Kitchen remodels are expensive and not always within a homeowner’s budget. The good news is that with the internet and a plethora of do-it-yourself programs and videos for reference, there are more affordable modifications that can be made to an outdated kitchen.
The main elements of a kitchen are the cabinets, appliances, floors, and countertops. This instructable will cover what can be done to fix up your old plastic laminate cabinet for a fraction of what new cabinets would cost.
For this project, you will need primer, paint, a brush, paint roller, wood glue, nails, putty, sandpaper, and a toolbox stocked with the basics. One of the most important supplies for this project is a good foundation. Try Sherwin Williams PrepRite Bonding Primer or any other reputable product.
To get started, the case doors need to be removed, just like any hardware. If the cabinets are worn, repair them accordingly. Use putty to fill the holes and if the laminate is pulling away from the door in any place, use wood glue and small nails to put the pieces back together. Be sure to allow adequate drying time as well. After making repairs, sand the surfaces to be painted and then clean them. These same steps must be performed for all surfaces to be painted; this includes the area around the cabinet doors.
From here, the painting can begin. Some like to apply painter’s tape to prevent paint from spilling in unwanted areas, this is the preference here. If you have a steady hand, painter’s tape may not be necessary. The primer needs to be applied first and can be done with a small paint roller. When using a paint roller, it’s best to work in a ‘w’ shape rather than applying in a straight up and down motion. After applying the primer to all surfaces, let it dry and start applying the first coat of your desired paint color. Continue layering until desired color is achieved.
In addition to painting the laminated plastic shell to spruce it up, new hardware can be added to reflect a more modern feel. Visit a local hardware store to explore options and find something that fits the overall design.
Updating old plastic laminate cabinets takes a few hours of work, but it’s a cost-effective way to update a kitchen. A new set of cabinets would cost a couple thousand dollars. This project can be completed for as little as $100. Try painting the plastic laminate cabinet in an old, outdated kitchen to save money.
