Cabinet Finishes Peeling? How to Easily Rescue Your Kitchen
Is your kitchen losing its luster? Cabinet finishes peeling, chipping and bubbling can make your kitchen look drab and dated in a hurry. But don't tear out your cabinets just yet! With some strategic prep work, priming and repainting, you can give those sad, peeling cabinets new life.
Why Cabinet Finishes Peel
There are a few key culprits that cause cabinet paint and finishes to fail:
Moisture and Humidity
Trapped moisture is murder for cabinet coatings. Humidity and steam from cooking can seep into cabinet interiors, especially around the sink and cooktop. Proper ventilation is critical. Adding vents or ventilation grilles allows air circulation to evaporate moisture before it damages the finish.
Also quickly clean up any water spills or leaks to avoid moisture damage. Use exhaust fans when cooking and run dehumidifiers to manage moisture levels.
Insufficient Prep Work
Glossy cabinet surfaces won't accept new paint without proper prep. Thoroughly clean cabinets with a degreaser to remove grime and oils. Lightly sand to rough up the finish so paint can grip. Wipe away all dust before priming.
Proper prep removes contaminants that cause peeling and creates an optimal surface for maximum paint adhesion.
Using the Wrong Paints and Primers
Quality primer formulated for cabinets is crucial for proper adhesion without peeling. For wood, MDF or laminate cabinets, stick with oil-based primers. On vinyl or laminate, use a plastic-bonding primer.
The topcoat paint also matters. Cabinet-grade acrylic latex and alkyd enamel paints are ideal. Avoid interior wall paints that lack the resins to flex and adhere.
Excessive Heat and Appliance Damage
The heat from ovens, microwaves and dishwashers can bake cabinet finishes over time. Install heat shields or inserts to protect nearby cabinetry. Keep appliances clean to prevent trapped grease fires from scorching cabinets.
Painting Over Damaged Wood
Warped, cracked or damaged cabinet boxes cause finishes to fail quicker. Inspect closely and repair any flaws in the underlying wood before painting. Fill holes and gouges with wood putty for the best results.
How to Repaint Peeling Cabinets
Follow these steps to take your cabinets from shabby to spectacular:
Remove Existing Paint
Use chemical strippers for large areas or sand problem spots by hand. Sanding lets you feather edges smooth. Be sure to use proper ventilation and protective gear when stripping.
Clean and Sand Surface
Scrub cabinets with a degreaser, then lightly scuff sand to rough up the finish. Wipe away all dust with a tack cloth before priming so paint properly adheres.
Fill Holes and Repair Damaged Areas
Fill any gouges, cracks or holes with wood filler and allow to fully cure before priming and painting. This prevents future damage.
Apply Primer
Use an oil-based primer formulated for cabinets for best adhesion and durability. Allow to fully dry before adding topcoats.
Paint Cabinets
Use high quality cabinet paint in a semi-gloss or satin finish. Apply 2-3 even coats allowing proper drying time between coats for a resilient finish.
Allow Paint to Fully Cure
Let paint cure for several days before reinstalling cabinets. Slowly reopen cabinets over the next few weeks to prevent sticking.
Once your cabinets are revived, be gentle as the new paint finish continues curing. Avoid moisture buildup inside cabinets. Touch up any nicks quickly to prevent peeling. With proper prep and care, your kitchen will look like new for years to come.
Don't put up with ugly peeling cabinets for one more day! Follow these tips and you can easily restore your kitchen cabinet's finish affordably and with stunning results.