A fresh coat of paint makes your cabinets look brand new, but what happens when those smooth, shiny surfaces start peeling? Learn the essential strategies professional cabinet painters use to ensure that their work lasts. Humidity, heat, steam, and daily wear and tear all contribute to the deterioration of cabinet paint. But the right materials and techniques can make your cabinets resist peeling and chipping for a long time.
Apply Multiple Thin Coats of Paint
Cabinet Refinishing San Jose CA can transform the look and feel of a room, but it’s heartbreaking when those newly painted cabinets start to chip just a few months later. The good news is that there are simple steps you can take to prevent this from happening and give your cabinets a long-lasting rock-hard finish.
One of the most common reasons cabinet paint chips is because it’s too thick. Whether you do it yourself or hire an inexperienced painter, applying too much coat of paint leads to a sloppy, uneven surface that’s more prone to flaking. This doesn’t just ruin the appearance, but also can cause damage to the cabinet itself.
If you want your paint job to last, you need to embrace the power of multiple thin coats. This might sound counterintuitive, but trust us – it makes all the difference! Not only does this ensure smooth, even coverage that won’t chip or peel, but it offers several other functional benefits as well.
Achieving a desired color requires careful cleaning and prep before you can begin painting. This step is especially important if you’re doing a touch-up to existing surfaces. Leaving contaminants (such as grease or dust) on the surface can cause it to swell or chip away from the surrounding paint over time.
Once the surface is clean and ready for paint, it’s time to apply a few thin coats of your chosen hue. Remember to use smooth strokes with moderate pressure, and overlap each coat slightly for complete coverage.
While you may be tempted to rush the process and get your cabinets back in action, it’s important to allow each coat of paint to completely dry before touching or using them. This can take a few days, but it’s essential for ensuring your new finish will stand up to daily wear and tear.
Having an experienced cabinet painter help you with your home improvement project is an excellent way to make sure the results are exactly what you want and expect. Our professional team will create a beautiful new look for your home that’s sure to impress, and we’ll do it at a fraction of the cost of buying and installing new cabinets!
Wipe Up Spills and Splashes
Kitchen cabinets take a beating, and the wear and tear can show up in the form of peeling paint. Whether they’re scuffed, chipped or just looking worn, you can repair them with some quick DIY cabinet touch-up.
One common mistake made by inexperienced cabinet painters is not sanding the surface before painting or in between each coat of primer and paint. Light sanding helps the primer and paint adhere to the cabinets’ surface and provides a more resilient finish that won’t chip or peel over time.
It’s also important to wipe up spills and splashes as soon as they happen. Standing water or splatter can damage and weaken the surface, leading to chipping or peeling later on. You should also wipe off any wet towels or rags draped on the cabinets as quickly as possible to prevent moisture damage.
If you have any scuffed or chipped baseboards, I’ve found a super easy fix with custom tinted paint that matches your cabinets! It’s super cheap, quick and only takes a minute. You can even use it for a touch up on your doors! To find a matching color, go to the store and put whatever item you want to match the sheen of (kitchen baseboards work great!) under their cool Matchrite iVue machine. They’ll give you a sample of the tint, and it will match!
Avoid High Humidity
Paint adds a fresh touch to any space, making cabinets feel bright and clean. But the paint on your cabinets isn’t just about aesthetics; it also plays a practical role in protecting the wood from moisture and everyday wear. For this reason, it can be upsetting to notice the first signs of cabinet paint peeling. Luckily, understanding the root causes of peeling and chipping can help you keep your cabinets looking beautiful for years to come.
When you’re having your cabinets repainted, it’s important to follow the right steps to ensure the new finish holds up in humid conditions. High humidity can affect how the paint dries and bonds with the surface, so it’s crucial to avoid common mistakes that often lead to peeling, cracking, and chipping.
Some of these common mistakes include skipping surface prep and applying too thick a coat of paint. Lightly sanding the cabinet surface before painting and in between each coat of primer and paint helps to rough up the surface and create a smooth foundation that the new finish can bond with. It’s also essential to wait for the new finish to fully cure before using your cabinets again.
The type of stain or paint you choose can also impact how well the finish holds up in a humid environment. Choose products designed specifically for cabinetry or high-traffic areas. These types of paints and stains are formulated to resist moisture and wear, so they’ll last longer than standard interior paints. Adding a clear protective topcoat after staining can further protect your cabinetry from moisture and other damaging environmental factors.
Aside from avoiding these common mistakes, you can prevent cabinet paint peeling by using a cabinet liner or bumpers to prevent scratches and chips from cookware and utensils. It’s also a good idea to use non-abrasive cleaners and soft sponges, rather than scouring pads, when cleaning your cabinets. And finally, a regular cleaning routine that includes wiping down your cabinets with a damp cloth or rag can keep them looking their best. These simple tips will help you keep your painted cabinets looking beautiful for years to come.
Keep Your Cabinets Clean
Keeping your cabinets clean will help prevent them from becoming damaged by everyday wear and tear. Wipe down your kitchen cabinets with a damp cloth regularly, but make sure that the cloth isn’t soaking wet and doesn’t contain detergents that can cause damage to your cabinet’s finish. Also, be sure to wipe down areas of your cabinetry that get wet or splattered more frequently such as near the sink and stove. Standing water and moisture can cause a build-up of gunk on the cabinet’s surface that can lead to peeling.
Another common reason why your cabinet paint may be chipping or peeling is that you or the person who painted your cabinets did not properly prepare the cabinet’s surface before painting. Lightly sanding the cabinet’s surface allows the primer and subsequent coats of paint to adhere more easily to the existing cabinet finish. This can make your cabinets last longer and provide a rock-hard finish that is much less likely to chip or peel.
Even if your cabinets were professionally repainted, the paint can still chip or peel if you use them too soon after they’ve been painted. It’s best to allow your cabinets to dry for several days before using them. This will give the paint a chance to fully cure, which will help it to stand up to daily use.
Aside from using the tips outlined above, there are many other steps you can take to keep your cabinets looking good and functioning well. A good quality cabinet refinisher will be able to restore your cabinets to their original condition while providing you with a stunning new look at a fraction of the cost of a brand-new kitchen.
Contact a cabinet refinisher for more information about how you can save money and restore your cabinets to their original condition with a high-quality custom paint job. We have a wide range of colors and finishes to choose from, so we’re sure to have the perfect match for your home. We’ll also be happy to walk you through our process so you can have confidence that your new cabinet paint will look great and last for years to come!