HOW TO : PAINT LAMINATE KITCHEN CABINETS
I was sorting through some old photos and came across one I took of our kitchen shortly after we moved in. I'm forever taking pictures of parts of our home, as I find reviewing images rather than considering one overwhelming, problematic space helps to pinpoint what needs work or 'editing'.The Sneak Peek of our home over on Design Sponge generated a lot of interest in how I successfully painted over the dated and ugly laminate kitchen cabinets, and people contact me with questions about it from time to time. So now that you can see a before and after, I thought it's about time I share my tips for those of you with similarly unattractive cabinets - you'll be glad to hear it was a quick and easy job!
- First of all, I coated the cabinets using my all-time favourite DIY product "E.S.P. - Easy Surface Prep", an easy-to-apply primer for using on melamine, ceramic tiles, old paint & varnish, aliminium, plastic and all sorts of non-porous surfaces that usually can't be painted over.
- When the layer of E.S.P. dried two hours later, I painted over it using two coats of "Ronseal Melamine & MDF Paint". It's tough and durable with a satin finish, and ideal for kitchen cabinets. It doesn't leave any brush strokes, but that doesn't mean it won't show up imperfections in your painting technique. However, I found that using Brilliant White means that light bounces off the cabinets and a flaw here or there isn't noticeable.
I'm delighted with the result and it's held up perfectly - no chips, scratches or discolouration. And hopefully you'll agree that the kitchen looks a darn sight better now than it did before!
In Ireland and the UK, the two products mentioned should be easy to come by. You might have to try a builder's supplier rather than a general DIY store for the E.S.P. as apparently it's a trade product. I was able to get it in Decwell's. If the products aren't available internationally, equivalents should be, so ask at your local DIY store for advice.
