Transform kitchen laminate cupboards with a modern makeover through DIY painting techniques
In 2025, kitchen cabinet colours and styles are set to make a bold statement, with a variety of hues and textures captivating homeowners and designers alike. From the tranquil charm of soft earth tones to the sophistication of navy and charcoal, the new year promises a vibrant and exciting kitchen landscape.
Two-tone cabinets are set to be a key trend, with bold lower cabinets paired with lighter upper cabinets creating contrast and visual interest. Navy lowers with white uppers, or light blue with walnut, are gaining significant popularity. Warm earth tones and natural textures, such as cream, mushroom, and walnut, bring a sense of warmth, texture, and a calm, sophisticated feel, moving slightly away from the all-white look.
Gray shades, both light and dark, are also on the rise. Light gray offers a modern, airy feel, while darker grays add depth and sophistication. Distressed gray finishes, reclaimed wood accents, vintage hardware, and open shelving complement gray cabinets for added character.
Beyond neutrals, some designers embrace vibrant colours like bubblegum pink, emerald green, sunshine yellow, and deep olive green for cabinet paint, especially on kitchen islands or lower cabinets, to make a major design statement. Classic whites remain timeless, with popular options like Classic White Shaker and Slim Dove White offering elegant, clean aesthetics that suit various kitchen styles.
Incorporating mixed materials, such as walnut interiors and marble details, adds richness and unique touches even in subtle cabinet designs. Professional painting ensures durable, long-lasting finishes that can transform your kitchen cabinets economically if they’re structurally sound.
Preparation is essential for a successful finish when painting kitchen cupboards. The first step is to prepare the area by removing doors and hardware and protecting surfaces with dust sheets. For large, flat areas, a random orbital sander is a better choice to ensure a smooth finish. Sanding is necessary to ensure that any paint adheres to a laminate surface. Use Aluminium Oxide sandpaper for plastic or laminated doors and wood surfaces.
Tikkurila Helmi 10 and Zinsser Allcoat are recommended paint options for painting laminate kitchen cupboards. Tikkurila Helmi Primer is recommended to be used before applying Tikkurila Helmi 10. An all-purpose primer should be applied evenly using an angled brush for any detailed areas. Avoid using varnish when painting laminate kitchen cupboards.
A four inch foam roller set is ideal for a smooth finish with all paint finishes. Kitchen cupboard surfaces should be cleaned with sugar soap to remove grease and dust before painting. Refreshing kitchen cabinets with paint is an affordable solution, according to Nick Parsons, Technical Manager at Harris.
Michael Rolland, the Managing Director at The Paint Shed, recommends using Zinsser BIN Primer as the first coat when painting laminate kitchen cupboards. A variable speed orbital sander can help reduce the hard work of sanding laminate doors. If prepped and painted properly with a high-quality paint and topcoat, a perfect finish on laminate kitchen cupboards can last for many years.
With these trends in mind, updating your kitchen with a fresh coat of paint has never been more exciting. Embrace the vibrant colours and textures of 2025 and transform your kitchen into a space that truly reflects your style.
- A contractor may be hired to paint the kitchen cabinets with bold, captivating hues that are expected to be popular in 2025, such as navy and charcoal, for a bold statement.
- The contractor might suggest a design with two-tone cabinets, featuring contrasting lower and upper cabinets, such as navy lowers with white uppers or light blue with walnut.
- As an alternative, the contractor could guide the homeowner towards warm earth tones and natural textures, like cream, mushroom, and walnut, for a warm, sophisticated feel.
- The contractor may choose to use tools like a random orbital sander for larger, flat areas, and Aluminium Oxide sandpaper for plastic or laminated doors and wood surfaces, to ensure a smooth finish.
- The contractor may recommend Tikkurila Helmi 10 or Zinsser Allcoat as paint options for laminate kitchen cupboards, with Tikkurila Helmi Primer used as a primer before application.
- To prepare for painting, the contractor will need to remove doors and hardware, protect surfaces with dust sheets, and clean the kitchen cupboard surfaces with sugar soap to remove grease and dust.
- By following these steps and using high-quality paint and topcoat, the contractor can ensure that the refreshed kitchen cabinets not only reflect the homeowner's lifestyle but also last for many years, making a positive impact on the home's overall design and home-and-garden aesthetic.
