Painting melamine cabinets?

Question

We are almost done our bathroom reno. 

We have built & painted new doors for the cuboards. But need to paint the box. 

I am thinking sanding, kilz or zinzer primer & latex paint?

There are actually only the parts that will be seen, one against the toilet, and two where a chair goes. They're not very visable so it doesn't have to be fantastic looking.

Terry D · Accepted Answer

Your thinking is correct!  A light sanding with like a 240 grit (fine) paper, a coat or two of Kilz, (two is better) and a color topcoat of Latex will stay fine.  Use a foam roller for a super smooth finish, or a nappy roller for more texture.

elisabeth · Answer

If they weren't delaminating, I would recommend cleaning them thoroughly with a degreaser like DeSolvit (citrus oil spray) or a good pine cleaner, then very very lightly sand them with 600 black wet/dry sandpaper so paint would stick. Then put a thin coat of white primer on and let dry for several days. Lightly sand with the 600 paper again, then paint with a very good quality semi-gloss latex enamel paint designed for cabinets. Check with Home Depot or Lowes or another home store with a knowlegeable paint department as to what final coat you should apply. However ,since the melamine is delaminating, the labor to do all that isn't really worth it unless you stablize the melamine on the substrate. Get a brown bottle of yellowish color contact cement (Weldwood, I think) not the blue stuff. Put a light coat on the substrate and the underside of the laminate, wait a few minutes for the solvent to evaporate, then join the pieces. Use masking tape to hold the pieces together until the the next day. There are companies that advertise putting new cabinet doors on your existing cabinets. A lot less expensive than new cabinets. I'd take a hard look at your cabinets, though, to see if they are worth putting money into. I have that kind of cabinet in my laundry room, and they are not designed for heavy duty use. Good luck! You have a job with a lot of elbow grease in front of you, but they can be made presentable.

job jar jack · Answer

You can actually get Melmine paint if you prefer a better finish

Prometheus · Answer

sounds like a good plan. unless there are stains that need to be covered i'd use the zinsser

kenbgray · Answer

You don't need us to answer your question, you are on the right track. Good luck.

DAVE W · Answer

How can i give you a thumbs up for the answer? lol

pittiemom66 · Answer

I would do exactly what you are planning.  I hope it comes out well!

Painting melamine cabinets?

7 Answers