Painted cabinets can be a beautiful addition to any kitchen. The fresh coat of color instantly livens up the space. However, many homeowners are hesitant to take the painted cabinet plunge, worried that the paint may chip easily. Let’s dive into the details of painted cabinet durability.
An Introduction to Painted Cabinets
Painting cabinets is a popular DIY project, allowing you to refresh your kitchen on a budget. With proper preparation and application, painted cabinets can be quite durable. The key factors impacting durability include:
- Paint type – The most durable options are oil-based and epoxy paints. Latex and acrylic paints are more prone to chipping over time.
- Preparation – Thoroughly cleaning and sanding cabinets before painting allows the paint to properly adhere. Using a primer/bonding agent enhances adhesion.
- Application – Applying multiple thin coats of paint leads to a more resilient finish than one thick coat. Allowing proper drying time between coats is also essential.
- Protection – Using a clear polyurethane as a top coat protects the painted finish and provides an extra barrier against chipping.
So do painted cabinets chip easily? With the right products, preparation, and application, painted cabinets can have great durability and resist chipping for years. However, cutting corners can lead to chips and peels appearing prematurely.
Factors That Can Lead to Paint Chipping
Certain factors make it more likely for a painted cabinet finish to chip over time:
Inferior Paint Quality
Cheaper paints like standard interior latex wall paint lack the bonding agents and resins that give paint durability. Investing in premium cabinetry paint helps the finish better withstand bumps and scrapes. Oil-based paints are naturally more resilient as well.
Insufficient Surface Preparation
If old layers of grime and grease are not properly cleaned from cabinets prior to painting, the paint will not adhere well. Lightly sanding also gives the paint something to “grip” onto. Skipping these steps often results in peeling.
Rushing the Painting Process
Applying only one heavy coat of paint rarely yields good results. The paint needs multiple thin, even layers to build up and properly cure. Rushing through and skipping drying time between coats can ruin the paint integrity.
High Use Areas
The areas of cabinets that get bumped and touched the most will naturally show wear sooner. Fronts of drawers and doors near the handles are prime spots for paint to get scratched or dinged. Extra prep and paint around high-use areas helps fortify the finish.
Humidity and Moisture
Exposure to steam, splashes, and spills can break down painted cabinet finishes over time. Paint types like latex are more prone to damage from humidity and moisture. Proper kitchen ventilation and quickly wiping up spills helps.
Sunlight Exposure
Direct sunlight shining on cabinets day after day can wear down the painted finish. This causes the paint to fade and makes it more vulnerable to chipping. Adding window treatments helps limit sun exposure.
Tips to Make Painted Cabinets More Durable
Follow these tips to give painted cabinets the best chance of avoiding unsightly chips down the road:
- Clean cabinets thoroughly with TSP substitute to remove grease and grime before painting.
- Lightly sand cabinets to rough up the surface so the paint can properly adhere.
- Apply 2-3 coats of oil-based or epoxy cabinet paint, allowing proper drying time between coats.
- Use high-quality brushes and roller sleeves designed for smooth painted finishes.
- Caulk around edges and joints to create a seamless surface.
- Add a protective clear coat like polyurethane after painting for added durability.
- Limit opening and closing doors/drawers during the curing process.
- Install knobs and pulls carefully to avoid scraping fresh paint.
- Add rubber bumpers inside cabinets to prevent stored items from rubbing.
- Keep cabinet interiors dry by quickly wiping up spills.
- Re-apply protective clear coats every 2-3 years as needed.
Best Paint Options for Durable Cabinets
All paints are not created equal when it comes to ideal finishes for kitchen cabinets. Here are some top-rated durable paint options:
Oil-Based Alkyds
Traditional oil-based paints create an exceptionally hard finish and are naturally resistant to chipping, moisture, and grime. The drawbacks are strong odor and extended drying times.
Acrylic Latex Paints
Water-based acrylic latex paints are easy to apply and clean up well with soap and water. Models formulated specifically for cabinets provide greater durability than standard wall paints.
Epoxy Paint
Two-part epoxy paints offer maximum toughness. The epoxy resins create an ultra-durable and glossy finish that stands up well to busy kitchen conditions. Durability does come at a higher price point.
Urethane Alkyd Paint
Urethane paints combine the durability of oils with the easy application of acrylics. Multiple coats create a finish with high resistance to moisture, spills, and scratches.
Pre-Catalyzed Lacquer
Pre-cat lacquer paint sprays on smoothly and dries quickly with low VOCs. It provides a durable finish for cabinets, but requires a professional sprayer and safety precautions during application.
No matter what paint you choose, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely to achieve optimal results. With the right paint and proper application, you can enjoy beautiful, durable painted cabinets that hold up for many years.
