Clean, sand, prime and paint melamine or laminate surfaces so the paint bonds and lasts, start to finish.
PM-01Clear the area and remove hardwareTake off door handles, hinges and drawer runners if you can, and keep the screws together in a labelled bag. Lay a dust sheet down and open a window, as sanding and priming make dust and fumes. Move anything you don't want splashed.
PM-02Degrease and clean the surfaceWash the whole surface with sugar soap and warm water, paying extra attention to kitchen cabinets where grease builds up near the hob and handles. Rinse with clean water and dry fully with a lint-free cloth. Paint will not stick over grease, so don't skip this.
PM-03Sand to key the surfaceMelamine and laminate are too smooth for paint to grip, so scuff the whole surface with 120-180 grit sandpaper or a fine abrasive pad until it looks dull all over. You don't need to remove the shine completely, just break it up evenly. Wipe away the dust with a slightly damp cloth, then a tack cloth to lift the fine powder.
PM-04Mask edges and fittingsRun masking tape along any edges meeting walls, worktops or tiles, and over hinges you couldn't remove. Press it down firmly so paint can't creep underneath. Take your time here, as a neat mask line makes the finished job look far more professional.
PM-05Apply a specialist bonding primerUse a primer made for melamine and laminate, not a standard wall primer, as ordinary primer will peel straight off. Apply one thin, even coat with a brush or foam roller, working in the direction of the grain or panel. Leave it to dry fully following the tin's timing, usually around 1 hour touch-dry and longer before recoating.
PM-06Lightly sand between coatsOnce the primer is fully dry, sand it gently with 240 grit sandpaper to knock off any raised grain or brush marks. Wipe the dust off with a tack cloth before moving on. This step keeps the finished paint smooth rather than gritty.
PM-07Apply the first topcoatChoose a hard-wearing paint suited to kitchens and furniture, such as an acrylic eggshell or satin designed for laminate surfaces. Apply a thin, even coat with a brush for edges and a foam roller for flat areas, and avoid overloading the roller as it causes drips. Let it dry for the time stated on the tin before touching it.
1 750ml tin · Hard-wearing eggshell or satin paint
PM-08Apply a second topcoatOnce the first coat is fully dry, check for any thin patches and apply a second even coat for full coverage and a durable finish. Two thin coats last much longer than one thick one, so resist the urge to load the roller. Leave it to dry undisturbed.
PM-09Cure, reassemble and tidy upLeave the paint to cure fully before heavy use, wiping down or reattaching handles, even though it may feel dry to touch sooner. Most kitchen paints need around 7 days to cure hard, so avoid scrubbing or knocking the surface until then. Peel off the masking tape, refit any hardware you removed, and clear away dust sheets and rubbish.
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