Home/Sitemap  ·    Search   ·   you are here: Forum =>letter 20194 Repainting formica kitchen cabinets +++ I am interested in painting my existing kitchen cabinets. They are contractor grade with what I believe to be, a formica finish. They are only about 7 months old but are a pale gray, almost lavender color and don't match my decor. I would just like to repaint them white. Do I need to apply a primer first? Also, what type of paint should I purchase for this project and what technique should I use to apply the paint? Brush or spray? Thank you! Tracey P - Tarpon Springs, Florida +++ You might consider removable paint for a test run. If you don't like the change you'll have the choice of restoring the basic surface. Keith W - Atlanta, Georgia ++++ I am a professional Faux and Decorative Artist and I have painted MANY cabinets. This is what I would do... Make sure the cabinets are clean. Lightly sand them using a fine grit sand paper (20 grit). You are LIGHTLY sanding because the you need to rough the surface up a little bit to give the primer something to stick to. Wipe the cabinets down with a damp cloth to remove dust from sanding. Apply a primer (best results use a sponge roller) Let Primer dry 24 hours. Apply the first coat of paint (I use Sherwin Williams) If needed apply a second coat of paint. Apply a coat of urethane. (use a sponge roller) NOTE: If you remove the cabinet doors...number each door by writing the number on a piece of tape and sticking it to the back of the door, and doing the same on the inside of the cabinet so that you will know where each door goes back. If you have any questions I will be glad to help you. Cindy H - Tampa, Florida ++++ I wouldn't even bother sanding - you need a primer product called X-I-M UMA Bonder [link is to product info at Amazon] it will adhere to anything (class, ceramic, wood) and will give you a flat primer finish to work with. I have used it over formica and ceramic tiles and it has worked wonderfully and has saved a lot of money not replacing the existing foundation. I've made the mauve tiles in my boys bathroom look like beige tumble marble. Kris B - Tampa, Florida +++++ Has anyone tried to stain white formica cabinets another color? I am thinking about trying it and would like any advice? Susan L - Natick , Massachusetts +++++ I have dark formica cabinets in my kitchen can they be painted will the primer X-IM work and then paint I appreciate an answer thank you. Kathleen B - Etowah, North Carolina ++++++ You have suggested using X-IM primer on formica cabinets. I am unable to access information on where this or similar products can be purchased. MACALUSO - Weirton, West Virginia Ed. note: We've now hotlinked your mention of it to a page on Amazon where you can get it, Macaluso. ++++++ I wanted to know if the dark cabinets turned out looking great or just so so.I am purchasing a home with a huge kitchen and 3 walls, upper and lower of dark formica cabinets.Much too expensive to replace.Can I paint them and make them look new? sheila fox - ft.meade Florida ++++++ I have white formica (or maybe thermofoil) cabinets all throughout my home. Would really like to have them look like wood cabinets but I don't think that is possible (If it is, let me know how!). So I would at least like to give them an "antique" look. Any ideas on how I would go about doing that? Kelly Qvern - Tampa, Florida ++++++ I, too, would like to know how to paint Thermofoil cabinets. Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Carol Bokinz - Melbourne, Florida +++++++ Hi, I just painted my formica cabinets. Yes, I had to use a primer first. I actually used a few before finding one that would not peel, chip or scratch off. Its called Zinsser B-I-N Primer Sealer [link is to product info at Amazon]. Its wonderful and dries in 45 minutes. It does contain Shellac so I think that makes it really sticky. I went through many brushes, but did not want to rush the process. So you may want to prepare the area with lots and lots of drop cloth. It seems to go a long way. You can probably get it at other stores. Ok, the first thing I did was lightly sand the cabinets to take off the sheen, than wiped down with Clorox wipes, let dry, than applied primer. It was really easy. The hard part came when trying to choose a color. If anyone has a suggestion, I would greatly appreciate. Good luck..... Jennie Waitkevicz - Ocala, Florida +++++++ Can I antique finish formica cabinets? I was planning to replace my bathroom cabinet because it is white, builder-grade formica and very ugly. I watched someone on HGTV paint an old piece of