Best Means of "Painting" a Cabinet

[TheGatesofBill]

I was wondering what the best way to "paint" a cabinet was. I was planning on just using black spray paint, but it seems alot of people use black contact paper instead. I was wondering which was better / more popular / whatever.

[kspiff]

Contact paper is crap.. paint chips.. the best solution is a steady hand (stuff ain't cheap! ), black/white melamine, and laminate/formica.

Just my $0.02.

[paigeoliver]

You will get a better paint job using a roller, unless you are very experienced with spray cans.

If you build out of plywood rather than particle, then you can stain instead of paint. I stripped and stained a gutted painted over Galaxian cabinet once and then installed a Top Gunner kit with NOS sideart, and it looked great, and didn't look strange at all. Fit right in with all the other cabinets I had. If I ever build again, or have to totally refinish again, then I will go with stain instead of paint.

Woodgrain laminate is also a good choice, and is very authentic since a lot of cabinets have it.

If you do choose to paint by hand, then go with a light color. Peach, yellow, pale blue, sea green, and pink are all good choices. Light colors are much easier to work with, and hide mistakes very well.*



*The same goes for painting cars. I remember reading in Hot Rod once that the best color for an amateur painter/bodyworker is yellow.

[Frostillicus]

Nobody used contact paper - maybe laminate.   Just seal it good with a Sanding Sealer if you are using wood, and get one of those 'fine' synthetic rollers from HD.  If you're using MDF, prime it and do the same.

[Spaced Invader]

Yes, use a roller. Don't spray...very hard to get an even, no run, professional looking, cab with spray paint. Also, don't paint heavy; use lots of coats and allow for drying between. A good paint job should take a while. I recommend primer before painting, sanding (lightly) between coats, and a sealer after any artwork has been applied. I've heard satin hides painting sins better than flat or high gloss paints...anyone feel free to correct me.  

[TheGatesofBill]

Woodgrain laminate is also a good choice, and is very authentic since a lot of cabinets have it.

Actually, it is already covered in woodgrain laminate. But I don't like the way it looks and it is damaged around the edges (just the laminate, the cabinet itself seems fine).

[TalkingOctopus]

I used a roller and black super satin paint.  I am happy with how it turned out.

[AlanS17]

I was stupid. I used a brush. It didn't work well. I don't recommend it. Period...

[helios]

If you want a REALLY nice looking paint job, get yourself a paint gun, and spray the whole thing with a High-Gloss POR-15. It's a rust sealant/rubbery paint and is EXTREMELY thick. It wont chip, peel, etc., and looks really nice if done right. I don't know--maybe too much work for some people.

[xbradx]

i just finished painting mine.

at first i tried spray paint. that was a mistake and a lot of wasted money. even with one coat primer and 3 coats of black spray paint it didn't look even or right.

get a quart or two of satin paint and just roll it. i did that yesterday and it looks great.

[TheGatesofBill]

OK, sounds like I should use black satin paint and roll it on. Sounds good.

[Apollo]

Make sure you prepare the laminate correctly. You need to sand and then seal it with a good primer made specifically for "hard to paint" surfaces like laminate. It is more expensive but you won't regret it.