How to Paint Laminate Cabinets

Painting laminate might seem daunting at first, but armed with the right tools and techniques, you can achieve professional-looking results that will leave your space feeling refreshed and stylish. Let’s dive in and learn how to paint laminate furniture and cabinets like a pro!

How to Paint Laminate (without a paint sprayer)

Painting laminate is a bit of a controversial topic. I often see people saying you can’t/shouldn’t paint laminate, and I get it. Laminate furniture and cabinets are really just pressboard covered in a thin layer of plastic, and plastic isn’t very accepting of paint. But I 100% believe you can paint anything; you just need to use the right products. So don’t fret, you can paint your laminate and give it the custom look you are after!

Materials Needed

• Laminate cabinets or furniture
• Cleaner (like TSP) if laminate is old and dirty
• Sandpaper (medium grit, like 180-220)
• Primer suitable for laminate surfaces
• High-quality latex paint
• High-density 4″ foam roller
• Disposable foam brushes
• Painter’s tape
• Drop cloths or old sheets
• Lint-free rags
• Painting pyramids
• Water-based sealer

Video

Step 1: Preparation is Key

I know that sometimes you want to skip the prep and get to slapping on paint already. With some DIY projects, that works. This is not one of those projects.

If your laminate cabinets aren’t new, start by thoroughly cleaning the surface to remove any dirt, grease, or residue. My favorite is TSP, but there are plenty of cleaners that would work.

Once dry, lightly sand the laminate surface with medium-grit sandpaper (180-220 grit) to create a rough texture for better paint adhesion. Wipe away any dust with a lint-free rag.

Step 2: Prime Time

This is the most important step when painting laminate. Laminate is essentially plastic, so you will need a high-quality oil-based primer for it to adhere correctly. I recommend Zinsser cover stain oil-based primer, along with a disposable foam roller/brush (so you can toss them rather than dealing with mineral spirits for cleanup).

This step helps the paint adhere better and prevents chipping or peeling over time. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Paint Away

Once the primer is dry, it’s time to paint! Choose a high-quality latex paint, I used Sherwin Williams All Surface Enamel in the color Moody Blue.

Make sure you are applying the paint in thin and even layers. You will need to do 2-3 coats for proper coverage, and let the paint dry thoroughly between each coat. Yes, it’s annoying, yes, it takes forever, and yes, you will be tempted to slap on a thick coat and call it good. Resist the urge.

Before your final coat of paint, give the previous coat a light sanding with 220-grit sandpaper, to make sure it is as smooth as possible.

Then, apply the last thin and even coat of paint and let it dry.

Step 4: Apply Sealer

This step is optional, but I always seal my paint projects to make them more durable and easy to clean. I prefer to use a water-based sealer 95% of the time because it doesn’t yellow.

Apply the sealer just like you did the paint, though you will probably only need one coat.

After you let the sealer dry completely, you are ready to reattach the hardware and enjoy your new beautiful cabinets!

This project is part of my office remodel, and here is what it looks like with the cabinets painted installed –

As a reminder, here is where we started –

Have more things to paint? Check out these posts!

• How to paint shower tile
• How to paint a rusty old shed
• How to paint lockers
• How to paint shiplap
• How to paint RV walls
• How to paint cabinets