Melamine cabinets are found in countless kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and rental units. They are affordable, easy to clean, and consistent in color. The downside is that melamine chips, yellows, scratches, and ages faster than solid wood. That is why so many homeowners start searching for real solutions and eventually ask the same question: is painting melamine cabinets a good idea and will the finish last?
The short answer is yes. Painting melamine cabinets can completely refresh the look of your space without the cost of a renovation. The long answer is that melamine needs special preparation because it is smooth, slick, and designed to resist adhesion. Without proper prep, the paint will peel or scratch within weeks.
This guide covers everything you need to know before painting melamine cabinets, including what products to use, what mistakes to avoid, and how to get a factory smooth finish that holds up to daily use.
Melamine is a resin coating applied over particleboard or MDF. It is moisture resistant but not impact resistant, and it does not absorb paint like wood. This is why painting melamine cabinets requires sanding, degreasing, and a high‑adhesion primer.
Regular interior paint will not stick. Even the best quality wall paint will fail on melamine unless the surface is properly prepped. Think of melamine like a glossy plastic. If you want new color to bond, the surface needs grip, not shine.
Painting works well if:
If you fall into one of these categories, painting melamine cabinets is a smart way to get a big visual upgrade for a fraction of the cost of new cabinetry.
Painting may not be ideal if:
Paint cannot fix structural issues. Before painting melamine cabinets, make sure the base material is dry, solid, and stable.
This is where most homeowners go wrong. The goal is to create a toothy surface that allows the paint to bite and bond.
Painting around hinges and handles leaves ridges and uneven texture. Label doors to make reinstallation easy.
Melamine collects grease, steam residue, fingerprints, and oils. Use a degreaser or TSP substitute. This step is essential before painting melamine cabinets because any residue prevents adhesion.
Use 120 to 180 grit. You do not want to remove the melamine layer. You only want to dull the finish and remove the plastic sheen. Wipe the dust with a tack cloth.
This is the most important step. A high adhesion primer will make or break the entire project. Choose a bonding primer designed for slick surfaces like melamine, laminate, or tile.
Once primed, the surface feels slightly textured, which is ideal for painting melamine cabinets.
Use high quality furniture or cabinet paint, ideally in satin or semi gloss. These finishes are easier to clean and more durable than matte. Apply thin coats for a factory smooth result. Two to three coats is standard.
Melamine coatings take longer to cure. You can rehang doors after a day or two, but full hardness takes two to three weeks. Treat cabinets gently during this time.
If you want a long lasting finish, choose products designed for hard, smooth surfaces.
Top options include:
These products level well, cure hard, and resist scratches better than standard latex.
Choosing the right product can be the difference between a finish that lasts years and one that chips within months. This is why painting melamine cabinets successfully depends so heavily on product quality.
These mistakes cause peeling and chipping. Treat this project like refinishing, not wall painting, and you will get a much better outcome.
Technically yes, if you use a high bond primer. But sanding gives you the most reliable base. Even a quick scuff helps the primer grip far better. If you want the smoothest and longest lasting finish, light sanding is the safest approach.
This is one of the top questions people ask when researching painting melamine cabinets, and the answer always comes back to preparation.
A properly prepped melamine surface can last years with the right products. Expect:
Durability comes from the combination of primer strength, paint hardness, and gentle cleaning habits.
Whether you're painting a single room, refreshing your storefront, or managing a full-scale renovation, Pro Works Painting delivers the same level of professionalism and precision that’s made us Western Canada’s trusted painting company for over 30 years.
From prep to finish, our team focuses on clean lines, durable finishes, and efficient service that exceeds expectations — every time.
Your project will always be managed by an experienced franchise owner who ensures every detail is handled with care. Because at Pro Works, we don’t cut corners — we paint them.
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