I would like to know what the pros and cons are of painting formica cabinet boxes. If it can be done satisfactorily, how should the surface be prepped and what paint products do you recommend?

 

First I don't recomend painting formica!!!

If you just have to, agressively sand the formica and prime with pigmented shellac and finish with an oil base enamel.

Sooner or later some of the paint will lose it's bond to the formica.

 

I have to agree with marksr on all points

 

I concur that paint will NOT stick to formica satisfactorily.

If you really are set on using paint, then you could nail some thin plywood over the existing formica because you can paint plywood. I expect you'll have to predrill pilot holes through the plywood and formica for the nails.

 

For an informative article on painting laminate cabinets, go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/21/AR2005092100593.html

 

Thanks Twelvepole....I think you gave me the answer I was hoping for. I am having new cabinet doors made for a bathroom and only want to paint the cabinet boxes, which I have been told are laminated contractor grade, not true formica. The article you recommended was very informative. I was going to use either one of the Zinsser primers (Bulls-Eye 123 or B-I-N) but would prefer to use the Diamond Hard Acrylic Enamel by Yenkin-Majestic. Unfortunately I cannot find a retailer for the product. Any suggestions???? Do you think the Diamond Hard is the best approach given my situation or should I reconsider one of the other products???