furniture with black paint and then sand off the edges to make the cabinet look old. That is the look I'm hoping for, but I'm not sure if I can do this with formica cabinets. Anyone have a suggestion? Ginny Kinslow consumer - Rockledge, Florida January 23, 2008 I would like to know if you have a pictures of refinished formica cabinets. I am considering painting mine, but want to see a finished product first. Thank you Ernest Caron - Marblehead, Massachusetts February 17, 2008 I HAVE FORMICA KITCHEN WITH A PICKLE PINE COATING I HATE THEM AND AM INTERESTED IN RE FORMICA-ING IS THIS POSSIBLE. THE CABINETS ARE ABOUT 25 YEARS AND HAVE HAD WEAR AND TEAR. HELP Carol Alexamder - Rockledge Florida April 4, 2008 Would you use an oil base paint over the primer? Oil base has always been a tougher, chip resistant paint. Paula Atreides buyer - Hollywood, Florida July 13, 2008 Don't paint the plastic finish, peel it off! Using your fingernail, or a small knife, pick the corner on the side of the cabinet until it pops away. The plastic should peel away in one clean sheet. Since Thermofoil is heat-sealed to the cabinet, there is no glue of any kind. Underneath is clean, smooth MDF that can be lightly sanded, primed and painted. Particle board is much better to paint than plastic. I did this with my kitchen and bathroom cabinets, and they are beautiful and durable. Susan Foust - Oxford, Mississippi July 19, 2008 We are original owners of a home with white formica and oak trim bathroom vanities. All are odd sizes and the last quote we got for 4 new vanities was over $2800. Can I repaint them to look like a wood finish? How would I do that? We just want to freshen up the bathrooms without spending a fortune and would like to try to salvage 2 of the 4 vanities that still are in good shape. Mindy Gilbert hobbyist - North Brunswick, New Jersey July 21, 2008 Hi, Mindy. Susan F seems to have the right idea if you can get the formica laminate off like she suggests. If not, then you would need to try one of the good adhesion promoting paints as suggested by several readers nearer the top of the page. Good luck. Regards, Ted Mooney finishing.com Brick, New Jersey July 26, 2008 I too have the ugly white builder cabinets in my bathroom. I cannot afford new cabinets (along with everything else I would like done in my bathroom). I would like to hear more pro's or con's on people who have tried this. My fear is that it will start chipping and then I have a big mess on my hands! Theresa Bell hobbyist - Lithia, Florida July 31, 2008 Hi, Theresa. I understand your concerns--that's why I hesitated so long to do anything with my thermofoil cabinets. After I learned that the laminate could literally be peeled off from someone online who had done it, I experimented on an inconspicuous door in the corner above my refrigerator. I was thrilled when the thermofoil peeled off easily and cleanly in about 15 seconds. Just use a good quality oil-based primer and paint for durability. I did all the cabinets in my house a year ago, and they still look perfectly beautiful--no chips or cracks whatsoever. It's SO much better than the thermofoil, and I can repaint easily if I ever want to change my color scheme. I'll be anxious to hear your feedback if you decide to go for it. Susan Susan Foust - Oxford, Mississippi August 2, 2008 We just bought a house almost 20 yrs old and the kitchen is huge with white formica and oak trim cabinets. It would be very expensive for us to replace them and they still in good shape,but I am looking for something more modern and updated. Can I repaint them to look like a wood finish? How would I do that? We just want to freshen up the kitchen without spending a fortune. Minnie Polo hobbyist - Kissimmee, Florida August 5, 2008 I purchased this summer home with very ugly custom made formica cabinets. The base was orange and the doors and draws were a Dunkin Donuts raspberry color. I removed the draws and doors and placed a hot iron across the formica. This melted the glue allowing me to slide a scraper starting at the corners edge under the formica. (The iron does not melt the formica) I also used a blow dryer in some areas. Once the formica was removed I sanded the pine. I kept the drawer base however removed the drawer front and replaced it with a piece of cut pine sanded and shaped into a simple drawer front. For the doors I purchased 3" wide pine bead board from Lowe's and made my own custom doors. The pine was ready to stain or prime and paint. Good luck and hope this helps! Kathy Sullivan - Truro, Massachusetts September 12, 2008 I have read the questions