How to Paint Laminate Cabinets

Posted on: September 28th, 2021

Many homeowners wonder how to paint laminate cabinets in a cost-effective manner but with professional quality end results. This certainly can be done but will require more preparation and applications than painting wood. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that painting laminate follows the same steps as your other painting projects from the past. Laminate isn’t nearly as porous as wood but if you follow the proper process and guidelines, painting your laminate cabinets can turn out to be a lasting accomplishment.

Can you paint laminate cabinets?

Yes, it’s perfectly ok to paint laminate cabinets. But what exactly is laminate anyway? It can basically be any wood-like product such as furniture or cabinets, that is made by attaching a thin layer of printed plastic to a sub-layer of plywood or particleboard. Most often the plastic is printed to look like real wood but could be printed in any pattern or color. Because laminate isn’t as porous as real wood, paint doesn’t absorb or create as tight a bond to its surface. This makes laminate a breeze to wipe down and keep clean, but relatively more difficult to paint.

What is the difference between veneer and laminate?

Veneer and laminate are often confused with one another because they are a very similar concept. They differ because veneered wood has a very thin layer of actual wood applied to the sublayer while laminate is plastic.

Can you paint Formica cabinets?

Formica is simply a brand name of kitchen laminate. The word Formica refers to the company that created this heat-resistant, wipe-clean laminate with melamine resin. It’s the world’s largest manufacturer of high-pressure laminate. Formica was a very popular material for tables and countertops back in the 1950s. It’s still popular in the manufacturing of kitchen cabinets and countertops today due to its heat and scratch-resistant qualities.

How much does it cost to paint kitchen cabinets?

This is a difficult question to answer without knowing specifically what kind of cabinets you’re painting. And of course, painting your cabinets yourself will be significantly cheaper than paying a professional. On average, the cost is anywhere from $3500 to $9000 when hiring out the job. Here is a list of the factors that will play into the overall cost:

Size of the cabinets
Damages
Materials
What the cabinets are made of
Quality of paint

How to paint cabinets without sanding

No one enjoys sanding. It’s tedious, messy, time-consuming, and just unpleasant. So, can you get away with skipping the sanding step? You certainly can depending on the situation. If you’re making a change from one newly painted surface to another or painting unvarnished, raw wood, skip the sanding.

If your cabinets have damages, peeling paint, or are covered in varnish or another shiny coating, you’ll need to lightly sand. Scuffing and doing light sanding will help the new paint adhere much better in the long run. The inconvenience will be well worth the results.

Steps to Painting Kitchen Cabinets-Without sanding

Purchase a cabinet painting kit and the paint of your choice. Be sure to choose a kit that contains a deglosser to help remove any older coats of paint. This deglosser takes away the need to sand or prime surfaces that are already finished.
Number each cabinet and door front. Before you remove the doors and drawer fronts, tape the corresponding numbers to each one. You may tell yourself that this step isn’t necessary but will inevitably save you some confusion when re-installing them.
With warm soap and water, carefully wipe down all cabinet surfaces. Pay special attention to areas above your stove where grease can settle in.
Remove all hardware such as knobs or handles. Keep them in a plastic baggie so they are easy to keep track of.
Remove cabinet doors and drawer fronts. When working with each individual piece, remove the taped number but keep it nearby so you can keep track easily
Using a scouring pad, rub on the deglosser. Apply liberally and in the direction of the grain. Wait a few minutes before wiping down thoroughly with a wet rag. Once all the finish is removed, switch to a clean, dry cloth to go over the entire surface again. This should leave you with a matte finish, devoid of shine.

Mask off any areas in your kitchen you want to be protected from paint. Doing this should allow time for your cabinets to completely dry. 8. Apply the first primer coat to the doors, drawer fronts, and cabinet frames. Once again, apply in the direction of the grain Watch for any drips especially around the edges.
Let dry for 2 full hours.
Apply a second coat of primer. Let dry for at least 2 hours. 11. Apply the paint you’ve chosen for your topcoat. We recommend a satin or semi-gloss finish as they add a soft sheen and are very easy to keep clean.
Let dry for 10-12 hours.
Reinstall all hinges and hardware.

How to clean painted cabinets

Your kitchen cabinets are the focal point of your kitchen. With that said, people tend to notice when they start to look dirty. Being proactive with your cleaning will keep them looking fresh and beautiful for all to see. You could go out and buy an expensive cabinet cleaner but in reality, dish soap mixed with warm water is the best solution. Dish soap will take care of the grime that tends to build up and is highly effective. Thoroughly wipe down your kitchen cabinets every two weeks with a microfiber cloth. This will make every cleaning a simple one and you will always be prepared for company.

How to Paint Laminate Cabinets Conclusion

If you’re considering painting your kitchen cabinets or have questions regarding any painting projects, contact PaintRite Pros. We make available a wide range of cabinet painting and finishing services in the Sacramento area. We also serve Roseville, Stockton, El Dorado Hills, and more. Some of these services include repainting existing cabinets a new color, providing new cabinets, removing and reconnecting the cabinet hardware, and spray and hand brush options for maximum customization. Whatever your vision is for your cabinets, we’re happy to ensure the final product is everything you imagined.

