Clean the Cabinets

• Soap and water can be used to clean the cabinets. Owners also can use a cleaning agent designed for wooden or veneered cabinets. Remove any grease or dirt from the cabinets before starting the project. For laminate or similar materials, tougher cleaning agents are appropriate.
  
  

Sand the Surface

• Use a 150- to 200-grit sandpaper and rub it lightly over the cabinets. This will prepare the surface for painting by allowing better adherence. Use sandpaper on any type of veneer. Rub lightly and along the grain if the cabinet veneer is wooden.
  
  

Primer Application

• Apply a primer. This Old House recommends spray-applied primers for laminate materials. Painted-on primers are also appropriate, though they are best used with wooden veneers rather than laminate. Primer prevents the old color from bleeding through the new color and is especially important when putting a lighter paint over a darker veneer.
  
  

Paint the Cabinet

• Once the primer is completely dry, which takes anywhere from a few hours to overnight depending on the specific product, the paint is ready to go on. Apply a thin coat of paint to the cabinets. Paint over the thin coat with another thin coat and gradually build up to the preferred paint thickness.