Are there any techniques out there that someone can share on how to paint kitchen cabinets that are pressed wood board topped with a sheet of formica? People have told me that it can be done, but I am a really nervous about it. I would like the look of wood. I am thinking of an Asian Contempory look? Maybe black? Any idea's?

hI-I am in the process of redoing my formica cabinets at this time, and have run into nothing but problems. After the fact, whatever you do, go into the Zinsser site (www.zinsser.com) and READ what they advise in preparation of the cabinets BEFORE tackling the job. This is the most important step in the process.
When I was thinking of doing this job-a month ago, I didnt think it was going to be a big deal. Now I am into my third time of sanding everything down and am at a loss as to why everything applied after the primer has been applied, things wont dry.Now that I have the primer on AGAIN, Im afraid to try the latex semi-gloss paint on it again. The process Im doing is with a glaze (pearl luster). The paint and glaze are both Latex semi gloss, and I am having just a heck of a time..this is the biggest challenge Ive ever gone through. Patience--I am feeling god-like!
Another thing also. Im sure when you remove the doors, you will notice that your hinges may have to be replaced. Take a look at the back, there is a plastic covering the springs. Nine time out of ten, theyll be cracked. Trying to find the special hinge in stores is literally imposssible. IF your doors have a bevelled edge, as mine do, you will need a hinge called reverse bevel edge hinge. If you are lucky enough to have a straight edge, you wont experience the problem of locating hinges in stores. The reverse bevel edge hinge comes in four finishes, polished chrome and three antique colors, nothing in black or white. I found my hinges at a site called woodworkershardware.com. Theyre located in MN and were the most reasonably priced, and arrived in 3 days.
I hope Ive been some help to you and also wish you the best of luck in tackling this job. For as much time as Ive put into this project, I wish now I had opted to just buy new or refaced. Also, paint stores, at least in my area dont seem to have the answers to problems associated with this finishing process, so keep searching the various sites that people like us have already entered info and gotten responses to their questions.

yes me too. I don't want to go through an expensive redo but I sure would like to do something to my cabinets.

I would like the same info! Please help!