How to Repaint a Particleboard Cabinet

Disassemble your particle board cabinet as much as possible. Remove hardware and set it aside in a container. Separate any detachable pieces and bring them to a well-ventilated area. Set them out on a drop cloth.

Fill any scratches or holes, if necessary, with putty or joint compound and a putty knife. When the filler dries, sand all surfaces with a fine-grit sandpaper. A light sanding, especially over veneer or laminated coverings your particleboard might have, will help primer and paint to adhere better.

Wipe all surfaces with a damp rag and vacuum up the dust.

Prime all surfaces and edges with two coats of a shellac primer. Shellac primer provides superior coverage that prevents fumes from coming through. It also adheres very well to surfaces, and paint adheres to it well, so it's an excellent choice if your cabinet has any laminated surfaces. Use a roller wherever possible and a brush to get into corners or tight spots, then shellac dry.

Paint the cabinet with an acrylic-latex paint in the color of your choice. Use a flat or eggshell paint for superior coverage. Acrylic latex paint adheres well to shellac and also acts as a sealer. Allow the paint to dry, and give the surfaces a second coat, if necessary.

Seal the piece by brushing on two coats of a clear polyurethane, allowing drying time between coats according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Reassemble your cabinets and reattach all hardware when dry.