Protect Your Painted Cabinets: Prevent Chipping And Fading

Painted cabinets can transform an interior, but it's no secret that they take a beating over time. To keep your cabinets looking shiny and new, it's important to take certain precautions before, during, and after painting. Proper preparation, application, and finishing are key to preventing chipping and ensuring the longevity of your painted cabinets. Here are some essential steps to follow to achieve a flawless and durable finish.

Use a protective top coat

To prevent your painted cabinets from chipping, sealing them with a protective top coat is essential. This will create a barrier that safeguards the paint from everyday wear and tear.

There are a variety of options available for a protective top coat. A clear, water or oil-based polyurethane is a great choice due to its durability. However, it requires a longer drying time, so be sure to factor that into your plans. Varnish is another option, but it may alter the colour of white cabinets, potentially causing yellowing. Polycrylic, spar urethane, nitrocellulose, and waterborne acrylic are also suitable alternatives.

When applying the top coat, use even strokes across the surface of each cabinet door and drawer front. This will ensure an even finish without any unsightly drips or runs.

By taking the time to add this protective layer, you'll be rewarded with a professional-looking finish that will stand the test of time.

Choose the right paint and tools

The right paint and tools are essential for a successful interior painting project. The type of paint you use will determine the general appearance and durability of your cabinets. Using the wrong type of paint or inadequate supplies can lead to unsatisfactory results.

Select the Right Paint Type

There are many types of paints available, so it's important to choose one that suits your needs. Latex paints provide good coverage but tend to be more expensive. Oil-based paints offer better adhesion but require longer drying times. Alkyd enamels are highly durable but may require multiple coats for full coverage. Consider environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and sunlight exposure when making your selection.

Choose the Right Brushes and Rollers

When applying the paint, use natural bristle brushes for oil-based paints and synthetic bristles for latex paints. For larger surfaces, opt for a roller cover with a thick nap to ensure even coverage without leaving brush marks or drips.

Prepare the Cabinets

Before painting, thoroughly clean and sand the cabinets to remove any dirt, oil, or substances that may prevent the paint from adhering properly. Use a damp cloth followed by fine-grit sandpaper for this process. Once the surface is prepped, apply a thin coat of primer using a brush or roller designed for primer products. Allow ample drying time before proceeding to the next step.

Apply the Paint

Use quality tools specifically designed for interior wall painting. These tools should be soft enough to avoid abrasions but stiff enough to prevent streaks. Apply the paint using even strokes and thin coats, allowing adequate drying time between each layer to prevent chipping.

Prepare the cabinets before painting

The first step in preparing your cabinets for painting is to inspect them for any unusual features or damage. Look out for areas of heavy grease, especially above and below the cooktop or stove, and identify areas that will need a heavy-duty degreaser. Don't forget to inspect the cabinet doors and the inside of the cabinets, including under the sink area.

Next, remove all items from the cabinets and vacuum any visible dirt or debris. It is important to then identify and remove any candle wax, crayons, dried food, or other substances that may cause adhesion problems for your paint.

Once you have removed all dirt and debris, it is time to start cleaning the cabinets with a grease-cutting solution. You can use a dedicated grease remover like TSP substitute, or dishwashing liquid will also work. Mix according to the instructions, scrub the cabinets, then rinse them with clear water and wipe them dry with a clean rag.

After cleaning, look for areas that need wood repair. Fill any nail holes and smooth over any dings with wood filler and 120-220 grit sandpaper. Scuff-sand the surface of the cabinets to smooth out any rough areas and better prepare the wood for the primer and paint. If your cabinets have a lot of curves and molded edges, filling with spackling may be more difficult.

Now it's time to prime. Primer helps create an even base coat for paint application and helps to avoid paint chipping. Primer should always be applied in thin coats using a brush or roller designed specifically for use with primer products. Excessively applying primer can lead to issues with topcoat adhesion, so be careful not to apply too much.

Choosing the Right Paint and Tools

When selecting a paint type, consider that latex paints provide good coverage but tend to be more expensive; oil-based paints offer better adhesion but require longer drying times; and alkyd enamels have excellent durability but may require multiple coats for full coverage. It’s also important to consider any environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and sunlight exposure when making your selection.

When choosing brushes and rollers, opt for natural bristle brushes with oil-based paints and synthetic bristles with latex varieties. For larger surfaces, use an appropriately sized roller cover with a thick nap (3/4 inch) to ensure even coverage without leaving brush marks or drips.

Use a grease-cutting cleaner

Painted cabinets chipping and peeling can be frustrating, especially when it happens soon after painting them. This is a common problem, and there are solutions to prevent it from happening. One crucial step is to use a grease-cutting cleaner on the cabinets before applying primer and paint.

Grease buildup is inevitable on kitchen cabinets, so it is essential to use a grease-cutting cleaner on all surfaces before painting. Even if the surfaces appear clean, there is likely an invisible layer of grease that can prevent the primer and paint from adhering correctly. This can result in a textured look to your cabinets as soon as you paint them, which is not desirable.

To remove grease from your cabinets, start by mixing a solution of warm water and a mild dish soap. Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the greasy areas, applying light pressure to avoid damaging the finish. For tougher grease stains, add a small amount of white vinegar or baking soda to the soapy solution. These natural ingredients help break down grease without the need for harsh chemicals. After cleaning, wipe the cabinets with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove any remaining moisture.

Another important step to prevent chipping is to properly prepare the cabinet surfaces before painting. This includes cleaning, sanding, and removing any dust or grime. Choosing a high-quality primer designed to prevent chipping and peeling will also help. Look for products labelled "peel bonding primer" or "peel stop."

By taking the time to follow these steps and using a grease-cutting cleaner, you can help prevent your painted cabinets from chipping and achieve a smooth, long-lasting finish.

Use felt pads or feet on cabinet doors

One of the simplest ways to prevent paint chipping on your cabinets is to use felt pads or feet on the cabinet doors. These pads are designed to be stuck on the inside corners of the doors to prevent the painted surfaces from coming into contact and sticking to each other. This is an easy fix to avoid the eventual chipping and peeling of the paint.

Felt pads for cabinet doors are readily available in the market and come in a variety of sizes and colours. They are usually sold in packs of 48, 84, 100, 128, 160, 168, and 200. The most common diameter of these pads is 3/8 inches, but they can also be found in other sizes like 1/2 inches, 1 inch, and so on. The pads are typically round, but rectangular and square options are also available.

These felt pads are self-adhesive and can be easily stuck onto the cabinet doors. They are also versatile and can be used on various surfaces such as wood, glass, tile, metal, and plastic. The pads are a great way to not only prevent chipping but also to reduce noise and protect surfaces from scratches and scuffs.

When purchasing felt pads, it is important to consider the size and colour that best suit your cabinets. Additionally, reading reviews can provide valuable insights into the adhesion, ease of removal, and longevity of the pads. Some brands you can consider include X-Protector, SoftTouch, Rok Hardware, Shepherd Hardware, Scotch, and more.

Frequently asked questions