How to Replace Laminate Cabinet Facings

Remove each cabinet component you want to reface, such as the doors and drawers. Use a screwdriver to loosen screws, hardware and hinges for the doors.
Assign a code for each piece, such as DR1, DR2, etc. for the doors, and DW1, DW2, etc. for the drawers so you can put the doors and drawers back correctly at the end of the project. Mark the codes on a strip of masking tape and attach the coded strip on the inside panel of the door and on the bottom of the drawers.

Lightly sand the surfaces of the existing laminate. The roughened surface will help the adhesive adhere when you apply the new laminate pieces.

Measure the width and length of the facing surface for each door and drawer with a tape measure. Write the measurements next to the code for each component. Add 1-inch to each measurement. For example, if a door panel were to measure 18 inches wide by 30 inches long, you would write down 19 inches by 31 inches. Add the totals for each cabinet component to determine how much laminate material you need to purchase.

Lay the laminate sheets flat on the floor in a horizontal direction so you can make cuts as long and wide as possible and maximize your laminate material.

Mark the laminate sheets, starting with the measurements for the side strips. Then mark the measurements for the drawers or the next smallest pieces. Mark the largest pieces last, such as the door facings.

Cut the laminate pieces in the order you marked them with a circular saw. Label the back side of each piece according to your code.

Apply contact cement to back of the side strip pieces. Run a bead of the contact cement close to the edges of the new side strip pieces and then on the old laminate. Press the new side strip piece firmly into place with your hands, and then firmly glide a 4-inch hard rubber roller over the strips. Trim away any excess with a router saw.

Run beads along the perimeter of the backs of the next size pieces as close to the edge as possible. After applying the contact cement to the perimeter, apply a thick bead in an X-shape that runs from the upper left to the lower right corner and from the upper right corner to the lower left corner. Repeat the process on the old laminate. Press the new piece into place with your hand. Follow by rolling the rubber roller horizontally and then vertically over the entire surface. Continue until all components are attached.

Allow the contact cement to dry and cure for 24 hours, or according to the instructions on the label. Trim excess with the router saw and sand edges smooth where needed to complete your cabinet refacing project.