Painting cabinets can completely transform the look of your home, whether in the kitchen, bathroom, or another room in your home. This can be both a tedious task and an investment into your home, so it’s important to ensure the finish is even and durable so they look nice for years to come. Chipping, peeling, and normal wear and tear can diminish the beauty of your cabinets. In this blog post, we’ll explain how to keep painted cabinets from chipping and peeling and share how to best protect your painted cabinets.
In This Post
Why Cabinet Paint Is Peeling
Paint peeling off cabinets is a common problem and frustration of homeowners. It can also be disheartening to see your cabinet paint chipping after working so hard to paint them. There are a few reasons this happens, and by understanding them, you can work to prevent this issue from occurring.
- Poor Surface Preparation – Not preparing the cabinets properly before painting can lead to poor paint adhesion and more chipping and peeling.
- Using the Wrong Paint Products – Using regular paint that’s intended for walls instead of specially formulated paint designed for cabinets can result in a less durable finish.
- Applying Paint Too Thick – Painting your cabinets too thickly with paint leads to more peeling and chipping and a less durable surface.
- Failing To Use a Top Coat for Painted Cabinets – If you don’t use a top coat or sealer for painted cabinets, the finish becomes more vulnerable to moisture, heat, and daily wear and tear, which can impact the durability of the paint.
- Not Allowing Proper Cure Time – Cabinets that do not have the proper cure time of at least 48 hours are more likely to peel and chip more quickly.
- Heavy Usage – Using cabinets daily, such as in a kitchen or bathroom, without proper protection will naturally lead to chipping over time. This is especially true when they are exposed to moisture and humidity, which can weaken the bond between the paint and the surface, leading to peeling.
How To Keep Painted Cabinets From Chipping
The best way to achieve a durable finish on your cabinets and prevent them from chipping and peeling is to follow all of the cabinet prep and painting recommendations and use the correct products designed specifically for cabinets.
Preparing Cabinets For Painting
In order to achieve a durable, long-lasting finish on your cabinets, the first step is to prepare your cabinets properly.
The recommended preparation steps are:
- Clean the cabinets to remove dirt, grease, and grime.
- Sand the surface for better adhesion.
- Fill imperfections on the cabinets using wood filler.
- Sand the cabinets down again for a smooth finish.
- Prime the cabinets with a high-quality primer designed for wood surfaces.
- Sand lightly to prepare an even base for paint.
- Apply the first top coat of cabinet paint.
- Sand down the surface lightly.
- Apply the final top coat.
Learn more about how to prepare cabinets for painting in this blog post.
Choosing The Best Cabinet Paint
Choosing the best paint for cabinets is another key component of preventing chipping and peeling. Not all paints are created equal, so it’s essential to use paint products designed for cabinets, as they are more durable and resistant to chipping and peeling.
A few of our favorite cabinet paint products are:
- Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane
- Sherwin-Williams Gallery
- Renner Cabinet Paint
- Benjamin Moore Command
- Centurion Wood Coatings
These paints are formulated for cabinets with high usage, giving a smooth, long-lasting finish to your cabinets.
To learn more about choosing the best cabinet paint products, visit this blog post.
For kitchen cabinet paint recommendations, read more here.
Painting Cabinets Professionally
The durability of your cabinets comes down to the techniques used to paint them.
Using a cabinet-specific sealer or top coat is key for preventing chips, scratches, and peeling. It also helps protect against moisture and grease.
Applying the paint properly in multiple thin coats with high-quality brushes or a sprayer helps you achieve a smooth, even finish.
Sanding lightly between coats and allowing the paint to fully cure also makes a huge difference in the longevity of the cabinet paint job.
For step-by-step instructions on how to paint kitchen cabinets professionally, check out this guide.
Maintaining Cabinets
Lastly, practicing regular maintenance on your cabinets will help ensure the paint finish is durable and looks beautiful for years to come.
Wipe spills or splatters right away to prevent damage from moisture or grease.
Use gentle wood cleaners to avoid stripping the finish.
Add felt pads to the cabinet doors to protect your cabinets from dents or scratches when doors shut.
Avoid using harsh chemicals on your cabinets and be gentle when shutting doors.
Soft-close hinges can save your cabinet doors from extra stress from frequent opening and closing.
Ready To Invest In Professional Cabinet Painting?
Painting cabinets is an investment in both time and money, and one that you most definitely want to protect. By understanding how to keep painted cabinets from chipping and following the recommendations in this blog post, you can ensure you achieve a durable, professional finish that lasts for years.
If you’re looking to partner with a professional paint company on your next cabinet painting project, visit our contact page to book your free estimate today!
