Kitchen Cabinet Paint Peeling? How To Fix It For Good

It starts as a few flecks landing on the countertop. Next thing you know, the paint is peeling off your kitchen cabinets in sheets. Suddenly your kitchen looks shabby and dated. What causes this frustrating issue? And how can you stop it from happening again?

Paint peels from kitchen cabinets for a few main reasons. With some effort to properly prep and repaint, you can say goodbye to peeling paint for good.

High Humidity Levels Lead to Peeling

Kitchens contain lots of moisture from cooking, boiling water, and running the dishwasher. All this humidity provides the perfect conditions for paint to peel.

Moisture seeps under the layers of paint, causing it to bubble and eventually flake away from the cabinet surface. No amount of cleaning or lightly sanding will fix peeling if humidity is the culprit.

Improper Prep Also Causes Paint to Fail

For paint to properly adhere to kitchen cabinets, thorough prep work is a must. First, degrease cabinet surfaces to remove any dirt or grease. Then sand thoroughly with 80 to 100 grit sandpaper to rough up the surface.

Sanding gives the new paint something to grip onto. If you skip this step, the new paint can peel right off the slick cabinet finish.

Also repair any gouges, holes, or imperfections with wood filler before painting. The finished surface needs to be as smooth as possible.

Picking the Wrong Paint Hurts Adhesion

Not all paints are equal when it comes to kitchen cabinet use. Oil-based paints tend to hold up better than latex options since they form a harder finish.

Latex paint sticks well initially but may be more prone to chipping or peeling, especially in a warm, humid kitchen. Make sure to use cabinet-grade paint for the most durable results.

Paint Needs a Primer Coat to Bond Properly

Applying primer before the top coat of paint is essential for good adhesion. Primer seals the wood surface so paint doesn’t get absorbed. This allows the topcoat to bond tightly.

A good primer will also reveal any surface flaws you may have missed. Fix them before applying paint so they don’t cause problems down the road.

Step-by-Step Process for Repainting Cabinets

Follow these steps to refresh your kitchen cabinets and prevent future paint peeling:

Step 1: Clean Cabinets Thoroughly

Remove all grease and dirt with a degreasing cleaner. Tackle any stuck-on gunk with a scraper. Then wipe down with a soap and water solution to remove residue.

Step 2: Sand Cabinet Surfaces

Thoroughly sand cabinets with 80-100 grit sandpaper until the surface feels rough to the touch. This removes gloss and preps the wood for painting.

Step 3: Repair Any Imperfections

Fill gouges, holes, or cracks with wood filler and let dry completely. Then sand smooth.

Step 4: Remove Doors and Hardware

Detach hinges, knobs, pulls, and shelves. Remove doors for easier access. Label parts for reinstallation.

Step 5: Apply Primer

Use an oil or latex-based primer made for wood. Apply 2-3 thin, even coats allowing proper drying time between coats.

Step 6: Paint Cabinet Boxes and Doors

Carefully paint doors and sides of cabinet boxes with oil or cabinet-grade latex paint. Allow to dry fully. Lightly sand and repeat for second coat.

Once paint has fully cured, reattach doors, hinges, pulls, and shelves according to labels.

By properly preparing your cabinets and using the right paint and primer, you can finally say goodbye to frustrating paint peeling. Just be sure to address any humidity issues to prevent problems down the road.