But swapping out hardware is a game changer. Found some cool vintage knobs at the thrift store for like a buck each and it made the whole thing look intentional, even with the chips.
That’s honestly one of my favorite tricks—hardware makes such a difference, especially when you’re working with a tight budget. I’ve rescued more than one tired cabinet with nothing but a handful of quirky pulls and a bit of elbow grease.
About the paint chipping: laminate is just notoriously stubborn. Even with sanding and bonding primer, it’s tough to get paint to really stick long-term, especially in high-traffic spots like around handles. I’ve had better luck using a deglosser before sanding, then going overboard with the sanding (like, get it almost dull everywhere), and finishing with two coats of a high-adhesion primer. But even then, kids can be brutal—mine managed to chip the finish off a supposedly “bulletproof” paint job in less than six months.
If you’re still dealing with chips but don’t want to redo the whole thing, consider camouflaging them. Sometimes I’ll use a little colored wax or even a matching Sharpie to touch up small nicks. Or, if you’re feeling creative, lean into it—add some intentional distressing or pattern with stencils so the chips look like part of the design. It’s not always perfect, but it can make imperfections feel less accidental.
Another trick I’ve tried: peel-and-stick wallpaper or contact paper on cabinet faces. It’s surprisingly durable if you seal the edges with clear caulk, and you can swap it out when it starts looking tired. Not everyone loves the look, but for renters or anyone on a shoestring budget, it’s worth considering.
Honestly, sometimes those little shortcuts are worth it just for the satisfaction of seeing something old look new again... even if it’s not perfect. And hey, vintage knobs for a buck? That’s a win no matter what.
- Swapping hardware really does a lot, but I’ve found it’s easy to overthink matching styles—sometimes the mix-and-match look works better than expected.
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— I’ve done the Sharpie thing too, but if you have a bunch of chips, wood filler + a tiny brush of matching paint can help smooth things out (at least for a while).“Sometimes I’ll use a little colored wax or even a matching Sharpie to touch up small nicks.”
- For laminate, I tried Zinsser BIN primer after sanding and it held up better than anything else, but yeah... nothing’s totally kid-proof.
- Peel-and-stick wallpaper is underrated. Did my bathroom vanity with it and sealed the edges like you mentioned—still holding up after a year.
- If you’re really stuck, swapping out just the doors (with basic plywood cut to size) can be cheaper than replacing the whole cabinet. Not always worth it, but sometimes it’s less hassle than endless patching.
Mix-and-match hardware can actually look intentional if you keep the finishes in the same family—sometimes it’s more interesting than a perfect match. On the Sharpie trick, I’ve seen it work for quick fixes, but if you want something to last, a little sanding and touch-up paint does hold up better. For laminate, BIN primer is solid, but I’ve had better luck with scuff sanding and two coats of a bonding primer before paint. Swapping just the doors is a smart move if the boxes are still solid—plywood’s cheap and you can edge-band for a cleaner look. Sometimes it’s less work than trying to patch up particleboard that’s already falling apart.
For laminate, BIN primer is solid, but I’ve had better luck with scuff sanding and two coats of a bonding primer before paint. Swapping just the doors is a smart move if the boxes are still solid...
Swapping just the doors is a solid move, especially if you’re dealing with old particleboard boxes. I’ve done that a few times—saves a ton versus full replacement. Also, don’t underestimate peel-and-stick backsplash for a quick facelift. It’s cheap, easy, and renters love it.
