How to paint laminated surfaces / Painting laminated wardrobes and kitchens

While painting and decorating in Dublin, we are often asked is it possible to hand-paint laminated, wood or fake wood wardrobes and kitchens? Often people have grown tired of their old kitchen and bedroom furniture and think “would it be possible to paint laminate? Well with the new primers and paints on the market today, it is completely possible to hand-paint any laminated kitchen or bedroom furniture, breathing new life and light into your home.

It is best of course to get a professional painter who knows how to hand paint cabinets and furniture, as it is not easy. But if you are going to try it your self, you will need the following. “Bin” Primer, this is a stain block, “Knotting” agent and grip primer, which helps the paint adhere to the surface. This is a shellac based product so use a cheeper brush for this as you throw it away afterwards. You will need a mask for fumes also. One coat of “bin” primer, followed by two undercoats (water based) and two finish coats (water based egg shell) will do the job. Best use a good paint brush for the undercoat and finish coats. “Purdy” paint brushes are a very good brand.

These are the before photos of a laminate kitchen that we were asked to re-paint. Our client had grown tired of the brown colour and wanted to update and refresh their kitchen without the cost of installing a new kitchen.

Here you can see the after photos of this laminate kitchen after we hand-painted it. We hand-painted in “Stirrup Steel” by Colourtrend. We also spray-painted the handles in silver to complete the kitchen transformation!