For the best results, make sure that you follow each and every step. If you skip one or fail to give yourself enough time, you can end up with a streaky finish that peels.

1. Prepare the Space

   This is a big job, and you should expect to be out of your kitchen for a few days. Empty your worktop and remove anything from the cabinets that could get damaged while painting.
   
   Set up a small kitchen space with a microwave, electric kettle, and some snacks somewhere out of the work zone.
   
   Put down plastic sheeting over your floors, appliances, and furniture. Add painter’s tape anywhere that your cabinets meet the wall, worktop, or refrigerator.
   
   You will want a space to set out the cabinet doors while they are painted. A pop-up tent in your back garden will protect them from an afternoon drizzle or take over your basement or lounge.

2. Repair Loose and Cracked Laminate

   Use a worktop filler to even out any chips and glue down loose laminate edges. Don’t worry about matching colour, as the paint will hide the repair. A solid laminate surface will extend the life of your paint.

3. 3. Remove Cabinet Doors and Drawers

   Use your screwdriver to take down all the cabinet doors and then pull out the drawers.
   
   If you paint the doors and drawers in place, it is likely that they will end up getting stuck to the cabinet face. No matter how tempting it is to leave them there, do it!
   
   Number each door, drawer, and cabinet so that when it is time to reassemble, everything will fit the first time.
   
   Lay all the doors on the floor, lawn, or work table.

4. 4. Take Off the Knobs and Handles

   Your screwdriver will also help to remove all the hardware.
   
   Once again, if they are left in place you will end up with paint spots in all the wrong places. Besides, isn’t it time for some new knobs?

5. 5. Scrub the Cupboards

   The cabinet doors and faces must be completely clean in order for the paint to adhere to the surface.
   
   Wash them down with warm soap and water.
   
   Follow that up with a cleaner designed for laminate worktops and cabinets. This will remove as much grease and dirt as possible.

6. 6. Sand All Surfaces

   Laminate is a slick surface. Use a sanding block or power sander to knock the shine off of the cabinets.
   
   This gives the paint a better grip for a more durable finish.

7. 7. Apply Your Primer

   Before you begin, open the windows and turn on a fan.
   
   Primer serves to neutralize the existing colour and seal the laminate surface. Even if you use a paint that says one-coat paint-and-primer, you are going to need multiple coats.
   
   Primer is less expensive than paint and lets you use less paint on fewer coats.
   
   Make sure to read the primer label for drying time before applying your first coat of paint.

8. 8. Add Two Coats of Your Chosen Cabinet Paint

   Use a smaller sponge or smooth paint roller to apply the paint colour of your choice.
   
   Enamel cabinet paint is thicker than typical wall paint. It may look like you achieved full coverage after the first coat, but after it dries you will notice streaking. A second and even third coat eliminates that appearance.
   
   An angled brush helps to cut in on tight corners. Take your time to paint the edges before rolling out the major sections.
   
   Once again, wait for the recommended period between coats. If you do it too soon, you end up pushing the first layer around. It’s okay to wait overnight between coats.

9. 9. Flip the Doors and Do It Again

   If you put the doors and drawers back with only one side painted, your professional-looking job will be blown the first time you need a plate or glass.
   
   Paint all sides of the cabinets that are visible. Even the inside of the cabinets! You get a kitchen that looks like it was always that perfect shade of blue-grey.

10. 10. Let It Dry!

    You will need to let the final coat dry up to a full day before you can put everything back where it belongs.
    
    If you hang the doors before they are completely dry and cured, the paint can stick resulting in rips, peeling, and bubbling. Read the paint can!

11. 11. Add New Hardware

    Was this kitchen last updated sometime in the 1970s? Now is a good time to add some contemporary drawer pulls, hinges, and knobs.
    
    It’s a simple upgrade that will give a dramatic accent to your budget renovation.

12. 12. Reinstall Cabinets

    Pop your drawers and doors back in place. Use your matching numbers to speed up the life-size jigsaw puzzle.

13. Celebrate!

    You did it! Your kitchen hasn’t looked this awesome in years!