Repaint or Replace Kitchen Cabinets: What Should You Do?

Posted on: December 16th, 2020

Kitchen cabinets are one of the major components of a beautiful kitchen and are usually one of the first things people notice when they visit your home. So, if your cabinets are starting to look old and outdated then now may be the best time to figure out the best way to refresh their look.

Everyone knows that one of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to change the look of a room is to paint. Adding a new color to your walls or changing the color of your trim can instantly increase the value of your home. However, when it comes to kitchen cabinets, you may want to know if you should reface, repaint, or replace them completely.

Let’s look into the details of each option to help you make an educated decision that works best for you and your budget.

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1. Refacing process and costs

Refacing your cabinets is a lot like changing the skin of your cabinets. It can significantly improve the surface look without all the hassle and expense of buying new cabinets.
The basic refacing project usually consists of replacing new cabinet doors and drawer fronts of your existing cabinets. The face frames are then covered with veneer or the wood stain of your choice. The hardware-the hinges, handles, and drawer pull-are usually also replaced during refacing.
A cabinet refacing pro will usually require two to four days to perform this service, depending on the size of your kitchen. Even though refacing cabinets costs less than replacing your kitchen with custom cabinets, don’t rush to refacing with the assumption that it will be a cheap alternative to new cabinets. Generally, refacing done by a professional installer costs about 50 percent of the cost of a new custom cabinet installation. It can also roughly cost you 75 percent of the cost of installing stock cabinets purchased from your local home improvement stores.
Your costs to pay a professional to reface your cabinets in a basic 10 by 12-foot kitchen begin at $1000-$3000 for laminate veneers. This cost goes up to $2500-$6000 if you choose to go with real wood veneers and can shoot up significantly if your kitchen is on the larger side.
Cabinet refacing will save you money if your existing cabinets are well-constructed, in good shape, and where a radically different look is your desire.

2. Painting your cabinets and cost

It’s always less expensive if you apply new paint instead of replacing or resurfacing. Let’s look at some of the reasons you might consider repainting your kitchen cabinets.

Typically homeowners consider repainting cabinets because they are outdated and ready for a new look. Kitchen trends seem to change drastically and much faster than we expect. Whitewash oak was extremely popular in the 1980s and 90s but then was replaced by a more natural look like oak, and eventually moved to the darker wood finishes such as cherry and maple. The latest trends tend to be more of a distressed look typically known as French Country.
Your cost of repainting a kitchen is typically half the cost of replacing it. The paints that are being used are very durable and will have every bit the longevity of new cabinets in most cases.
The average cost to paint cabinets is $3 to $10 per square foot or $30 to $60 per linear foot for all materials and professional labor. You can expect painting contractors to charge $50 to $100 per door, $120-$170 per cabinet, and $20-$30 per drawer.
Painting your kitchen cabinets yourself will be considerably less expensive. Your base cost would be anywhere from $200 to $600, depending on the brand of paint and the supplies you will have to buy. While doing the job yourself will save you money, be aware of the time you will put in. Also, you may be sacrificing quality for price as professionals are meticulous and experts at their craft.

3. Replacing kitchen cabinets and costs

Before you decide on new kitchen cabinets for your home, note some added information about the cost to replace them. You will want to make a fully informed decision about new cabinets and those other vital details that go into a successful kitchen renovation.

Here’s a run-down of the different quality levels of kitchen cabinets and their costs.

Stock cabinets are premade in a factory to standard sizes. They are usually the cheapest of all your new kitchen cabinetry choices. While they are inexpensive, they might also seem a bit plain or dull. Stock cabinets might also stand out against or clash with detailed crown molding and other special features in a room. The cost for stock cabinets is around $60-$200 per linear foot.
Semi-custom cabinets start with stock cabinetry and then include added details, such as fancy trim or glass inserts. These will cost you around $100-$650 per linear foot.
Custom cabinets are made from scratch and might also include personalized details such as specialty shelving sizes, a custom paint color, and slide-out shelves. They are typically the highest costing cabinets. But they’re sure to guarantee the look you are hoping for and are very high quality. They’ll cost you between $500 and $1200 per linear foot.
Kitchen cabinet installation costs add to your overall purchase price. But, cabinet installation is not necessarily something you want to tackle on your own. Improper installation could lead to uneven cabinets with unsightly gaps between them or it can result in your cabinets pulling away from the walls. You can expect to spend somewhere between $150 to $380 per linear foot for total installation. Each cabinet will take 60-80 minutes to install. You can expect to pay an hour or two of labor per cabinet that you are having installed.

Conclusion

Now that you are aware of the details and costs of all three options, you should be able to make a wise decision on which direction you want to go in with your kitchen cabinets. If you are still unsure or have any other questions with your project, give the professionals at PaintRite Pros a call. We are located in the Sacramento area and would be more than happy to assist you. In addition to having fluent Spanish speakers on our staff, we also serve Dixon, Davis, Stockton, Folsom, Vineyard, El Dorado Hills, and more! Click here to get a free estimate.

