Are you tired of looking at your old, dull, damaged cabinet? Do you want to give it a new life without spending much money buying one?
How to relaminate a cabinet can be an effective and budget-friendly way to breathe new life into your kitchen or bathroom without the need for an entire remodel. Over time, cabinet surfaces can become worn, faded, or outdated, making your space look tired.
By eliminating your cabinets, you can update their appearance with fresh color or texture, improving both aesthetics and functionality. The process involves removing the old laminate, prepping the surface, applying adhesive, and carefully placing the new laminate.
With some basic tools and materials and careful attention to detail, you can achieve a professional-looking finish that revitalizes your cabinets.
What Will You Need?
- Laminate sheets (available in various colors, patterns, and textures)
- Heat gun or iron
- Utility knife
- Screwdriver
- Sandpaper or sanding block
- Contact cement adhesive
- Foam roller or brush for applying adhesive
- Measuring tape
- Ruler or straight-edge
Once you have all the required materials, it’s time to get started!
10 Easy Steps on How to Relaminate a Cabinet
Step 1: Remove the Old Laminate
Begin by removing the old laminate from the cabinet surface. This task can be accomplished using a heat gun or an iron set to a low setting to heat the laminate gently. The heat softens the adhesive, making it easier to peel away. Carefully use a utility knife to lift the edges of the laminate. Start at one corner and work across the surface, applying consistent heat and slowly peeling the laminate.
Take care not to damage the underlying substrate, as this can affect the application of the new laminate. Once removed, thoroughly clean the surface to remove any remaining adhesive residue, ensuring a smooth and even foundation for applying the new laminate.
Step 2: Prepare the Cabinet Surface
With the old laminate removed, preparing the cabinet surface for the new material is crucial. Begin by using sandpaper or a sanding block to smooth out any rough spots or uneven areas left by the old adhesive. This step ensures better adhesion and a flawless finish for the new laminate. After sanding, wipe down the surface to remove any dust and debris.
Clean the surface thoroughly using a damp cloth and allow it to dry completely before moving on to the next step. A clean and well-prepared surface is critical to achieving a professional and durable result.
Step 3: Measure and Cut the New Laminate
Accurate measurement is essential to ensure that the new laminate fits perfectly. Use a measuring tape to record the dimensions of the cabinet surfaces that will be covered. Transfer these measurements to the new laminate sheets, allowing a slight overhang on all edges for precise trimming later.
Mark the cutting lines clearly on the laminate with a ruler or straight edge. Carefully cut the laminate to size using a utility knife, ensuring straight and clean cuts. Take your time during this process to avoid mistakes that could lead to wastage or an improper fit. Preparing the laminate accurately will make the application smoother and the result more polished.
Step 4: Apply Adhesive to the Cabinet Surface
With the laminate pieces ready, it’s time to apply the adhesive to the cabinet surface. Using a foam roller or brush, evenly spread the contact cement adhesive on the cabinet area where the new laminate will be placed. Ensure a thin,
consistent layer to prevent lumps or uneven adhesion. It’s important to let the adhesive set for a few minutes until it becomes tacky, as this will provide a stronger bond once the laminate is in position. Be cautious to avoid any spots, as uniform coverage is crucial for a lasting result.
Step 5: Apply Adhesive to the Laminate
Once the adhesive has been evenly applied to the cabinet surface, it’s time to address the backside of the laminate itself. Using the identical foam roller or brush, spread a thin, uniform layer of contact cement adhesive on the backside of the laminate pieces. Just like on the cabinet surface, ensure complete coverage to avoid gaps that could lead to bubbles or laminate lifting.
Allow the adhesive on both the cabinet and the laminate surfaces to become tacky. This means giving it a few minutes to set, which is vital for achieving a strong and secure bond. When the adhesive reaches the right tacky consistency, it becomes easier to position the laminate precisely without it slipping out of place, ensuring a refined and professional finish.
Step 6: Position and Apply the Laminate
After both the cabinet surface and the laminate pieces have become tacky from the adhesive application, it’s time to position the laminate. Carefully line up the edges of the laminate with the cabinet surface, starting from one corner to ensure accuracy. Once aligned, gently press down on the laminate, applying even pressure across the entire surface to secure it in place.
