Chipping is a common problem on painted cabinets. This is largely due to regular wear and tear, exposure to intense heat, physical damage, and other factors. Still, there are ways how to keep painted cabinets from chipping. It’s a matter of preparing the material well and using the right paint, primer, and method to ensure that the paint will last long.
Just remember that no kitchen cabinet will remain chip-free forever. After all, your kitchen is exposed to a lot of elements, including changing temperatures.
Aside from that, keeping cabinet paint from chipping isn’t an easy thing to do. You have to do some woodwork to fix the problem, especially if you’re refinishing old cabinets with a layer of paint already present.
In this post, I will share a quick preview of how you can stop cabinet paint from chipping together with additional tips on how to make cabinet paint last longer.
Why is my cabinet paint chipping?
The main reason behind chipping cabinet paint is poor preparation before the layer of paint is applied. Since the wood surface isn’t sanded or prepped properly, the paint didn’t adhere well to the wood. The paint will start bubbling or chipping because of this.
Aside from that, it’s possible that you repainted over an old layer of paint without doing any degreasing. While you can sand an old layer of paint off, it’s still necessary to degrease it to remove any buildup. Below, we discussed the steps on how you can do this.
Another possible reason for chipping cabinet paint is poor paint quality. Remember that not all paint products are made equal. Some can’t withstand intense heat, exposure to chemicals, and regular wear and tear. So if you’re planning to repaint your cabinets, make sure that you invest in quality paint this time.
Lastly, friction from loose cabinet parts can also lead to paint chipping. This can happen even if you perform the necessary preparations and use good quality paint. In this case, the best solution is to tighten all the bolts and screws of the cabinet to prevent this from happening.
How to keep painted cabinets from chipping
Here are the steps to prevent your cabinet’s new paint from chipping. Read on to know the proper steps.
1. Prepare the cabinet
First, you have to prep your cabinet before painting. Many who try to refinish their cabinets often do this wrong, so make sure that you give extra effort on this part.
A smooth start will set you up for success in achieving a durable paint finish. Never rush and you should definitely not skip this step. No matter how excellent the paint product is, it’s no use if the base isn’t conducive to adhesion.
So how do you perform the prepping? Continue reading the following points.
2. Perform some good sanding
First, you have to perform the most basic yet very crucial part of woodworking: sanding. You can use a sanding machine for large cabinets, so you can save a lot of time and effort. But if you don’t have the machine handy, old-school, manual sanding will also do.
The goal here is to remove the old paint and smooth out irregularities in the cabinet material. Go with this as slowly as you need to ensure that you got all the spots sanded well.
After a few minutes, vacuum the dust and wipe the cabinet surface with a clean cloth. Examine the surface and do touch-ups as necessary.
Make sure that you remove all the dust because it will negatively impact the painting later. It will also leave a rough texture, which is a result you’d want to avoid.
3. Remove the grease from old cabinets
For old cabinets that you want to refinish, it’s very important to degrease them. Over time, old cabinets accumulate grease due to cooking and other kitchen elements. This is normal and fairly easy to fix.
You just have to use a degreaser or grease cleaner. You should still do this step even if the cabinet surface doesn’t look oily, dirty, or greasy. There can still be a thin layer of grease on the wood, which will prevent the paint from forming a strong bond. In the end, the new paint may end up chipping as well.
4. Apply a primer that prevents chipping
Using a primer is indispensable if you want your cabinet paint to be safe from chipping. This layer will help the paint bond well to the wood.
Moreover, you can also find wood primers that are made specifically to prevent chipping. As much as possible, use this type for the best results.
A water-based and clear-coat primer is a good choice since it can be applied easily using a brush. One good example here is the Rust-Oleum Zinsser Peel Stop Sealer. You’re free to use similar primer options if you find this one a bit expensive.
5. Sand again
Once your primer is dry, you should sand again using 220-grit paper to correct any rough spots. The wood should feel smooth and sleek once you’re done sanding.
If there are open seams on the cabinet, you can seal it using latex caulk. However, you should only use a caulk tube with an applicator that’s smaller than a sharp pencil’s tip.
Next, vacuum all the surfaces to remove any remaining dust. Make multiple passes to ensure that no dust is left clinging to your cabinet material.
6. Paint the cabinets
The last step is to paint your well-prepped cabinets. You can utilize a paint brush or a small roller based on how large your cabinet is and what texture you want to achieve. But for cabinets with intricate designs, I highly recommend painting the complicated areas with a brush.
For the interior of your cabinet, you can utilize a mini roller to paint. This is a good choice since the mini roller will leave a slight texture that will prevent stored items from slipping easily.
Take note that you have to sand the cabinet lightly between each coat. Most importantly, you should do this gently and using fine-grit paper.
Final words
Knowing how to keep painted cabinets from chipping will save you a lot of money due to repainting and material cost. Proper and thorough preparation is the secret here.
Take note that no matter how good your choice of paint is, it won’t bond to the cabinet well if the material isn’t prepared. You have to sand, prime, and condition the wood to ensure that it will absorb paint finishes well. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself doing the same process over and over again.