thin second coat. Wait an additional 24 hours for it to completely dry.
5. Using 220-grit sandpaper, lightly sand any imperfections. Wipe all the dust away with a tack cloth.
   
6. In some instances, you may need to apply a thin third coat with your sprayer, depending on your desired coverage. Wait a few days for everything to fully cure after applying your final coat.
   
7. Once the paint is fully dry, apply a clear protective topcoat, Dashevsky says. This will help keep the paint from chipping.
   
8. Wait a few days for the top coat to fully cure, ensuring it is not tacky to the touch before reassembling.
   
9. Reassemble your cabinets using a screwdriver and the applicable components you saved in the clear bags. 

Tips for Painting Laminate Cabinets 

While the above steps will set you up for success, our experts say to keep the following tips in mind to avoid any potential mishaps.

• Use a paint sprayer for a professional finish.
  
• Keep your workspace dust-free. Even a few floating particles can ruin the finish, Dashevsky explains.
  
• Apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat. It helps the paint bond evenly and dry properly.
  
• Sand lightly between coats of primer and paint. This step helps achieve a smooth surface.
  
• Let cabinets cure for a few days before heavy use so the finish hardens properly. 

Common Mistakes When Painting Laminate Cabinets

Even experienced DIYers can encounter trouble if they skip key steps or lose their patience. 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. Another mistake Dashevsky typically notices is that people often skip sanding between coats of primer and paint, which is key to a seamless finish.