Preparing Cabinets for Painting
Proper preparation is crucial for painted cabinets that resist chipping. Here is an overview of each key step:
1. Empty Cabinets
Remove everything from the cabinets so all surfaces can be adequately prepped and painted. Take inventory as you empty and organize items so they can be efficiently put back later.
2. Clean Surfaces
Wash cabinet boxes, doors, trim, etc. with a TSP substitute cleaner. Scrub away built-up grease and grime so paint can properly adhere. Rinse thoroughly and let dry fully.
3. Lightly Sand
Use 220-grit sandpaper to scuff up existing cabinet finishes. This helps the paint grip onto the surface. Avoid over-sanding that can damage the wood. Wipe away dust with a tack cloth.
4. Fill Holes & Repair Defects
Use wood filler to patch holes from old hardware. Repair dents, gouges, or cracked areas. Sand smooth after drying. Spot prime repairs before main priming.
5. Remove Doors & Hardware
Unscrew cabinet hinges to remove doors and drawers for easier painting access. Number pieces to ensure proper reinstallation later. Fill old hardware holes with wood filler.
6. Mask Off Areas
Use painter’s tape, drop cloths, and plastic sheeting to mask off nearby walls, floors, countertops and any non-painted areas. This keeps overspray contained.
7. Apply Primer
After a final wipe down with tack cloth, apply a high-bonding primer to give the paint an optimal gripped surface. Oil-based primers are best for resisting future chips and peels.
With this complete prep work, the cabinets are ready for painting with whichever durable paint you selected.
Painting Techniques for Durable Finishes
Applying the paint properly also reduces the likelihood of chips and wears later on. Here are some key application tips:
- Always work in a well-ventilated area and allow adequate drying time between coats.
- Use high-quality brushes and microfiber roller sleeves designed for smooth painted finishes.
- Maintain a wet edge as you paint, blending sections together to avoid lap marks.
- Work methodically to ensure full coverage and a consistent coat thickness.
- Apply multiple thin coats for better adhesion and durability rather than one thick coat.
- Use a small foam roller or brush to paint cabinet edges, grooves, trim, and other hard-to-reach nooks.
- Caulk around joints and seams to level out the surface before painting.
- Hang doors horizontally with brackets for easier access while painting.
- Allow each coat to fully dry before adding the next according to manufacturer guidelines.
- Lightly sand between coats to smooth any dust nibs or drips in the finish.
- Finish with a protective clear coat like polyurethane for added durability.
Curing and Care of Newly Painted Cabinets
The curing period after painting is also critical for achieving maximum chip resistance:
- Allow painted cabinets to cure for at least 2 weeks before reinstalling doors and hardware.
- Avoid opening/closing doors repeatedly during early stages of curing.
- Install cabinet hardware carefully to prevent scraping the fresh paint. Fill behind holes with painter’s caulk.
- Add padded bumpers on cabinet interiors to prevent stored items from rubbing paint.
- Immediately wipe up any spills, splatters or condensation during the curing period.
- Don’t place heat generating appliances directly under freshly painted cabinets.
- Reapply protective clear coats per the manufacturer’s recommendations every 2-3 years.
With proper curing conditions, the painted finish hardens up nicely to withstand years of kitchen use. Touch up any problem spots annually before they become major chips or peels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do painted cabinets chip more easily than stained cabinets?
Stained wood finishes penetrate into the wood grain rather than sit on the surface like paint. This makes stained cabinets a bit more inherently chip-resistant. However, painted cabinets can also be very durable with the proper preparation and paint products.
How long do painted cabinets last?
With a quality paint and proper application, painted cabinets typically last 5-10 years before needing touch ups or refreshing. Using an epoxy paint or coating cabinets in polyurethane can extend life closer to 10-15 years. Proper cleaning and care also prevents deterioration.
What sheen of paint is best for kitchen cabinets?
A satin, eggshell, or semi-gloss sheen provides a nice balance of durability and decorative appeal for most cabinets. High-gloss paints show more scuffs and wear. Matte or flat paints lack the protective resins that lend durability.
Should I use a painting professional for best results?
While a skilled DIYer can successfully paint cabinets, hiring a professional painter that specializes in cabinetry does yield superior results. They have the tools and expertise for a long-lasting finish.
How do I fix paint chipping on cabinets?
Lightly sand any problem areas to feather out the edges of chips and peels. Wipe clean. Spot prime bare wood, then use a small brush to touch up paint in thin layers. Allow proper drying time between light coats.
Conclusion
Freshly painted cabinets can transform the look of your entire kitchen. While any paint can chip with improper prep or careless handling, following the recommendations above will go a long way in keeping your painted cabinets looking like new for years. Invest in quality paints and supplies, thoroughly prep surfaces, apply coats properly, allow adequate curing time, and provide ongoing care to get the most durability from your painted finish. With the right approach, you can minimize chipping and enjoy durable, beautifully painted cabinets.