Painting Formica cabinets
Posted on 15. Jun, 2009 by HarrietO
in Kitchens and Baths
I live in a small Condo with a very small Galley size kitchen.... The cabinets are white formica with wood trim on the bottom.... The same as those from the 70's or 80's.... I haven't any money... so, I thought I could update them with paint at least....
As far as color.... The adjoining room is white w/terra cotta on focal wall..... So I would need to compliment the work area of the kitchen accordingly....
My main question is weather or not I can find a paint that will stick to the formica??
404 cleaner?
What is 404 cleaner...is it similar to formula 409?
I meant 409 Cleaner
Sorry for the error. We used 409 cleaner 50/50 mixture and it worked fine
Same Cabinets - same problem
I have the same cabinets and thought my only alternative to update these outdated cabinets was to replace them, which is way out of my budget. I was happy to see that they can be painted.
Besides having these relics, the previous owners took out the dishwasher they had and replaced it with two mis-matched wooden drawers - which I will have to sand and paint as well.
I was wondering what you meant by "tape the wooden trim"? Don't I have to sand the wooden trim as well?
Taping wood trim
If you are not going to paint them then you would tape them with the blue or green painters tape to prevent the paint from getting on them. Otherwise you could paint the trim, but I don't think it would look so good. Consider sanding the wooden trim and then restaining them. More work but it might give those old cabinets some new life. Hope this helps. If you have more questions, let me know.
Painting formica cabinets
Yes you can find paint that will stick to formica cabinets. That's the least of your problems though. The biggest job is to prepare the formica cabinets. Then you'll prime them and apply two coats of paint. In the end you'll have a nice looking kitchen.
We recommend that you use one coat of Zinsser's latex-based Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer-Sealer and then apply two coats of Benjamin Moore® Kitchen & Bath 100% Acrylic Latex Satin Finish N322.
Benjamin Moore claims that the paint is self priming, but in the case of your cabinets, we recommend that you prime them. The paint comes in a variety of colors and is a latex paint that is especially designed for ares that get water and moisture. It also has low VOCs. See our article for some suggested kitchen paint colors.
Just how well the paint will adhere will depend on how well you prepare the cabinets:1) Take off the cabinet doors and place the hardware (hinges and pulls/knobs in a solution of 404 cleaner. This usually cleans them up pretty good. Use an old tooth brush if they are in bad shape.
2) Wash the cabinet doors and frames with a 50/50 solution of household ammonia and water to remove cooking splatter from cabinets. Works equally well on walls. Do this twice if the cabinets are in bad shape. (Note you don't have to point the inside of the cabinet doors).
3) Lightly sand the cabinet doors and frames with 120 grit sand paper. Remember you only want to rough them up so that the primer will adhere to the surface. Either do this by hand or rent a small hand sander.It is messy so either close the door to the kitchen or hand some plastic sheeting. Buy a mask so you don't inhale all the dust.
4) Clean off the sanding with a damp cloth or tack cloth. Tape the wooden trim
5) Use Foam rollers and apply one coat of the primer. We usually give it 24 hours to completely dry.
6) User Foam roller and apply one coat of paint. After 8 hours apply the second coat.See label on paint can.
Send us a picture when you are done and describe how it went.
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