How to Paint and Stain Laminate Cabinets

Laminate cabinets can look dated very quickly. To update them, you can paint or stain them to bring them a second life. Preparation is key to properly painting or staining your laminate cabinets. If you do not spend the time to prepare your cabinets, the paint may flake or the stain may wear off.

Items Needed:

• Damp cloths


• Fine-grained sandpaper


• Primer (optional)


• Paint or stain


• Painting supplies


• Sealant

1. Wipe down the cabinets with a damp cloth. If the cabinets are especially dirty or have not been cleaned in a long time, wash them with a mixture of hot, soapy water.


2. Remove any knobs or hardware that might be in the way.


3. Dry the cabinets and use a fine-grained sandpaper to sand the surface.


4. Wipe the cabinets down with a damp cloth to remove any dust from the sanding.


5. Apply a thin layer of primer if you are planning to paint your laminate cabinets. If you are planning to stain them, skip this step. Use a primer designed for the type of paint you plan to use on the cabinets. Allow the primer to dry according to the package directions.


6. Apply the paint to the primed cabinets with long, smooth strokes of your paintbrush. If you are concerned about lines in the paint from your brush, use a small paint roller to apply the paint. Apply stain to the cabinets in the same manner. Allow the paint or stain to dry according to the package directions and apply a second coat of each if needed.


7. Once the cabinets are completely dry, apply a thin coat of sealant to seal them.