and answers. The persons that are responding are they professionals in painting of formica cabinets. I have one shot to redo my cabinets that are southwestern white style. I would like to change them to a gloss white. I understand to light sand first, clean off dust, primer and then paint. The finish paint I want hi gloss what do you recommend to use in primer and paint to get this finish? TY DeAnna DeAnna Wilson - Newbury Park, California September 19, 2008 Hi, DeAnna. No, I don't think anyone claimed to be a professional. There probably are no professionals involved in painting old formica cabinet doors -- it may only be practical as a do-it-yourself project. That is, when you include the cost of labor, it probably costs more to have a professional repaint a formica cabinet door than to have him/her reface it. Who is going to try to make a profession out of offering a less satisfactory solution than their competition, but at a higher price? :-) Regards, Ted Mooney, P.E. finishing.com Brick, New Jersey November 9, 2008 I have old, fake maple cabinets and countertops in a condo we bought for my mother-in-law. Quote to redo kitchen (cabinets, granite, new lighting) was $11,000!. From what I've read in this thread, sanding is not necessary of you use Zinsser B-I-N Primer Sealer [link is to product info at Amazon]. Well, does this stain it at the same time as it primes or will I still have to paint? Can it be used on counters? What kind of paint is recommended for primed formica? Is it true I don't have to sand???? I need help! $11,000 is too much in a good economy. I certainly can't afford that now. Thanks in advance for any responses! Laurie Luongo - Miami, Florida ---- Ed. note: The Amazon page we've linked to calls this product a "pigmented shellac" that can be topcoated "with either oil or later paint", Laurie. January 21, 2009 I recently installed all new cabinets/drawers in my master bath with white "wood" formica. I hate the bathroom - too white. Would appreciate any ideas on how to paint over these new cabinets/drawers to make them look like a cherry wood that would still show the grain. Needless to say I spent a fortune on these cabinets. Stephanie Osrin homemaker - Boca Raton, Florida February 13, 2009 I have painted formica cabinets with great success, using Cabinet Rescue [link is to product info at Amazon]. This product DOES NOT require priming before painting, and although it does not require sanding, I did sand lightly first. I would recommend a sponge roller for application. The only drawback is that is is (or at least was at the time) only available in white, and tintable to light colors only. However, I have seen another brand of "cabinet" paint for sale on line in a variety of colors. Good Luck. Madelyn McCorkle - Homosassa, Florida February 18, 2009 I have almond formica cabinets with oak trim at the bottom of each cabinet. I would like to replace the oak and paint the cabinet. However, the oak strip when removed will leave a gap or opening. What can I replace this with so cabinet is the original height? Paula S hobbyist - Winthrop, Massachusetts February 19, 2009 So...is thermofoil the same things as formica? I am not familiar with these products at all. Am I assuming correctly when I assume that you have to somehow 'melt' the thermofoil off a cabinet before beginning the sanding, priming, painting process? Thanks. Erin Kirk - Lexington, Kentucky February 24, 2009 I JUST BOUGHT A HOUSE WITH A FAIRLY NEW KITCHEN, BUT I HATE THE CABINET & DRAWER FRONTS. THEY ARE DULL BORING ALMOND FORMICA. I TRIED THE REFACING SERVICE FROM HOME DEPOT, BUT THEY WANTED ALMOST $10,000 & THEY ONLY HAVE WOODGRAIN. I WOULD LIKE TO BUY SOME TYPE OF PREGLUED FORMICA OR LAMINATE THAT IS COLORFUL. I DO NOT WANT WOODGRAIN. CAN ANYONE SUGGEST WHERE I CAN PURCHASE THE FORMICA OR LAMINATE ON LINE OR IN A STORE? A FEW WEBSITES I WENT TO OFFER THE WOODGRAIN, OR WHITE. I REALLY WANT PATTERNS IF POSSIBLE. IF ANYONE HAS EVER REFINISHED THEIR OWN CABINETS LIKE THIS I WOULD APPRECIATE ALL THE ADVICE I CAN GET. I KNOW THAT THE THERMOFOIL CAN BE LIFTED EASILY FROM THE MDF, BUT HOW CAN THE EXISTING FORMICA BE TAKEN OFF, OR CAN THE NEW FORMICA BE PLACED RIGHT OVER IT? I AM HOPING THAT DOING THIS MAY A LITTLE BIT HARDER THAN USING CONTACT PAPER. AS I SAID, I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE ANY INFO OR ADVICE. Shelley De Marco hobbyist - East Rockaway, New York March 25, 2009 I have pale yellow doors with dark brown cabinets, which I believe are formica from the 70's, that I would like to paint. They are in phenomenal condition and of excellent