You may be wondering if painting melamine countertops or cabinets to update your kitchen is doable. A fresh coat of paint can make your kitchen look brand new. A coat of paint can make a kitchen look amazing, even if a complete remodel is out of your budget.
Chances are, if you’ve been in a modern house recently, you’ve probably encountered melamine. Melamine, also called MDL (Medium Density Laminate), is a similar material to plastic. It is laid on top of a pressboard and used for many purposes in homes built in the last 20 years. Melamine is a durable and versatile material that can be used for countertops and cabinets. It is also resistant to any spills or damage.
This article will discuss the differences between laminate and melamine, and give some tips on properly painting melamine. These steps will help you to transform your kitchen without the need for new countertops or cabinets.
What’s The Difference Between Melamine And Other Laminates?
Melamine is a very common material. Laminate is even more popular. Although they share some similarities, the two materials offer very different protection levels and are priced at different prices. Melamine is cheaper and has a thinner consistency. Melamine is often used inside cabinets, but it can also be used outside.
Although they may have different thicknesses, applying paint to melamine or laminate requires many of the same steps. It is important to complete the task properly and thoroughly. Painting cabinets is not an easy task. It takes a lot of preparation to get a high-quality finished product.
Properly Painting Melamine
You will need to get rid of any cabinets, doors, drawers, and hardware before you start painting any melamine surfaces. It is important that the paint coat covers all surfaces in order to achieve professional results. It will be difficult to reach every area without removing hardware.
Remove the doors from your melamine cabinets and place them in an area that can be painted. It will prevent paint from getting trapped in cracks or crevices by removing the drawers and doors. This helps prevent paint from dripping or accumulating in areas that are not dry.
Make Sure To Clean Thoroughly
Cabinets and countertops make up the most touch-sensitive areas in your kitchen. These surfaces are close to the stove and other kitchen appliances so grease can build up. Wipe down all surfaces with a high quality cleaner or degreaser before you start painting. The paint will not stick properly if you don’t remove grease.
Sand With Fine Grit Sandpaper
After cleaning the entire area, sand it using a fine-grit paper. The grit on sandpaper becomes finer as it is graded. A good grade number would be between 80 and 120. You could risk scratching the surface and making it very difficult to repair.
If the melamine surface has a grain, make sure you sand it in slow, gentle strokes. Gouging could be caused by sanding against the grain. It will need to re-sand properly. Melamine can be very difficult to sand, so it is best to avoid it.
Use A Primer With High Adhesion
Use a primer with high adhesion before applying the final finish. Spray cans usually contain a mix of adhesive and paint that create a matte, solid surface for you to paint on. To get the best results, spray the can at least 10-12 inches from the surface. Use long, consistent strokes for best results. This primer can also be brushed and rolled using a high-quality brush or roller cover.
Use a Semi-Gloss or Satin Paint to finish the job
Semi-gloss or satin paint is the best choice for finishing off your melamine surfaces. Glossy paint can attract dirt and grease even after drying, especially if you are painting high-touch areas like countertops.
Paint the surface with the grain. Use your paint sparingly. It’s possible to add more coats, but it’s better not to use too much. A thick coat can cause dry patches and uneven coverage.
Although it is possible to paint your melamine cabinets or countertops yourself, it can be quite time-consuming and difficult to do correctly. St.Pete Home Painters will paint your melamine countertops and cabinets for a fraction of the cost of replacing them if you aren’t comfortable with the task. Get a free estimate to see how simple it is!
St.Pete Home Painters is a locally-owned and operated painting company. For 15 years, we have been serving St.Pete residents with painters and contractors who are ex-firefighters who specialize in residential, or commercial, exterior painting, and interior painting. We work closely with customers to ensure their satisfaction when it comes to pricing and scheduling. Call us now for your free quote on painting melamine and check out our great customer google reviews!