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How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets Without Sanding

Posted on: July 15th, 2020

Changing the paint on your kitchen cupboards is an easy and cost-effective way to improve your home. It will also give one of the most popular rooms in your house a great facelift. If the thought of all of the sanding you’d need to do is overwhelming, this post is for you.

It’s possible for you to give your kitchen cabinets a fresh coat of paint without having to sand them first. With the correct tools, a little patience, and the time to get the job done right, your kitchen cabinets can have a brand new look in no time.

But if you live in the Las Vegas or Sacramento areas and would like to hire a professional painting company to do the job for you, give us a call!

How Much Does It Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets?

Before heading to the store to buy the supplies for your DIY project, figure out the cost first. We’ve made that part easy for you. Professional painters typically charge as low as $900 to as high as $3,800 to paint a set of kitchen cabinets. On average, you can expect to pay by the square foot with $3 being at the low end of the spectrum and $10 at the top. Some companies prefer to charge by the door with prices falling from $50 to $100 per piece.

The overall cost you can expect to pay is affected by a number of different factors. These include:

Cabinet layout
Overall cabinet size
Painting method employed
Condition of the cabinets
Cost of materials

As with almost any project, you can certainly save money if you do it yourself. Labor costs are usually between $2-$3 per square foot. That means you can safely reduce your work-related expenses to approximately $1 to $9. That will bring your financial investment to a much more manageable price.

What are the Benefits of Painting Kitchen Cabinets?

Over time, your kitchen cabinets can look dingy and dated. Painting your kitchen cabinets offers you an easy and inexpensive way to refresh your kitchen’s visual appeal.

Among the benefits you can enjoy as a result of painting your kitchen cabinets are:

More modernized appearance
Cost-effective solution with maximum impact
Eliminates the need to replace the cabinets thus resulting in cost savings
Durable cabinet finish
Increased home value

What’s Involved in Painting Kitchen Cabinets Without Sanding?

There are several important steps you should follow in order to successfully apply a new coat of paint to your cabinets without having to sand them first.

The steps you should take are as follows:

Purchase a kit designed specifically for painting without sanding

These types of kits are pre-mixed to your preferred color. They also include a de-glosser to help you remove stubborn traces of paint and to prepare the surface for the new paint. It’s this de-glossing product that allows you to apply paint directly to the cabinets without the need for sanding first.

Make a drawing of the kitchen cabinets then label and number each door and drawer face

Numbers and labels will help you to return the right door and drawer face to its correct space when the paint has dried.

Clean the cabinets

Using soap and water, carefully wash down all areas to be painted to be certain dirt and grease stains are completely removed.

Remove all doors and drawer faces

Once the doors and drawer faces have been cleaned, dried, and removed, you can then remove the number tags to begin work on each piece. You’ll want to keep the stickers close by to help you identify where the door or drawer front should be returned to once it is dry.

Lay down drop cloths

We recommend putting down tarps or drop cloths to keep the surface beneath your work from becoming stained with de-glosser or paint.

Apply the de-glosser

To protect your hands and skin, be sure to wear gloves as you apply the de-glosser with a scouring pad. The liquid should be added to the surface in liberal amounts then worked into the wood moving with the grain. Once the de-glosser has worked its magic, you should wipe it off with a wet cloth. As a final step, use a clean cloth to dry the surface. Allow each piece to dry for a minimum of an hour.

Take your time with this step to ensure a thorough job. How well the de-glosser is allowed to work will determine how well your paint will adhere to the cabinets.

Tape off areas that should not be painted

To eliminate any additional clean up, we recommend applying painters’ tape to all areas you don’t want paint on.

Remove any hardware or drawer bumpers

All door or drawer handles and bumpers should be carefully removed.

Apply paint

This initial coat is called a bond coat and should be added to the cabinet in the direction of the grain. A 2” straight-edged brush is the recommended tool for the job.

Begin by doing the frame of the cabinet first. This coat needs two hours to dry at which point you can then apply a second coat, leaving an additional two hours for drying time. The doors and drawer fronts can then be painted in the same fashion.

Add the top coat

Finish the frame, cabinet doors, and drawer faces with a coat of protective top coat. This must be allowed to dry for 12 hours before all cabinet hardware can be returned and all pieces installed back in place.

How to Get a Smooth Finish When Painting Kitchen Cabinets

If you’re going to go to all of the work to paint your kitchen cabinets, you want to do everything you can to be sure to end up with a smooth finish. Achieving a painted result that is as smooth as satin is best achieved through thorough prep work. Paint will stick to whatever surface it is applied to, meaning if the de-glosser has not been given sufficient time to work or the cabinets are covered with dust, dirt, or grease, the paint will end up uneven and marred with flecks of debris.

To prevent this from happening, we recommend taking your time during the de-glossing process and rinsing each area to be painted very well to ensure there is no residue on the surface.

Proper cleaning of cabinets is also an important component as during this step you will remove any particles of dirt or dust that have attached themselves to the wooden surface over time.

Thinking you’d like to give painting your kitchen cabinets a try? Follow our top tips for painting kitchen cupboards without sanding to give your favorite room the update it needs. But if you’d like to hire a professional painting company to do the job for you, give us a call or contact us through our website! We’ll give you a free quote!

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