Painting over a cabinet door is a quick way to do a major renovation of a kitchen without spending a lot of money. You may only just change some simple aspects of the door such as give it a new color or finish, or even add some new hardware. This will alter the look and feel of your entire kitchen.
Many kitchen cabinet doors are made out of Formica. Painting over these Formica cabinet doors requires a little extra work to make sure the paint sticks. Here is a step by step process to painting over your Formica cabinet doors.
Tools and Materials You Will Need
Sponge Roller
Latex Paint
Primer
Paint Brushes
Fine Grit Sandpaper
Painter's Tape
Screwdriver
Step 1 – Detach the Cabinet Door
Before painting your Formica cabinet doors you will need to remove them from the cabinet face. Use a screwdriver, or an electric screwdriver, to remove the screws holding the door to the cabinet. Once you have detached the door, set it on a sturdy work surface and remove the rest of the hardware on the door. You will need to remove all pulls and handles that are on the door as well as the hinges that held it to the frame.
Step 2 - Clean Cabinet Door
Spray a Formica cleaner onto the door and wash it. Being in the kitchen there will be a some accumulated dirt, grease, smoke, and other particles on the door. Removing this will require more than just soap and water. Use a heavy duty cleaner and apply to the Formica. Use a wet rag to wash off the Formica.
Step 3 - Sand Formica Cabinet Doors
Once the cabinet doors are washed and wiped dry with a towel, you can begin to get the Formica ready for paint. The Formica is a hard material that does not accept paint at all. You will need to remove the hardness of the Formica before you start to roll on some paint. Use a small grit sandpaper with a random orbital sander and rough up the finish on the Formica. Do not try and remove all the Formica, just rough it up.
Step 4 - Apply Coat of Primer
Open the can of primer and apply to the cabinet door using a sponge roller for the best application. You can do the edges using a paint brush.
Step 5 - Paint With Quick Drying Paint
After the primer is dry, you can start to paint the cabinet doors. Use a latex paint that dries up quickly in order to put a protective finish over the Formica. Apply this using a sponge roller and cover the entire door. Once the cabinet door begins to feel a little sticky, but does not come off on your finger, then you can add another coat. Allow the cabinet door to dry completely before doing anything else.
Step 6 - Reapply Hardware and Replace
Now that the paint is dry, you can begin to re-install the hardware, latches, and hinges. Screw them carefully onto the door without scratching the paint. Once the hardware is back on the cabinet door, place back on the cabinet and attach with an electric screwdriver. Open and close the cabinet door to make sure it is attached securely and will close tightly.