quality for the time in which they were made and very sturdy. How would I know if they are thermofoil before I begin the process of priming and painting? Thank you. Mary Brady - Rocky Point, New York May 5, 2009 Thermofoil cabinet doors and drawer fronts are made by using medium density fiberboard (MDF) which, if the foil (plastic) is removed, providing a smooth paintable surface. Laminate doors (formica) consist of laminate over particle board. While the laminate is removable with an iron, glue residue will remain, and will also have to be removed. Laminate doors are flat, no dimension to them. Thermofoil doors can be made to look like raised panel doors or many other door styles available to it's wood counterparts. I am a general contractor that specializes in kitchen and bath remodeling. Norm Walters - Land O Lakes, Florida June 5, 2009 I would really like to repaint the thermofoil cabinets in my new house. All of the information here has been very helpful. However, I wonder if anyone here has done a distressed finish on the cabinets after they remove the thermofoil exterior?? I really would like a rustic look in my kitchen. I appreciate any information you can provide. Josephine Wallworth - Palmetto, Florida July 11, 2009 I want to repaint laminate bathroom cabinets. I've been reading this thread and have decided to use Zinsser B-I-N Primer Sealer [link is to product info at Amazon], so that's one question out of the way! I'm trying to sell my house so it's really important to do a good job. What kind of paint do I use - flat, satin, eggshell .. or is there a special paint for this? Should I use a roller? Also, is there a way to resurface the vanity? It's a double sink 60 or 72 inches and new ones are too expensive. Thanks Geraldine Ballance - Palm City, Florida November 15, 2009 I have painted formica cabinets in the past, I used Zinsser B-I-N Primer Sealer [link is to product info at Amazon], two coats of kitchen and bath semi gloss paint (latex) and then two coats of latex poly. They looked beautiful. My question now (that some have ask on this page) is, can you distress white thermofoil cabinets with some sort of brown glaze to make them look like like those new (old) cabinets. If you have done this, please tell me how and is it holding up? Karen Tabone - New Port Richey, Florida February 18, 2010 My name is Marlene. I moved into a condo two years ago that boasts white laminate cupboards. (I miss my wood maple cabinets in my old home). I want to know if you can glaze these cabinets without totally painting them. Can you use Cabinet Rescue [link is to product info at Amazon] to do so? Thank you. MARLENE KLAMUT homeowner - Ohio February 20, 2010 I purchase distressed properties for resale or as rentals. I always refinish kitchen cabinets. Previous posts have to correct answers, but remember, prep is the most important process. Remove doors and drawers; remove hardware. Clean all surfaces with mineral spirits. Lightly sand (the product I recommend states it is not required, but do it) Wipe down with strong ammonia/water solution Prime with Zinsser B-I-N Primer Sealer [link is to product info at Amazon] - wait at least one hour You can use any paint you want, but oil based will provide harder surface Never had a problem with this method. As a response to a prior post, no, professional painters would do this as a normal process - not profitable enough, mainly DIYers. Robert Steffens - Tampa, Florida February 22, 2010 I peeled of the thermofoil coating on my white cabinets in my bathroom. After painting with a couple of coats, I covered with a glaze and then wiped it off, to give a distressed finish. After the cabinets dried, I sealed the cabinets with a water based (to prevent yellowing) sealer. They turned out beautifully and I am now moving on to tackle the kitchen cabinets. Good luck! Lori Agee - Alpharetta, Georgia March 6, 2010 I used Cabinet Rescue on my formica cabinets and they looked good for only about a year. They chipped very easy. Now I need to redo them. Cathy Nelson - New Port Richey, Florida March 9, 2010 All good responses, but there is another way! Country Living Artisans Collection by Caromal Colours. Several of my students are having wonderful results with painting over wood, laminate, plastic, everything. No sanding, no stripping, no priming. Vicki Shoemaker - Clovis, California March 29, 2010 I have almond color formica cabinets, can't stand them anymore, can I paint them and how do I go about it? You would save a marriage lol by telling us how to do it. thank you Denise Gonzales - Taylor, Michigan, USA     o33