Malimine Cabinets: Painting Tips And Tricks

Painting melamine cabinets can be a tricky task, but it's possible to achieve a smooth and professional finish with the right tools and preparation. Melamine, often used for kitchen cabinets due to its durability and low cost, is a type of laminate with a smooth, non-absorbent surface that can be challenging to paint. However, with the correct products and techniques, you can successfully paint melamine and give your kitchen a fresh new look.

Prepare the surface by sanding and cleaning

To prepare the surface of your melamine cabinets for painting, you'll need to sand and clean them. This process will help the paint adhere properly and give you a smooth, professional-looking finish. Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing melamine cabinet surfaces:

Sanding:

• Set up your workspace by laying down drop cloths or tarpaulins to protect the floor and any nearby objects. Ensure adequate ventilation by opening windows and setting up fans.
• Lightly sand the cabinet surfaces with 120- to 150-grit sandpaper. You can use a sander for larger areas and pay close attention to edges and details. The goal is to create a matte finish by removing the glossiness of the surface without damaging the thin wear layer of the melamine.
• Alternatively, you can use a liquid deglosser as a quicker method to achieve the same result. Apply it with a paintbrush, let it sit for about 15 minutes, then wipe it off. Work in a well-ventilated area when using liquid deglosser.
• After sanding, use a tack cloth to wipe away all the dust, checking joints and corners for any remaining dust. You can also vacuum or sweep away the dust first, followed by a tack cloth for a thorough clean.

Cleaning:

• Clean the surfaces with a trisodium phosphate (TSP) detergent solution. Mix 4 ounces (110 grams) of TSP powder with 2 gallons (7.6 litres) of warm water. Use a sponge to wipe down the surfaces and then rinse with clean water and a rag. Remember to wear gloves when using TSP to protect your skin.
• For an extra thorough clean, you can wipe down the surfaces with mineral spirits and clean, lint-free cloths after using the TSP solution. Allow the surfaces to dry completely.

Once you've finished sanding and cleaning, your melamine cabinet surfaces will be ready for the next steps in the painting process, such as priming and painting. Remember to take your time and work in a well-ventilated area to ensure the best results.

Choose the right paint and brushes

Painting melamine is a challenging task, but choosing the right paint and brushes can help you achieve a high-quality finish. Here are some tips to guide you through the process:

Choose the Right Paint

The key to successfully painting melamine is achieving a strong bond between the paint and the surface. Melamine is a smooth and non-absorbent material, so it's important to select paint that is specifically designed for this purpose. Here are some options to consider:

• Urethane-reinforced paint: Urethane-reinforced products are more expensive than ordinary acrylic-latex paints, but they offer better scratch resistance and adhesion to challenging surfaces like melamine.
• Johnstone's Revive Cupboard Paint: This paint is designed for MDF and melamine cupboards and is available in a range of colours.
• Real Milk Paint: This paint requires no bonding primer, even on melamine surfaces. It is a natural, non-toxic option that is easy to work with and clean up.
• Quick-drying water-based satinwood paint: This type of paint can provide a smooth and durable finish, but be sure to choose a reputable brand to ensure the best results.

Prepare the Surface

Before painting, it's crucial to prepare the melamine surface properly. Here are the steps you should follow:

• Degloss the surface: Use sandpaper or liquid deglosser to roughen the surface and remove the glossy finish. This step is important because it helps the paint adhere better to the melamine.
• Clean the surface: After sanding, use a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris. Ensure the surface is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.
• Prime the surface: While some paints may not require a primer, it is generally recommended to use one. A primer will improve adhesion and ensure better paint coverage.

Select the Right Brushes and Rollers

When it comes to application tools, foam rollers and brushes are typically recommended for melamine surfaces. These tools will help you achieve a smooth, brush-mark-free finish. For tight areas, you can use a synthetic brush, such as the Hamilton Prestige Trade Synthetic Brushes. If you prefer, you can also use a spray-painting device for an even smoother finish.

