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Can You/Should You Paint Over Formica Cabinets? (How To)

Painting the cabinet

Are you looking to give your kitchen a make-over? You have Formica cabinets but you don’t want the expense of tearing them out and replacing them. Can you/should you paint over Formica cabinets?

You can paint over Formica cabinets. You should paint over Formica if you are looking for an affordable way to give your home a fresh look. Painting Formica requires a little more patience and prep work but the results will speak for themselves.

Replacing cabinets can be very expensive. Painting Formica that is in good condition is the most affordable way to transform your home. In just one weekend, you can finally have that cozy, modern look you’ve been wanting.

Can You Paint Over Formica Cabinets/Furniture?

Painting the cabinet

You want to quickly, but affordably, give your home a makeover. Can you paint over Formica cabinets/furniture?

Yes, you can paint over Formica cabinets/furniture. Painting over Formica will require some prep work before you can start painting. Sand the Formica until the entire surface is rough. Remove the dust with a damp cloth. Apply a primer before applying the paint.

Depending on the type of paint you use, some paint now comes with the primer included in the paint. This type of paint is more expensive than regular paint but it will save you some time and money in the long run.

The addition of primer included in the paint often means fewer coats as well. If you are covering dark Formica with a light color, more than one coat will be needed. However, your number of coats will be drastically reduced than if you use the primer and paint separately.

Can You Paint Over Formica Dressers?

Confused woman standing

Dressers are such versatile pieces of furniture. They can be used for so much more than clothes – and used in other rooms. But can you paint over Formica dressers?

Yes, you can paint over Formica dressers. Remove the drawers and hardware. Use 120 – or 150- grit sandpaper to sand the entire surface of the dresser, including the edges of any drawers. Remove the dust with a damp cloth. Apply primer and paint of your choice.

This article and its contents are owned by Ready To DIY and was first published on 07/12/2022.

Should You Paint Over Formica Cabinets/furniture?

Painting the cabinet

You want to give your home a fresh, modern look but the cabinets and furniture are Formica. Should you paint over Formica cabinets/furniture?

You should paint over Formica cabinets/furniture if the Formica is in good condition and you have the time and patience for the prep work. Painting Formica requires removing the old Formica, filling in any scratches or dents, and applying several coats of primer and paint.

When it comes to painting Formica furniture, be prepared to do the prep work that is needed. The two most important things needed when painting Formica is time and patience. Without these two, you will not achieve the look you are going for.

What Tools And Preparation Are Needed?

Confused man standing

You finally make the decision to paint your Formica furniture but you don’t know where to start. What tools and preparation are needed?

Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on July 12, 2022.

The tools needed to paint Formica are 120- to 15- grit sandpaper, a mild degreaser, several clean rags, epoxy putty, painter’s tape, a paintbrush and roller, and the primer and paint of your choice.

Cover the floor or other items with a drop cloth to protect them from dust and paint. Use the primer and paint in a well-ventilated room. If you are not able to open windows or turn on fans, wear safety glasses and a respirator to protect your eyes and lungs.

The most important preparation needed is to allow yourself the time needed to do the job right. Time is needed between each coat of primer and paint. If each coat is not able to dry thoroughly, the primer and paint will not adhere to the Formica and it will peel off.

What Type Of Paint To Use For A Formica Cabinet?

Painting the cabinet

With so many different types of paint out there, how do you know what to use? What type of paint can you use for a Formica cabinet?

To paint a Formica cabinet, use paint that is either epoxy or water-based. These types of paint dry quickly and are more durable for cabinets. For cabinets that get a lot of wear and tear, water-based paint is the best choice.

Choosing the paint color might have seemed like the biggest decision you had to make but the type of paint you use also needs to be considered. Using the wrong kind of paint on Formica can cause the paint to have streaks or, worse, peel off.

Cabinets that are used often need a strong durable paint. Use either oil-based or water-based paint. Oil-based paints are a good choice for Formica which sees a lot of wear and tear. Water-based paints are more popular because they dry faster and give off fewer fumes.

Your local hardware store or paint supplier can help you decide which type of paint is best for your cabinets as well as the necessary Personal Protective Equipment you need to keep yourself safe in the process.

This article and its contents are owned by Ready To DIY and was first published on 07/12/2022.

How To Paint Over Formica Cabinets/Furniture

Confused woman standing

Over time, Formica loses its finish. The lackluster appearance can make your home feel outdated. Painting the Formica will give your home a new, fresh look without breaking the bank.

Compared to wood, painting Formica will require more preparation before you can start painting. But with a little patience and prep work, you can achieve professional results. The following steps will walk you through how to transform your Formica cabinets.

Step 1: Protect your surfaces.

Cover your floor with a drop cloth. If you are painting overhead cabinets, you will also need to cover the lower countertop and cabinets as well. Use painter’s tape to cover any fixtures and wall surfaces you don’t want to get paint on.

Step 2: Remove the cabinet doors and all the hardware.

To help make your life easier when you are putting the doors and hardware back on, either use tape to label the area where the cabinets are drying or keep the cabinets in the order they were removed. Do the same with the hardware, if you are not replacing them.

Step 3: Clean the cabinets and the frames.

Use a mild degreaser mixed with warm water to remove any grease, dust, or other grime that may have accumulated on the cabinets. Dry the cabinets with a separate towel or rag.

Step 4: Sand the cabinets and the frames.

Formica is non-porous, which means the paint will not adhere to it unless it is sanded first. This is a crucial step that should not be missed or done quickly.

It is also very important that you protect yourself during this step. The dust from sanding Formica can cause serious eye, skin, and lung irritation. Wear safety glasses, a tight-fitting dust mask, and long sleeves to protect yourself.

Use 120 or 150 grit sandpaper to sand the surface of the cabinets. Don’t forget to sand the corners and edges of the cabinets.

Step 5: Use a damp cloth to remove the dust created from sanding the cabinets.

Sanding the cabinets and frames will make imperfections more visible. This is a good thing because you do not want to discover them when you are applying the paint and it’s too late to do anything about it.

Step 6: Use epoxy putty to fill in any scratches, dents, or holes that are now visible.

Spread the epoxy putty in a smooth layer. Once it has dried, lightly sand the surface until it blends in with the rest of the cabinet.

Step 7: Use a damp cloth to once again remove all traces of dust from sanding.

Step 8: Apply a bonding primer with a roller paint brush.

Bonding primer is thick and is applied much easier with a roller brush. Apply 2 to 3 coats on the cabinets and the frames. Let each coat thoroughly dry before applying the next coat.

Step 9: Apply the paint to the cabinets and frame.

Using a roller brush will give a smoother finish that is free of brush strokes. Again, let each coat dry thoroughly before applying the next coat. If you are painting a light color over darker cabinets, several coats may be needed.

Step 10: Seal the paint with a semi- or high-glass protective finish.

For this step, using a paintbrush will give the cabinets the smoothest results. Apply two coats of the sealant, allowing each coat to dry fully before applying the next one.

Step 11: Replace the hardware and hang the cabinets.

Even though the cabinets are dry and ready to be used, use gently cleansing products when cleaning the cabinets. Harsh chemicals or vigorous scrubbing will remove the paint.

To paint over Formica cabinets/furniture, sand the Formica with 120- or 150- grit sandpaper. Use a damp cloth to remove the sanding dust. Apply two coats of a thick primer, allowing each coat to dry in between. Apply the paint. Seal the paint with a semi- or high-gloss finish.

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on July 12, 2022.

This article and its contents are owned by Ready To DIY and was first published on 07/12/2022.

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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on July 12, 2022.

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