Painting Kitchen Cabinets and Benchtops - Not Can You, Should You?
Looking at your tired old kitchen and thinking, "Should I paint a fresh new modern colour, maybe change the hardware and get another five years out of this kitchen?" can feel like a promising prospect. But painting laminate and finished surfaces takes courage and certainly isn't for the hasty. However, with time, patience, and precision, it is possible to create a beautiful, refreshed, modern space that will last for years.
The Issues with Painting Over Laminate and Finished Surfaces
The truth of the matter is, preparing laminate and finished surfaces is challenging. Before you even start removing handles, you should inspect the integrity of the whole surface. You cannot just paint over cracks, chips or broken laminate as the paint will highlight any imperfections.
Cleaning needs to be meticulous, and like a crime scene, you must clean every trace and evidence of dirt and grease. Even the best primer and paint will bubble, refuse to adhere and peel away with even the slightest hint of grease or moisture. Every tiny bump, imperfection or hint of lint will be like a spotlight in the dark if your preparation is anything less than perfect.
How to Prepare Surfaces for the Best Possible Outcome
There are four basic steps Painters in Perth recommend in preparation for painting Laminex or finished surfaces.
ONE: Remove all hardware.
TWO: Clean with a degreaser or use a special purpose cleaner. Kitchens accumulate grease and need to be painstakingly scrubbed, even if they look clean.
THREE: If sanding is required, keep it light with a minimum of 100-grit paper. Keep sanding to a gentle minimum because going through the laminate surface means game over.
FOUR: Prime your bone-dry surface. Use a job-specific primer such as Dulus Renovation Range Primer specifically for laminated surfaces. Let the primer dry, then do a second coat if recommended.
Potential Pitfalls If You Rush or Use the Wrong Paint
Unclean surfaces will cause bubbling, running, peeling or tacky paint that refuses to cure. Paint that has been applied to an unclean surface is also likely chip easily and lack durability.
Using paints specifically formulated for the job means you get a tough, professional finish when used correctly. While using cheaper or regular paint can be tempting, they won't last long and will leave you wishing you had just left it alone.
Should I Paint My Kitchen Cabinets and Benchtops?
Realistically, in most cases, the question isn't "Should I paint my kitchen cabinets?" but "Should I get a professional to paint my kitchen cabinets?"
If you want a guaranteed professional finish worthy of Pinterest glory, contact House Painters Perth for a quote, and let the professionals secure your vision for you.
