How to Paint and Stain Laminate Cabinets
- 1). Remove doors and drawer fronts from the cabinets using a manual or electric screwdriver. This will allow to you paint and prime each piece of cabinetry efficiently and neatly.
- 2). Sand the various pieces of your cabinets with 220 to 240-grit sandpaper sponge or an electric palm sander with 220 to 240-grit sandpaper. This will remove any sticky substances or finishes that might interfere with paint application and also give the paint a better surface to stick to.
- 3). Wipe down the various cabinet pieces with a clean tack cloth, which will remove the dust, residue and particles from the sanding process.
- 4). Apply a single coat of shellac (a non-water based primer/sealer) to the various cabinet pieces in long strokes using a 2-inch foam brush for even application. Use a 1-inch foam brush for smaller pieces and crevices. Allow the shellac to dry for at least 24 hours, but if you can, wait about 5 days.
- 5). Apply a coat of paint in your desired color to the cabinet pieces in long strokes using a 2-inch foam brush for even application. You many need to apply multiple coats of paint depending on the original color of your laminate cabinets. Let the paint dry for at least 12 hours.
- 6). Apply a thin coat of a wipe-on polyurethane varnish, such as Minwax, using clean cotton rags. Follow the directions as they are listed on your chosen varnish.