Use a roller or a flat tool to smooth out any air bubbles, working from the center towards the edges. This will help achieve a tight and clean fit, preventing any future lifting or bubbling. If there is any excess laminate overhanging the edges, it will be trimmed later. Take extra care during this step to avoid misalignment, as repositioning the laminate might be difficult once adhered to.
Step 7: Trim the Excess Laminate
With the laminate securely placed on the cabinet surface, it’s time to trim the excess material for a neat finish. Using a sharp utility knife, carefully cut away any overhanging laminate along the edges of the cabinet. Use a ruler or straight edge as a guide to ensure straight and precise cuts. Take your time with this step to avoid damaging the installed laminate.
Smooth out the edges by lightly sanding them, creating a seamless transition between the laminate and the cabinet edges. This step will give the cabinets a professional look and prevent the laminate edges from catching or peeling.
Step 8: Final Touches and Inspection
After the trimming process, take a step back to inspect the entire cabinet for any imperfections or areas that may need additional attention. Check the laminate’s surface for air bubbles, using a flat tool to press them out if necessary gently. Ensure that all edges are smooth and well-aligned and that the laminate is securely adhered without any loose spots.
If any adhesive residue is visible, carefully clean it off with a damp cloth or a mild solvent suitable for laminate surfaces. Once satisfied with the appearance and stability of the laminate job, allow the adhesive to cure fully according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 9: Apply Finishing Touches
Once the adhesive has fully cured, consider applying a protective finish to the laminate surfaces for enhanced durability and a polished look. Use a laminate sealant or a compatible varnish, following the product instructions for application. This final protective coat can guard against scratches, stains, and moisture, prolonging the life of the laminate.
Allow any applied sealant or finish to dry thoroughly before using the cabinets. Finally, reinstall any cabinet hardware, such as handles or knobs, ensuring they are securely fastened. With these final touches, your newly laminated cabinets should boast functionality and aesthetic appeal, offering a refreshed look to your space.
Step 10: Enjoy Your Newly Laminated Cabinets
With all the hard work completed, it’s time to enjoy your kitchen or workspace’s refreshed look and renewed functionality. Stand back and admire the transformation the laminate has brought to your cabinets, enhancing their appearance and durability.
I appreciate the smooth, seamless finish and the vibrant appeal that the laminate provides. As you start using the cabinets in your daily routine, you’ll benefit from their improved resistance to wear and tear. Remember to maintain them by cleaning them with a soft, damp cloth to preserve their shine and longevity. Congratulate yourself on a job well done and the refreshing update to your space!
Following these steps, you can laminate your cabinets and elevate their look and functionality.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Skipping Surface Preparation: Never skip the crucial step of cleaning and sanding the surface before laminating. This ensures the adhesive sticks properly, leading to a longer-lasting finish.
- Using the Wrong Adhesive: Avoid using an adhesive that isn’t recommended for laminating cabinets. The wrong type can lead to poor adhesion and bubbling over time.
- Ignoring Temperature and Humidity: Excessive humidity or incorrect temperatures during application can compromise the adhesive’s performance, leading to peeling or warping of the laminate.
- Overlooking Safety Measures: Always wear protective gear, such as gloves and masks, to prevent exposure to potentially harmful chemicals and ensure personal safety during the process.
- Don’t Use Low-Quality Materials: Saving money using low-quality materials may seem cost-effective, but it can lead to frequent replacements and repairs in the long run. Invest in high-quality materials to ensure a durable and long-lasting finish.
Conclusion
How to relaminate a cabinet can be a cost-effective way to refresh your kitchen or bathroom without the expense of full replacements.
You can achieve a professional and durable finish by carefully preparing the surface, selecting the appropriate adhesive, and considering environmental conditions. Additionally, adhering to safety guidelines and prioritizing using high-quality materials will ensure your project succeeds and extends the cabinet’s lifespan.
Taking these precautionary steps will result in a product that effectively enhances your space’s aesthetic and withstands daily use.
