The Dos and Don’ts When Painting Laminate Cabinets
The dream of every homeowner when remodeling their home is to acquire everything new. However, sometimes the budget doesn’t adapt so much to our wishes, and we must do some improvisation. In the case of kitchen cabinets, the task can be simple. We just need some creativity and ingenuity to take advantage of our budget and obtain excellent results. You may have already done DIY projects at home before, but painting laminate cabinets isn’t the same as painting wooden furniture. Laminate cabinets, for example, aren’t as porous as its wooden lookalike. This type of surface requires unique paint preparation and of course a specific application.
Today at Epic Wood Work we’ll give you some handy tips to renew your laminate cabinets. Get ready to provide them with a modern look, and above all with a lot of style.
Are you thinking of painting your laminate cabinets? These are the DOS and DON’TS that you should consider:
THE DOS WHEN PAINTING LAMINATE CABINETS
Remove cabinet hardware:
Before start painting your kitchen cabinets, remember to remove the knobs, pulls, and other visible cabinet hardware. That will guarantee a smooth paint application with no obstructions. If the hinges are visible and you can remove them, take the doors down from the laminate cabinets and paint them separately. On the contrary, you can also mask metal on the hinges with painter’s tape and paint the doors in place.
Sand the cabinets:
If you want to create a strong bond between the paint and your cabinet, you’ll need to use a gritty companion: sandpaper. Start thoroughly scuffing the surfaces of the cabinet with 120-grit sandpaper. This paper is enough to get a dusting, but not so much that you tear through thin laminate surfaces. After that, clean up any dusty remains with a handheld vacuum or a damp cloth.
Test your paint:
You may be an expert working with paint but remember that it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Before risking to spend hours of work and have to redo it because something didn’t go as expected, start the task by doing small tests. Choose a small, inconspicuous area of your cabinet. The back of the cabinets is a right place for that. Apply the paint and let it cure, then inspect the bonding. Did you see some bubbles in the coat? That means it’s not adhering well. In that case, you better consult paint dealer at your hardware store to pinpoint a more suitable paint for your kitchen renovation project.
Minimize your exposure to fumes:
Primers and paints have toxic components. Due to the overpowering fumes released while you’re painting, keep children and pets out of the room and station a respirator in the place for increased ventilation. Also, pull on a pair of chemical-resistant work gloves.
THE DON’TS WHEN PAINTING LAMINATE CABINETS
Don’t paint over damaged laminate surfaces:
If the laminate is warped, cracked or it’s peeling, that kind of damage will affect the bonding of paint in the cabinet. Ensure that the laminate is in excellent condition. To do that, repair all the laminate damage you detect. Remember re-facing your cabinets before applying paint.
Don’t leave any dirt behind the cabinets:
If you’re one of those people who think that applying a layer of paint on the dirt will finish quickly with the task, you are wrong. The dirty little secret will come out sooner than you imagine. If you apply paint to a dusty or grease-laden surface, it won’t adhere well to the cabinet. So, before you start painting laminate cabinets, try gently wiping away settled-on grime and grease using trisodium phosphate. After that, rinse with water and then dry the cabinets completely.
Don’t use any old primer or paint:
Keep in mind that laminate doesn’t play well with all kind of primers and paints. Use only those specially formulated to adhere to the picky surface of your laminate cabinets. Choose a bonding primer tenacious enough to stick to the laminate surface. After that, top the area with an oil- or latex-based paint after the primer has cured. Skip the primer if you already bought a paint that can be applied directly to laminate.
Don’t leave brush strokes behind your cabinets:
Are you using a brush as pain applicator? At Epic Wood Work, we recommend you to reconsider that option. Brushes are the most popular paint tools, BUT they tend to leave an unsightly trail of brush strokes in their wake. The best choice you can make is a roller, sprayer, or a paint pad if you want to get a streak-free finish.
PAINT IN HAND!
Now you’re ready to get to work. But first, remember to double-check that your stock is well suited for the job.
Want to paint your laminate cabinets in Dallas? Epic Wood Work, we give you advise you on every home remodeling project so that the result exceeds your expectations. CONTACT US!
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