best kitchen cabinet paint for laminate

Here are some of the best kitchen cabinet paints for laminate surfaces,along with tips for achieving a professional and long-lasting finish:

Best Kitchen Cabinet Paints for Laminate

1.Benjamin Moore Advance

• Characteristics:Self-leveling,smooth hard finish,durable.

• Pros:High-quality,easy to apply,great adhesion to laminate surfaces,available in various finishes(satin,semi-gloss).

• Cons:Recoating time can be long(up to 16 hours).

• Best For:Homeowners who want a professional,durable finish.

2.Sherwin Williams ProClassic Waterborne Acrylic Enamel

• Characteristics:Full coverage,satin finish.

• Pros:Excellent adhesion,smooth finish,high durability.

• Cons:Expensive,not suitable for dark colors.

• Best For:High-end projects where durability and appearance are key.

3.Valspar Cabinet Enamel

• Characteristics:Fast drying,no topcoat required.

• Pros:Affordable,good coverage,available in multiple colors.

• Cons:Only available in semi-gloss finish,which may be too shiny for some.

• Best For:Budget-conscious homeowners looking for a quick and easy solution.

4.PPG Breakthrough

• Characteristics:Low odor,fast drying.

• Pros:High-quality,durable finish.

• Cons:Requires precise application,not recommended for DIY projects.

• Best For:Professional painters or experienced DIYers.

5.Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations Kit

• Characteristics:Comprehensive kit with primer and paint.

• Pros:Easy to use,includes everything needed for the project.

• Cons:May not be as durable as some high-end paints.

• Best For:DIY projects where simplicity and ease of use are important.

Tips for Painting Laminate Cabinets

1.Preparation is Key

• Clean Thoroughly:Use a solution of warm water and TSP(trisodium phosphate)or a TSP substitute to clean the cabinets and remove grease and grime.

• Remove Hardware:Take off cabinet doors,drawers,and hardware.

• Repair Damages:Fill in cracks and dents with wood filler.

• Sand the Surface:Use medium-grit sandpaper(120-grit)to lightly sand the laminate surface to create a rough texture for the paint to adhere to.

2.Prime the Cabinets

• Use a Bonding Primer:A high-quality primer is essential for paint adhesion.Recommended primers include:

• Sherwin Williams Extreme Bond Primer

• Zinsser B-I-N Shellac-Base Primer

• INSL-X STIX Waterborne Bonding Primer

• Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch Ultra Cover Premium Latex Primer

• Apply Primer:Use a paintbrush or mini roller to apply the primer,ensuring even coverage.

3.Sand Again

• Lightly Sand:After the primer dries,lightly sand the cabinets again with medium-grit sandpaper to remove any imperfections and ensure a smooth surface.

• Remove Dust:Use a tack cloth or vacuum to remove dust residue.

4.Paint the Cabinets

• Choose the Right Paint:Use a high-quality paint suitable for laminate surfaces.A satin finish is recommended as it hides imperfections and is easy to clean.

• Apply Paint:Use a high-quality paintbrush and/or mini roller to apply the paint.Apply multiple coats if necessary,allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

5.Final Touches

• Reinstall Hardware:Once the paint is fully dry,reinstall the cabinet doors,drawers,and hardware.

• Protect the Surface:Avoid using the cabinets for at least a week to allow the paint to fully cure.

Additional Tips

• Avoid Chalk Paint:Chalk paint is not recommended for laminate surfaces as it may not adhere well.

• Sanding Between Coats:Sand lightly between each coat of paint to ensure a smooth and professional finish.

• Test the Paint:Apply a small amount of paint to an inconspicuous area to test adhesion and appearance.

By following these tips and choosing the right paint and primer,you can achieve a professional and long-lasting finish on your laminate kitchen cabinets.