Updating laminate kitchen cabinets

9 years ago

Doing lots of home updates this year. So far, we've painted our interior Requisite Gray from Sherwin Williams as well as ripped up all our lower level flooring in favor of refinishing our concrete slab. I'm making sure to coordinate everything as our kitchen, dining and living are all one big room. I love the paint and I love the floors and now it's time to tackle the kitchen cabinets. They're only four years old and in good condition but I HATE the color. Reddish wood tones are my least favorite. However, in researching what to do to update them, I've discovered that very little of their construction is actual wood. They are about 90% comprised of some sort of pressed wood laminate/paper laminate. I really wanted to brighten up the space with lighter colored cabinets (we have black granite countertops and a darker floor) but now I'm stuck. New cabinets are absolutely not in the budget... Can I paint these? Gel stain? Will either of those be durable and hold up against my three kids? And if so, what are the best products to use for fake wood? (We'll be changing the backsplash as well...)

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Comments (3)

PRO
Sabrina Alfin Interiors
9 years ago
Hmmm. Tough problem. If replacing the cabinets is not in the budget, I think I would leave them as is, but just do some cosmetic fixes to make the cabinets coordinate better with your concrete floor. To me, concrete floors are a more industrial look. Perhaps you can consider new cabinet doors that have flat panels with sleek modern hardware. Then maybe go with a more modern backsplash, e.g. stacked subway or linear tile.

See the photos below as examples. Obviously your wood would be the same as the current cabinets.
Lea Hartman thanked Sabrina Alfin Interiors
beanie1922
9 years ago
The cabinets can be painted if you used a primer like Glidden Gripper so the paint will stick. Or you could do as Sabrina suggested and get new doors. Painting cabinets is a lot of work, with tons of prep but can be really transformational. Just invest in a qualify paint . PPG, Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore all make specialty paint for jobs like this. And while not as durable as stain, good paint wears well with a good paint job and proper cure time. And good cabinet hardware.

The good thing about laminate or MDF doors ia they are much wasisd to paint than stained wooden doors. I would price out new doors and compare to the time and labor to paint them. Barker sells doors pre-primed and I've heard good things about Scherr's and Conestoga. If you happen to be near Southern Mississippi I aldo know of a custom cabinet door builder who does awesome work.
Lea Hartman thanked beanie1922
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PRO
The Kitchen Place
9 years ago
More likely than not, your cabinets have a slight 1/4" recessed side. Find out what cabinet brand they are. Then purchase 1/4" skins to apply to the fake vinyl/paper end panels. If your island back panel is the same, order that too.

If you plan on painting everything, then just purchase 1/4" veneer paneling unfinished or pre-primed and paint away.

I'm sure you can paint the vinyl ends, but the wood will probably be a better material to paint.