I have white laminate kitchen cabinets becoming discolored - any way to refurbish them? Can they be painted?

Answer 1

I've seen this type of Q before and so many answers here. Many will offer "YES" and explain how.

I promise you this. After all my years, and with knowledge of what laminates are, and what they are designed to do, I suggest you'll be wasting energy, time, and money, if you paint them.

While I also realize, after applying thousands of gallons of paint, is that IT is the least expensive way to re-finish. The problem will arise when the cabinets scratch, or get abrasions.

Without knowing your "commitment" to your home, IE: Mortgage, intention to stay, etc., and or any desire to sell at some point to a buyer who might note some dissatisfaction with painted mica cabinets, or your budget, I have to suggest, at the very least, "RE-facing"

Consider the substance of a laminate. It isn't crafted for painting over. Of course you'll have people here tell you "scuff it up with sand paper" "PRIME IT" is always a biggie in answering this Q, I notice. It's really not much different than attempting to paint glass, and the after effects of that.

If you still go that route, I suggest mild sanding, certainly to clean off whatever years of "accumulations exist" I would then find a decent "Epoxy" based paint, or Oil based paint, and apply with a foam roller, or a low nap roller that doesn't shed. To give the best results however (if you paint) I'd have to suggest removal of all doors, and spray a quality epoxy paint, on doors and trim.

Steven Wolf
(The Rev.)

Answer 2

White Laminate Cabinets

Answer 3

THE BEST WAY IS BY USING THAT SELF-ADHESIVE FOIL. THEY HAVE A LOT OF DIFFERENT PATTERNS AND COLORS. THE SURFACE SHOUD BE PERFECTLY CLEAN. AFTER THAT USE ALCOHOL TO REMOVE ALL LEFTS OF THE CHEMICALS AND OILS. MAKE SURE YOU MEASURE THE PIECES OF FOIL VERY WELL. STICK THE ONE END FIRST, THEN LITTLE BY LITTLE PUT THE REST. USE A PIECE OF CLOTH TO PERFECTLY STICK IT TO THE SURFACE AND REMOVE ALL POSSIBLE FOLDS AND UNEVENS.