Laminate cabinets are incredibly common in homes across Mansfield, Columbus, Lexington, Ontario, Delaware, Dublin, and Powell, Ohio — and one of the most frequently asked questions we get is: “Can laminate cabinets be painted?” The short answer is yes. But the longer answer is: only if the right process and products are used.
At Willow & Wick Cabinet Coatings, we’ve successfully refinished laminate cabinets throughout Central and North Central Ohio. Here’s what you need to know.
✅ DO: Assess the Condition of Your Laminate First
Not all laminate cabinets are good candidates for refinishing. If the laminate is peeling, bubbling, or separating from the substrate, paint won’t fix the underlying problem — it will just cover it temporarily. During our free in-home consultation, we assess your laminate cabinets honestly and let you know if refinishing or refacing is the better path.
✅ DO: Use a High-Quality Bonding Primer
This is the most critical step when painting laminate. Standard primers won’t adhere properly to the slick laminate surface. A high-adhesion bonding primer is essential to create the foundation for a lasting finish. Willow & Wick uses professional-grade bonding primers specifically formulated for non-porous surfaces.
✅ DO: Sand Between Coats
Proper sanding between primer and finish coats creates the mechanical adhesion needed for a durable result. Our process includes multiple sanding and wiping steps to ensure every coat bonds perfectly to the one beneath it.
❌ DON’T: Skip the Degreasing Step
Kitchen cabinets accumulate years of grease, cooking oils, and grime — especially around handles and near the stove. Painting over a greasy surface is one of the most common reasons DIY cabinet paint jobs fail. We thoroughly degrease and clean every surface before any prep work begins.
❌ DON’T: Use Brush or Roller Application
Brushes and rollers leave texture, lap marks, and uneven coverage on laminate surfaces. The only way to achieve a truly smooth, factory-quality finish on laminate is with professional spray application — which is exactly what Willow & Wick uses on every project.
❌ DON’T: Use Consumer-Grade Cabinet Paint
Hardware store cabinet paints are not formulated for the demands of a kitchen environment. They chip, yellow, and peel far sooner than professional-grade products. Willow & Wick uses industrial-grade, low VOC water-based lacquer rated specifically for kitchen use — delivering a hard, ceramic-like finish that stands up to daily wear.
Leave Laminate Cabinet Painting to the Professionals
Laminate cabinets can look absolutely stunning when refinished correctly. Willow & Wick has the products, process, and expertise to deliver a flawless result — backed by our 1-year workmanship warranty.
Serving Mansfield, Lexington, Ontario, Columbus, Delaware, Dublin, Powell, and all of North Central Ohio. Contact us today for your free consultation.
📞 (419) 982-2209 | 📧 info@willowandwick.com | 🌐 willowandwick.com