Remember, painting melamine can be tricky, and the results may not be as durable as the original finish. Always do a small test area first and follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.

Repair any damage

Before painting malimine cabinets, it is important to repair any damage to ensure a smooth and professional finish.

First, wipe down the damaged area with a reliable cleaner such as Tri-Sodium Phosphate, then let it dry. Next, use paintable putty or filler to even out any scratches or nicks. Spread the filler product with a putty knife, evening out the area until it blends with the malimine surface. Finally, use a clean, lint-free cloth to wipe around the repaired area.

If the melamine coating has come loose, you can reattach it using an instant adhesive such as Super Glue or Krazy Glue. However, if larger areas of the coating are loose, it is best to remove the loose or peeling plastic coating and paint the cabinets. Sand the surface to smooth the transition between the bare wood and plastic coating, then vacuum any dust and wipe the cabinet with a damp cloth.

Repairing any damage before painting is crucial to achieving a high-quality finish on your malimine cabinets. It ensures that the paint adheres properly and that the final result is durable and aesthetically pleasing.

Remove cabinet hardware

Painting melamine cabinets can be challenging, so it is best to remove all the hardware from your cabinets before you start. If you don't want to take the hinges off, cover them with painter's tape to protect them from paint. You can also use a small piece of tape to cover the hardware holes to prevent paint from dripping into them.

To remove the hardware, first, open the cabinet and loosen the screws on the back of the hardware. Hold the hardware in place while you do this. Then, remove the screws and take off the hardware. If you are replacing the hardware with a new style, you will need to fill in the old holes with wood putty. Choose a putty that closely matches the colour of your cabinets. Use your finger to push the putty into the hole, then use a putty knife to smooth it over. You can paint over the filled hole if needed.

If you are not replacing the hardware, keep it in a safe place until you are ready to reinstall it. Painted cabinets can take up to 30 days to cure, so be careful with them in the meantime.

Prime the surface

Priming the Surface

Priming the surface of your malimine cabinet is a crucial step in ensuring that the paint adheres well and that your paint job is long-lasting. Here is a step-by-step guide to priming your malimine cabinet:

Step 1: Sand the Surface

Use 120-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the surface of the cabinet. This process will create a rough texture on the otherwise smooth and non-absorbent surface of the malimine, allowing the primer to adhere better. Be careful not to apply too much pressure when sanding, as you could risk damaging the thin wear layer of the malimine.

Step 2: Clean the Surface

After sanding, it is important to clean the surface to remove any dust or residue. Use a damp cloth or a tack cloth with light pressure to wipe down the surface. You can also use mineral spirits and clean, lint-free cloths for this step. Ensure that you wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid leaving any fibres or residue behind.

Step 3: Choose the Right Primer

Not all primers are created equal when it comes to malimine surfaces. Choose a primer that is specifically designed to adhere to smooth and non-absorbent surfaces. Some recommended primers include the Insl-X bonding primer and the Johnstone's Speciality Any Surface Primer. If you are using a water-based paint, it is essential to select a water-based primer as well.

Step 4: Apply the Primer

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying the primer. Typically, you will use a paintbrush for the edges and tight spots and a roller for the flat areas. Make sure to maintain a wet edge while painting by overlapping the edge of each painted section with fresh primer before the previous section dries. Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions, which may be at least 6 hours or more.

Step 5: Lightly Sand the Primed Surface (Optional)

Depending on the primer used, you may need to lightly sand the surface after the primer has dried. This step will help knock down any rough texture left by the primer. Use 180-grit sandpaper for this step, and be sure to remove any dust with a tack cloth afterward.

Step 6: Apply a Second Coat of Primer (Optional)

For maximum adhesion and a longer-lasting finish, consider applying a second coat of primer, especially if the first coat appears uneven or incomplete. Follow the same application process as before and allow the second coat to dry completely.

Frequently asked questions