Quck answer
To prevent a painted kitchen cabinet from chipping, follow these steps:
1. Prepare the surface: Clean the cabinet thoroughly and remove any grease or dirt. Sand the surface lightly to create a rough texture for better paint adhesion.
2. Use quality paint: Choose a high-quality paint specifically designed for cabinets. It should be durable and resistant to chipping and peeling.
3. Apply a primer: Apply a primer before painting to create a smooth and even surface. This will help the paint adhere better and prevent chipping.
4. Apply multiple coats: Apply multiple thin coats of paint rather than one thick coat. This will ensure proper coverage and reduce the chances of chipping.
5. Allow proper drying time: Allow each coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next coat. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying time.
6. Protect with a topcoat: Apply a clear topcoat or sealer to protect the paint from chipping, scratches, and stains. This will add an extra layer of durability to the painted cabinet.
7. Handle with care: Avoid banging or scratching the cabinets. Use gentle cleaning methods and avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the paint.
By following these steps, you can prevent your painted kitchen cabinets from chipping and keep them looking fresh and beautiful for years to come.
It’s frustrating when your newly renovated kitchen cabinets start chipping and peeling. Paint is missing around the knobs and where the cabinet doors close, and there are dings and scratches from everyday accidents. But don’t worry, this is a common issue and there are solutions to make your paint last longer. With the right products and procedures, you can easily touch up your cabinets.
Preparation Before Painting
The key to preventing peeling is taking your time and properly preparing the surface. Rushing through the process can lead to paint not adhering well. Using a good primer is important, but surface prep is crucial. Scrape off existing paint and sand the wood cabinets for a clean surface. Even if the primer can be used on top of existing paint, make sure the surface is smooth. Scrape and sand any peeling or bumpy areas. Clean your cabinets with a grease-cutting cleaner to remove any invisible grease or grime.
Preventing Chipping
While any primer is better than none, there are specific primers on the market designed to prevent peeling. Look for “peel bonding primer” or “peel stop” products. These primers form a strong bond and make your paint last longer. If the current paint isn’t chipping or peeling, you can apply these primers directly over it after cleaning. However, proper prep work will enhance the primer’s performance.
Protecting with a Top Coat
The paint around cabinet knobs and handles is more prone to peeling because of constant contact with fingers and fingernails. To prevent this, apply at least one layer of a clear, protective top coat before reinstalling the cabinets. This way, any contact will be with the top coat instead of the actual paint.
Considerations for Hardware and Felt Pads
Loose hardware can cause friction that leads to paint tearing, chipping, and peeling. Regularly tighten the hardware to avoid contributing to the chipping problem, even if you’ve used high-quality paint for your cabinets.
Sometimes, the paint on kitchen cabinets can start to peel behind the closed doors. This happens when the paint on the back of the cabinet door sticks to the paint on the exterior of the cabinet, causing the paint to weaken and eventually peel off completely. However, there is a simple solution to prevent this from happening. By applying small pieces of felt to the inside corners of the doors, you can ensure that the painted surfaces do not come into contact with each other, thus preserving the integrity of the paint.
